ASK HSF! YOUR HOMESCHOOLING QUESTIONS
Dear HSF,
Hi. I am beginning to look into options for driver's education for my teenage son. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Sincerely,
L.M, homeschool parent
Dear L.M.,
I recently looked into this subject for my own teenage sons. I was hoping they could take a class online with in-car training from us. I found that per the MVA, no on-line, distance learning, or home study courses are licensed, certified, or approved by the MVA to provide the Maryland driver education program. So your son must take in-class driver's education through a school certified and licensed by the Maryalnd MVA.
From the MVA site for the state of Maryland:
"The following driving schools are listed by county and are licensed and certified by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. All new drivers in Maryland must take the Maryland certified driver education course before obtaining a provisional license. The list is updated as changes occur. A new driver may attend any of the schools that are listed. Call the driving school for information on fees, hours of operation, locations, etc. [Editor's note: Check the MVA site for updates to this info]
FREDERICK COUNTY
- A Widmyer Driving School - 301-662-6844
- Allegany Driving School - 301-473-4444
- Astick, Inc. - 301-704-8974
- Easy Method Driving School - 410-461-9090
- Frederick Community College - 301-846-2426 / 301-846-2427
- Greg's Driving School - 301-662-1055
- Maryland School for the Deaf - 301-371-8354
- Mr. George's Driving School, Inc. - 301-698-2450
- Rehabilitation of Frederick, Inc. - 301-682-9110
- Teachdrive 1 - 301-676-9999 "
Also, the MVA site had the following info about applying for a learner's permit:
"To Get a Maryland Learner's Permit, Please Bring:
Proof of age/identity, lawful presence, verifiable Social Security Number or proof of ineligibility, and Maryland residence. Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.
▪ Minimum age for applicants is 15 years and 9 months.
▪ If under 16, you must provide a completed Learner's Permit School Attendance Certification form (DL-300) to an MVA official during the learner's permit application process.
(Editor's note: For homeschoolers, the form needs to be signed by the Homeschooling Coordinator. If monitored through FCPS, contact Janet Noffsinger. For homeschool students monitored through an umbrella group, contact the supervisor or director for further information.)
▪ You must pass a vision test and knowledge test.
▪ If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application or, if the applicant has no parent or guardian or is married, an adult employer of the applicant or any other responsible adult may cosign the application.
▪ You must be 18 to obtain a Learner's Permit for a CDL Intrastate, 21 years of age for Interstate. In addition, you must also have a full driver's license (does not include a motorcycle license).
▪ A valid U.S. Department of Transportation physical card (if applying for a Learner’s Permit to drive a commercial motor vehicle).
▪ Out-of-State learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland Learner's Permit.
▪ You must also complete the Maryland Graduated Licensing System requirements.
What happens if a driving test is not taken before the expiration date of a learner's permit?
If the learner's permit has expired, the applicant must reapply as though it is their first permit and pay applicable fees. If the applicant is a minor this includes having their parent/guardian co-sign the application."
Good luck and safe driving!
HSF Editor