Checklist

Pre Drivers Education Practice.

Parents are often asking what they can do to get their students ready for Driver's Education. The following is a guide to get your student ready to have a great TEST DRIVE experience. If you would like paper copies of the following complete with checklists, please don't hesitate to ask.

Lesson 1: Introduction (The Basics)

Students should understand the vehicle controls, instrument panel, and blind spots
Smooth acceleration and braking.
Use hand over hand steering
Follow/Understand "Right of Way"
Left Turns and Right turns

Lesson 2: Gravel

Students should be able to identify the 3 main challenges on gravel.
Smooth acceleration and braking
Be able to identify the main features of rural roads.
Follow/Understand "Right of Way" at uncontrolled intersections
Left Turns and Right turns under control.

Lesson 3: Rural Highway

Students should be able to tell when passing is legal and when it is not.
Preparation to pass stage. (You do NOT have to pass another vehicle)
Follow/Understand "Right of Way" at uncontrolled intersections
Left Turns and Right turns
Identify intersections at a distance.

Lesson 4: Lane Changes and One Ways

Demonstrate the proper steps for changing lanes
Use 3 methods to identify one way streets
Follow/Understand the rules of right of way

Lesson 5: Controlled and Uncontrolled Intersections

Identify and understand signs and signals
Follow/Understand "Right of Way"
Scan the intersection ahead (12 seconds, 4-6 seconds)
Use IPDE and orderly visual search pattern
Turn into and from correct lanes
Safely execute left turns

Lesson 6: Left Turns at Lights.

Identify and understand traffic lights
Develop experience judging gaps in traffic
Use IPDE and orderly visual search pattern
Use smooth and efficient steering
Turn into and from correct lanes
Safely execute left turns

Lesson 7: Expressway

Demonstrate safe procedures for entering and exiting expressways
Use IPDE and orderly visual search pattern
Execute proper lane change procedures.
Identify expressway signs and markings

Lesson 8: School Route

Develop confidence and comfort when driving their route to school.
Identify points of conflict and possible actions.
Find an alternate route.
Park at School.

Lesson 9: Parallel, Angle, And Perpendicular Parking

Learn the correct procedures for angle, perpendicular, and parallel parking using reference points

Lesson 10: City Driving

Use IPDE and an orderly visual search pattern.
Maintain proper following distance.
Communicate with other drivers with lights, eye contact and gestures.
Manage tailgaters, distractions and emotions.
Manage traffic lights.
Coast and cover the brake when identifying a potential hazard.
Turn from and into the proper lanes of travel.

Lesson 11: Left Turn at a Traffic Light

Identify and understand traffic lights
Develop experience in judging gaps in traffic
Use hand over hand technique: Should be smooth and efficient
Turn from and into the proper lanes of travel.
Demonstrate skill of safely and efficiently turning left.

Lesson 12: Curves, Animals and Getting Pulled Over

Use IPDE and an orderly visual search pattern.
Know the steps in safely driving through a curve
Describe what to do when animals are on or near the roadway.
Use the "cover the brake" technique when encountering a hazard.
Identify signs for the curve ahead
Slow to advisory speed or lower when entering the curve.
Identify emergency vehicles
Explain proper procedure to use when pulled over by the Law Enforcement Officer.

Class Information

Classroom location will be at Marshalltown High School.

Two sections of class are offered to reduce conflicts with activities throughout the week.

Section A: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday and 1-3 p.m. on Sunday
OR
Section B: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and 3-5 p.m. Sunday

Other dates may be used if available.

Driving lessons will be scheduled throughout the week.

Operating Procedures

The state of Iowa mandates 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction and 30 hours of classroom instruction. Driving instruction will be individually arranged with instructors.

Classroom and driving must be consecutive.

The total cost of the course is $360* and is due at registration or at the first class meeting. If you are a Marshalltown student and qualify for reduced fare, please check with Trina Heimgartner, Business Manager. Everyone else should make their payment (checks payable to Test Drive) on the first night of class.

*cost can vary based on location.

Driver’s education needs to be one of the student’s top priorities during this time. We will be flexible in scheduling around school activities. Driver’s education should be a priority over all other activities. Students should bring their personal schedules to the first class for scheduling of driving sessions.

Absences/Refund Policy

Classroom Absences: Students must attend 10 classes. Make up classes will be subject to a $30/class fee for an absence. Only school activities will be considered excused absences.

Driving Session Absences: Any student who fails to show up for their scheduled behind the wheel instruction without prior 24 hour notification from a parent/guardian will be subject to a $40 fee.

Students must pass the classroom AND driving portions of the course to receive the IDOT certificate.

Refund/Return Check/Past Due Policy:

No refunds given after the first class session.
All classes are mandatory by the state of Iowa regulations. Any more than two absences and the student will be dropped from the driver education program with no refund. Any missed sessions will need to be made up in the following session, at the location you are taking the class.
In the event of a missed drive without at least a 2 hours notice, there will be a fee charged in the amount of $40.00.
In the event of a returned check, there will be a $40 fee assessed by Test Drive. The balance will need to be paid by cash, check, money order or credit card.
Adult drive lessons must be completed within 90 days of start date - no refunds issued.
Past due payments will be subject to an 18% APR past due fee.