Driver Ed Information

DRIVER EDUCATION INFORMATION – Spring 2026

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE (NYS DMV) APPROVED COURSE

PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY

Registration Begins: December 1, 2025

Eligibility Requirements (All Required):

1.       Great Neck High School student at least 16 years of age

2.       Has obtained a valid New York State Learner Permit from the DMV before program registration. 

Selection Process:

Students will be accepted into the program according to the following guidelines:

1.       Priority registration is given to eligible students in 12^th grade (Class of 2026) with a completed application and payment received by December 8, 2025 in the order received.

2.       Eligible students with a completed application and payment in the order received.

Course Information: SPRING SESSION FEBRUARY 2, 2026-JUNE 18, 2026

This 16-session program includes 24 hours of Driver Theory classroom instruction and 24 hours of group In-Car Driving Instruction with a certified driving instructor. The In-Car Driving is comprised of 6 hours of driving per student and 18 hours of observation. It is expected that students practice driving outside of class with their parent/guardian to complete the NYS DMV Certification of Supervised Driving (form MV-262).

Theory Instruction:

Theory class is held after school hours at North and South High Schools. Each class is 90 minutes which includes homework, a midterm, and a final exam. Students are required to attend one (1) Theory class per week at their home school:

North High School – Theory classes are on Tuesdays at either 2:45pm or 4:15pm in Room 103.

South High School - Theory classes are on Wednesdays at either 2:45pm or 4:15pm in Room 401.

In-Car Instruction:

In-Car instruction is held after school hours at North and South High Schools. Each session is 90 minutes (four students per car). Students are required to attend one (1) In-Car Driving session per week at their home school:

North High School – In-Car Driving sessions are Monday through Thursday at either 2:45pm or 4:15pm

South High School - In-Car Driving sessions are Monday through Thursday at either 2:45pm or 4:15pm

Attendance:

Review all dates carefully BEFORE registering. Sporting events, team practices, vacation and other school trips or activities are NOT excused absences. (See attached calendar)

·         Attendance is mandatory at all Theory and In-Car instruction classes.

·         There are NO excused absences. According to New York State Law, any absence and/or lateness must be made up.

·         Three (3) or more absences will result in dismissal from the program with NO refund or credit.

·         If class is canceled due to school district closure or instructor absence, a makeup session will be provided. If a student is absent from class, the student is responsible to discuss makeup options with their instructor.

Behavior:

Students are expected to comply with the Great Neck Public Schools Student Code of Conduct.  Failure to follow instructor direction, as well as traffic and safety regulations, may result in removal from the program with NO refund or credit. Additionally, students will be required to sign a behavior contract with Bell Auto School.

Course Completion:

Students who successfully complete this program will receive an original New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285).

·         The MV-285 certificate enables the student to make a road test appointment. The original certificate must be shown to the NYS DMV licensing examiner at the time of the road test.

 

After passing the road test you must present the original MV-285 certificate to the DMV.

·         a 17-year-old is eligible for a full, New York State senior license.

·         a 16-year-old is only eligible for a junior license, with restrictions.

Cost:

Tuition is $716

·         Tuition is payable by major credit card or payable by check paid to the order of “Great Neck Public Schools” and brought to Great Neck Community Education at 30 Cumberland Avenue, Great Neck.

·         Direct Certification by New York State is utilized to determine discounted fees for Driver Education (the process used for programs such as SNAP, Medicaid or TANF).

·         Parent GNPS employees may receive a 10% discount off the Theory portion of the program upon employment verification.

Refund:

Withdrawal before the start of classes: a student may be eligible for a tuition refund minus a 10% processing fee only if the student can be replaced from the waiting list. Once the program begins, no tuition refunds or credits will be issued.

HOW TO REGISTER

Application Procedure: The ONLINE Application IS OPEN  DECEMBER 1, 2025

Applicants seeking to enroll in this program MUST PROVIDE ALL of the following application information - NO EXCEPTIONS.

·         Complete and submit the Spring 2026 Driver Education Google Form Application.

SHS Driver Education Application

NHS Driver Education Application

 

·         Upload a clear photo of the front of the student’s Learner Permit – DMV Interim Permit accepted.

·         Payment method: credit card or check

·         Questions? Email to gnpsdriversed@greatneck.k12.ny.us

Incomplete applications are not processed. WE DO NOT HOLD SPOTS. Once the program maximum capacity has been reached, registration will be closed, and you may be placed on the waiting list.