Endorsement Competencies Courses and Experiences
The program in driver education shall ensure that the candidate has demonstrated the following competencies:
1. Basic understanding of the administration of a driver education program as
required by § 22.1-205 of the Code of Virginia and the Curriculum and
Administration Guide for Driver Education in Virginia including:
a. Coordination and scheduling of classroom and in-car instruction;
b. Skill and content knowledge assessment;
c. Student safety and other legal issues;
d. The juvenile licensing processes;
e. Motor vehicle section of the Code of Virginia;
f. Vehicle procurement and equipment requirements; and
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g. Instructional technologies.
2. Basic content knowledge needed to understand and teach classroom and in-car driver education including:
a. Traffic laws, signs, signals, pavement markings, and right-of-way rules;
b. Licensing procedures, and other legal responsibilities associated with the
driving privilege; and vehicle ownership;
c. Vehicle control skills;
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d. Interaction with other highway users (pedestrians, animals, motorcycles,
bicycles, trucks, buses, trains, trailers, motor homes, ATVs, and other
recreational users);
e. Time, space, visibility and risk management skills;
f. Alcohol and other drugs and driving;
g. Passive and active restraint systems;
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* Description of what the institution offers to enable students to develop the knowledge and skills identified in the competency. When citing courses, provide course number, title, and catalog description. Catalog descriptions and syllabi may be attached.
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c. Route planning;
d. Basic and evasive maneuvers;
e. Vehicle control from instructor’s seat;
f. Manual transmission; and
Endorsement Competencies
h. Vehicle maintenance;
i. Risk reducing behaviors (i.e., aggressive driving, fatigue and distracted
driving);
j. Natural laws and driving;
k. Adverse driving conditions and handling emergencies; and
l. Planning a safe trip.
3. Basic content knowledge needed to understand and teach driver education
laboratory phase including:
a. Simulation and other instructional technologies;
b. Multiple-car range;
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Courses and Experiences
g. Administration of the driver’s license road skills examination and procedures
for licensing students with disabilities.
4. Understanding of and proficiency in grammar, usage, and mechanics and
their integration in writing.
Health 301 & Health 302
Health Education 301. Foundation of Traffic Safety. Foundation of Traffic Safety is the first of two courses required by the Virginia Department of
Education for an endorsement in driver education. The intent of this course is to develop a thorough understanding of the highway transportation system, the complexity of the driving task, factors contributing to the performance of highway users, and attitudes and skills necessary to develop
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competent drivers. It will also provide prospective teachers with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively deliver the course content as presented in the Administrative and Curriculum Guide for Driver Education for Virginia. 3 credits.
Health Education 302. Instructional Principles and Methodologies of Classroom and In-Car Instruction. Instructional Principles and Methodologies of Classroom and In-Car Instruction is the second of two courses required by the Commonwealth of Virginia for endorsement in driver education.
This course provides students with an overview of teaching methods and effective practices for driver education instruction. Emphasis is placed on program organization and administration, classroom instruction, single car instruction, multiple-car range instruction, simulation and evaluation.
Focus is also placed on teaching skills. The course includes a minimum of 14 hours of behind-the-wheel supervised teaching/observation experiences. Course content is derived from the Administrative and Curriculum Guide for Driver Education for Virginia. 3 credits.
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