Learner’s permit certification follows school and driver education rules

A driver education teacher may certify a student for a learner’s permit only after the student meets the listed requirements. This applies to students taking a state-approved driver education course during the regular school year who seek a Driver Education Learner’s Permit or Level 1 Learner’s Permit. The student must finish classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction and observation, and show the required knowledge about traffic stops by law enforcement. The student must have passing grades in at least five credits on the most recent published report card; at least two credits must be in separate listed subject areas. The Department of Education must set rules for counting credits and equivalent credits. Students must be enrolled in tenth grade or higher by September 30 of the school year when they take the course. The credit requirement is checked at certification.

A student receiving special education services may complete the driver education course later and may be allowed to enroll in another course after failing. This applies to a student receiving special education services under an active individualized education plan (IEP). Another course after a failure is allowed only as provided by Department of Education regulations. The student may complete the course until eligibility for special education and related services ends because the student is 22.

A student receiving special education services may qualify for certification despite not meeting the usual academic requirements. This applies to a student receiving special education services whose grading or course of study has been modified. This applies when changes to the student’s grading or course of study prevent the student from meeting the academic requirements. The principal, working with the student’s IEP team, must find that the student is making satisfactory progress under the IEP.

A student who completed driver education may meet the remaining certification requirements during the next marking period. This applies to a student who completed the course but did not meet the certification requirements at that time. The student must have successfully completed the driver education course. A student who still does not meet the requirements at the end of the next marking period is ineligible for certification. The student has through the next marking period after completing the course to meet the requirements.