Westwood Regional School District
Driver Education Syllabus
Course Information
Driver Education 2010-2011
Instructor:
Miss Lynda Panno
Course Description
The Driver Education Classroom Program is structured to provide students with information necessary to
become licensed drivers in the State of New Jersey, shape the attitudes that will be taken with them when
getting behind the wheel of an automobile, and form an understanding of the skills necessary to operate a
motor vehicle safety. The curriculum guide is designed for high school students in grade 10. At least thirty
classroom hours (one marking period) should be provided for classroom instruction. The classroom phase
of any Driver Education program is an extremely important step in producing mature, responsible and safe
drivers. It forms the students’ understandings of attitudes towards motor vehicle laws as well as skills
necessary to operate a motorized vehicle. This course is the first of two parts of the total Driver Education
program, consisting of classroom theory and behind the wheel training, at students’ expense.
Course Objectives
 Students enrolled in Driver Education will be able to meet the following objectives with 80%
mastery as measured by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Knowledge Test for Basic
Driver License.
 To become responsible drivers by understanding that risk is always present, how to avoid high-risk
situations and how to minimize risk in the situations that cannot be avoided.
 To become traffic safety conscious by developing good safety habits, avoiding risks and dangerous
practices.
 To acquire suitable knowledge and attitudes toward the driving task, other highway users, laws and
law enforcements personnel.
 To demonstrate the feeling of confidence and security through practical driving instruction and risk
management strategies.
 To explore how students’ attitudes toward the driving task, other highway users, laws and law
enforcements personnel.
 To demonstrate the feeling of confidence and security through practical driving instruction and risk
management strategies.
 To explore how students’ attitudes and behaviors affect their ability to be safe and responsible
drivers.
 To examine the fundamentals of driving and recognize that the basic elements form the foundation
of safe, responsible driving.
 To access and handle basic emergencies safely, efficiently and calmly.
 To recognize the permit, license and registration procedure in New Jersey, and understand the
privilege of driving.
 To identify basic traffic control devices and examine many fundamental concepts pertaining to basic
driving techniques.
 To explore specific driving rules and regulations in New Jersey, and to examine many defensive
driving, driver problems and driving emergencies.
Text and Reading Materials
The New Jersey Driver Manual. CD version or PDF file
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/index.htm (State of NJ Motor Vehicle Commission)
Notebook
Highlighter
Grading:
Final Exam = 30%
Tests, Projects, & Presentations = 20%
Attendance & Participation = 20%
Assignments/Homework = 15%
Quizzes = 15%
Quarter Schedule
Chapter 1: The New Jersey Driver License System
 Laws Governing Driver Licenses
 Digital Driver License
 Types of New Jersey Licenses
 6Point ID Verification
 GDL- Graduated Driver License
 Special Learner Permits for New Jersey
Residents
 Examination permits for Out-State/
Out of Country Drivers/Permit
 International Driving Permit (IDP)
 Non-Driver ID and License
 Hearing-Impaired Designation
 Commercial Driver License (CDL)
Chapter 2: New Jersey Driver Testing
 Requirements for Basic Driver License
 Road Tests
 Reasons for Rejection
Chapter 3: Driver Responsibility
 Buckle Up-New Jersey’s Seat Belt Law
 Car Seats
 Child Restraint Law
 Air Bags
 Car Condition
 Starting a Parked Car
 Steering
 Stopping Distances
 Proper Braking
 Driver Signals
 Driving in Reverse
 Turning
 Parking
Chapter 4: Safe Driving Rules & Regulations
 Speed Control
 Passing
 Keep to the Right
 Yielding to the Right-of Way
 Pedestrians in a Crosswalk
 Intersections
 Entering Highways, Parkways and Turnpikes
 Leaving Highways, Parkways and Turnpikes
 Special Highway, Parkway and Turnpike
Conditions
 Curves
 Interchanges
 Turning Regulations
 Stopping Regulations
 Using Headlights
 Parking Regulations
 Cellular Telephones
 Littering
Chapter 5: Defensive Driving
 Preventing a Collision
 Aggressive Driving/Road Rage
 Distractions
 Tired Driver/Highway Hypnosis
 Communicating and Driving
 Keep a Safe Distance/Do Not Tailgate
 Following Distances
 Changing Lanes and Passing
 Passed by Another Vehicle
 Road Conditions
 Reduced Visibility
 Night Driving
 Driving Situations
 Reacting to Driving Problems
 Vehicle Failure
 Collisions (Accidents)
 What to do in Case of a Collision
Quarter Schedule (Continued)
Chapter 6: Drinking, Drugs & Driving
 Effects of Alcohol
 How much is Too Much?
 Drinking and Driving
 Good Hosts and the Drinking Driver
 Designated Drivers
 Drugs and Driving
 Healthy Driving
Chapter 7: Driver Privileges & Penalties
 The Driving Privilege
 Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
 Mandatory Penalties
 Breathing Test
 Ignition Interlock Device
 Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
 Motor Vehicle Violations
 Driver Programs
 Motor Vehicle Surcharges and Point Violations
 Point System
 Moving Violation Point Chart
 Interstate Compacts
 Work Licenses
Chapter 9: Vehicle Information
 Laws Governing Vehicle Title and
Registration
 Titles
 Registration
 License Plates
 Handicapped Plates/Placards
 Vehicle Inspection
 Insurance
 Insurance Fraud
Chapter 10: Essential Driver Information
 License Renewal
 Permit, Non-Driver ID and License Updates
 Lost or Stolen Permits, Non-Driver IDs and
Licenses
 Permits, Non-Driver ID and License
Corrections
 Americans with Disabilities Act
 Organ Donation
 Voter Registration
 Maps
Appendix: Driver Safety:
Chapter 8: Sharing the Road with Others
 Pedestrians
 Mature Drivers
 Visually Challenged Persons
 Motorcycles
 Trucks, Tractor-Trailers and Buses
 No-Zone Principle
 Motorized Scooters
 Low-Speed Vehicles
Westwood Regional School District
Driver Education
Miss Panno
Classroom regulations
1. You will be assigned seats by your teacher and will be expected to maintain these seats until your teacher
changes them. If you are having any difficulties with these assignments, bring them to the attention of your
teacher immediately. All classes will be following the 10/10 rule and WILL NOT be able to leave the
classroom 10 minutes after the class begins and 10 minutes before the class ends
2. Hats and coats should not be worn in class. The use of any personal electronics in class is prohibited. Cell
phones will be confiscated from student and brought to the main office if they are taken out during
class. Students will be subject to the penalties specified in the student handbook.
3. Stow your book bags under your desk and out of the aisles.
4. No food or drinks will be consumed in class.
5. Each day’s lesson will begin promptly and you should come prepared with ALL of your supplies needed for
class. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LEAVE CLASS TO GET ANY OF YOUR MATERIALS AND
WILL LOSE PARTICIPATION POINTS FOR THAT DAY.
6. If you should arrive late and have a pass, enter quietly and leave your pass on the teacher’s desk.
7. Once in the classroom you should quietly proceed directly to your assigned seat.
8. It is expected that you will participate actively in class discussions and work to the best of your ability with
class work or during class room activities.
9. Respect the classroom and each other.
10. The end of the period is determined by the teacher. Remain in your seat and wait for the teacher to
dismiss you. The teacher will dismiss the class when the students are seated and quiet
11. ALL ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE GRADED. A letter grade will be dropped each day for any late
assignments. If there are any problems or difficulties with assignments students should speak to the teacher
prior to the designated due date.
12. ALL STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO READ THEIR DRIVER MANUALS ON THEIR OWN AND
TAKE NOTES FROM POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS OF EACH CHAPTER DURING CLASS. IT IS
ALSO EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT AND COMPLETE ALL ASSIGNMENTS
Materials
NJ Driver Manual CD or PDF file located on teacher website (Hard copy of the Driver Education book
are available at the MVC agencies)
Highlighter
Pen/pencil
3 ring notebook and notebook paper
2 Pocket folder for hand-outs
Grading System
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Final Exam = 30%
Assignments (Articles / In-Class Activities / Homework) = 15%
Attendance / Participation (Tardiness / Punctuality / Class Contribution) = 20%
Test / Projects (Posters / Brochures / Exams) = 20%
Quizzes = 15%
Contacting the teacher
If you would like to discuss your child’s progress, you can reach me at lpanno@wwrsd.org or by phone at
(201) 664-0880
PARENT’S SIGNATURE: __________________________ PARENT’S EMAIL ____________________________