Driver Education

Red Clay provides the State of Delaware Department of Education approved driver’s education course to students in Grade 10.  This course consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction as well as 14 hours of separately scheduled driving instruction and observation.

The driver education instructor is a State of Delaware certified teacher. The in-car instruction is given in a dual-control car that is equipped with a brake pedal on the passenger side for the instructor’s use, as well as active and supplemental restraint systems, extra rear view mirrors and other safety devices. Adequate insurance coverage is carried for the Driver Education car and all people who operate and ride in it.

In the 30 classroom hours of instruction students will learn much of what is needed to know about drivers, automobiles and the highway transportation system. Students will also learn pro-active driving strategies. During the in-car instruction the student will learn and must demonstrate good car control, good judgment, sound pro-active driving techniques, and a good attitude.

Students are ONLY ELIGIBLE to take driver education free of charge one time, and it must be completed during their tenth grade academic year. There are exceptions to this requirement for students who transfer into the State, and for students with identified disabilities who have an Individualized Education Plan.  Such exceptions are approved in collaboration with the school staff and Red Clay Supervisor of Driver Education.   

Students must:

• Successfully complete the 30 hours of in class instruction.
• Pass the driver education written test with a 70% minimum.
• Successfully complete the 14 hours in the driver education car, 7 of those hours behind the wheel.
• Pass a vision test (completed by a school nurse) prior to beginning time behind the wheel. 
• All students must be academically eligible at the time they are assigned to drive. During the school year a student must be passing 3 of 4 classes to be eligible to drive. 

Students who completed the Driver's Ed course requirements are added to the student driving list and are driven in priority order which takes into account the student's birth date. Students will receive their BLUE SLIP upon successful completion of the above requirements.   Students who complete the 30 hours of class instruction and pass the driver education test, but are not ready for the blue slip may be provided a white slip, allowing them extra time to drive with a parent/guardian before being able to obtain their blue slip which will allow them to receive a driver’s license in the State of DE.