Student Qualifications 1) A driver training school or driver training instructor licensed by the Secretary of State shall comply with all of the requirements of Section 6-408.5 of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5/6-408.5] prior to requesting a certificate of completion from the Secretary of State. 2) A superintendent or chief school administrator may waive the requirements contained within Section 6-408.5 of the Illinois Vehicle Code if he/she deems it to be in the best interests of the student or dropout. The State Board of Education may, at their discretion, by rule or regulation, establish guidelines for the waiver of the requirements of Section 6-408.5 of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5/6-408.5]. 3) Prior to a driver training school or driver training school instructor requesting a certificate of completion for a student, the driver training school or driver training instructor must verify that the student is enrolled in school and has received a passing grade in at least 8 courses during the 2 semesters. Verification of a student's eligibility to obtain a certificate of completion from the Secretary of State shall be by one of the following methods: A) obtain written documentation on a form prepared or approved by the Secretary of State stating the student has received a passing grade in at least 8 courses during the previous 2 semesters; B) obtain written waiver from a superintendent or school administrator on a form prepared or approved by the Secretary of State; C) obtain written verification on a form prepared or approved by the Secretary of State stating the student is enrolled in a home school; D) obtain copies of the student's report card and/or transcript for the previous 2 semesters indicating a passing grade in at least 8 courses during the previous 2 semesters. 4) Verification of eligibility for any person who has dropped out of school and has not yet attained the age of 18 years shall be by one of the following methods: A) obtain written documentation verifying the dropout's enrollment in GED or an alternative education program or obtain a copy of the dropout's GED certificate; B) obtain written verification that the student prior to dropping out had received a passing grade in at least 8 courses during the 2 previous semesters last ending prior to requesting a certificate of completion; or C) obtain written consent on a form prepared or approved by the Secretary of State from the dropout's parents or guardian and the regional superintendent. 5) Students enrolled in a driver training school shall be informed in writing of the eligibility requirements of Section 6-408.5 of the Illinois Vehicle Code at the time of registration which shall be documented in the student's file. 6) The driver training school and/or driver training school instructor shall maintain a copy and make available for inspection all written documentation required by this Section. e) Classroom Instruction – for persons under age 18 years 1) Classroom instruction shall include not less than 30 class hours. Instructional periods are to be no longer than 2 hours daily with meetings distributed regularly throughout the minimum of four complete weeks. The maximum number of students cannot exceed 30 per class for classroom instruction unless the size of the classroom exceeds 350 square feet, then a maximum of 35 students shall be allowed. 2) Classroom instruction shall include subject matter relating to the rules of the road, safe driving practices, pedestrian safety, driver responsibility, theory of driving, defensive driving techniques, behavioral characteristics of drivers, auto insurance and financial responsibility, development of perception for driving, emergency situation procedures, the use of automobile safety devices, and the effects of alcohol and/or other drugs on driving. 3) Each classroom course must have a definite starting date and completion date. Late registrations shall not be accepted beyond the third day of the course, at which time the course must be closed to further enrollments. 4) Late registrants and absentees shall be given make-up instruction and assignments. No school shall permit the student to be absent from more than 4 class sessions without requiring the student to re-enroll in a later course and to start over. 5) The teaching facilities must provide adequate, comfortable seating for students. Lighting must be adequate and the maintenance (housekeeping) of the room orderly. 6) A textbook on driver education must be in the possession of each student for the duration of the course, to be used as a regular part of the course content, and consistent with the recommended course outline. 7) Audio-visual materials shall be used as a supplement to the teacher's presentation but not as a replacement. Reference materials are to be available to the students and their use assured by assignments. All assignments are to be made in advance of due dates and should include outside reading as well as preparation for testing. 8) A regular schedule of classroom testing shall be followed. Student progress in acquaintance with information, data, and knowledge is to be periodically evaluated. Criteria for passing or failing the course must be evident to the students and successful completion clearly defined. 9) Each student shall be informed prior to the time instruction begins of the character and amount of any and all fees or charges made for enrollments or registration, tuition, use of equipment, text and reference materials, supplies, and any service, equipment, or materials provided by the commercial driving school. 10) Instruction for each student in the class shall begin on the date and location designated by advertisement and continue throughout the designated period unless the course is cancelled and the student is refunded any fees already paid. 11) A listing of students enrolled in the classroom shall be sent to the Department of Driver Services Blue Slip Unit within 3 days after the third day of classroom instruction on forms provided by the Secretary of State. A certificate will not be issued to anyone whose name has not been submitted on this form signed by an authorized official of the school. f) Laboratory Instruction – for persons under age 18 years 1) Laboratory instruction shall not begin until such time as the student is enrolled in a classroom program of driver education and possesses the basic information required for safe operation of a vehicle in traffic. At least 4 hours of classroom instruction must be given before behind-the-wheel lessons are started. 2) Each student must have in his or her possession when engaged in vehicle operation a valid instruction permit issued by the Secretary of State.

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