Policies & Procedures.
📘 Attendance & Make-Up Policy
Purpose:
To ensure students meet the instructional requirements set by the State of Vermont and complete the program in a timely and consistent manner.
Policy:
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classroom and behind-the-wheel sessions. The program includes:
Three 2-hour classroom lessons per week (totaling 6 hours/week)
One 2-hour in-car lesson per week scheduled on a recurring basis, plus one 2-hour in-car lesson scheduled on a Saturday
Observation hours, completed by riding along during a peer’s driving lesson
Per Vermont state requirements, students must complete a total of:
30 hours of classroom instruction
6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
6 hours of in-car observation
Students may miss up to two classroom sessions over the course of the program. These must be made up through an approved written assignment or an alternate instructional arrangement, as determined by the instructor.
Students may miss one behind-the-wheel lesson and reschedule it for a $110 make-up fee, subject to instructor availability.
If a student misses more than two classroom sessions or more than one behind-the-wheel lesson, the school reserves the right to remove the student from the current course. If removed, the student may be offered the opportunity to re-enroll in the next available course, space permitting. No refund will be issued for missed classes or removal due to excessive absence.
Students must notify the instructor in advance of any expected absence. Repeated tardiness or lack of communication regarding absences may also result in dismissal from the program.
📘 Cancellation & Refund Policy
Purpose:
To establish clear expectations around withdrawals, cancellations, and refunds in order to protect both the school’s scheduling capacity and the student’s commitment to the program.
Policy:
Enrollment is confirmed once payment is received and a signed enrollment agreement is submitted. Due to limited class size and high demand, the following cancellation and refund terms apply:
Full refunds will be issued only if the student withdraws at least 7 days prior to the scheduled start date of the course.
Cancellations made fewer than 7 days before the course start date are non-refundable, but the student may be offered a spot in a future course, space permitting.
No refunds will be issued once the course has begun, regardless of attendance or completion.
Students dismissed from the program due to policy violations (including attendance, conduct, or payment noncompliance) are not eligible for refunds.
In the event that the school must cancel or postpone a course for any reason (e.g., instructor illness, insufficient enrollment, or facility-related issues), affected students will be given the option to:
Transfer to a future course date, or
Receive a full refund
All refund requests must be submitted in writing.
📘 Payment Terms
Purpose:
To establish a clear and consistent structure for payment expectations, deadlines, and consequences for nonpayment.
Policy:
Full payment is required to secure a student’s enrollment in the course unless a written payment plan has been approved in advance.
Payment must be made via [accepted methods: e.g., credit card, check, or online portal] before enrollment closes.
Enrollment closes at 5:00 p.m. on the last business day before the course start date. No new enrollments will be accepted after that time.
Students who do not complete payment before enrollment closes may forfeit their seat in the course.
If a payment plan is approved:
The student or parent/guardian must sign a payment agreement outlining due dates and installment amounts.
Failure to make payments on time may result in:
Suspension from the course until payment is received
Late fees, and/or
Dismissal from the program with no refund
All tuition must be paid in full before a student can receive a completion certificate or documentation needed for licensing.
📘 Code of Conduct
Purpose:
To promote a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment for all students, instructors, and community members.
Policy:
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner throughout the course, including classroom sessions, behind-the-wheel instruction, observation periods, and any communication with instructors or staff. This applies both in person and online.
The following behaviors are prohibited and may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program without refund:
Disruptive, disrespectful, or threatening behavior toward instructors, staff, or peers
Use of drugs, alcohol, or any substance that impairs judgment before or during instruction
Use of a mobile phone or smart device during class or in-car lessons without permission
Repeated tardiness or absences without communication
Dishonesty or misrepresentation in scheduling, documentation, or communication
Unsafe or reckless behavior during behind-the-wheel instruction
Refusal to follow instructor directions during any portion of the course
The instructor reserves the right to immediately remove any student from the classroom or vehicle for behavior that compromises safety or the learning environment.
Parents or guardians will be notified in the event of any conduct concerns involving a minor student. In serious or repeated cases, the student may be dismissed from the program and may be required to reapply in the future.
📘 Student Eligibility Requirements
Purpose:
To ensure that all students meet the legal and program-specific requirements necessary to participate in driver education safely and successfully.
Policy:
To enroll in the driver education program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Be at least 15 years old at the time of enrollment
Hold a valid Vermont Learner’s Permit before beginning behind-the-wheel instruction
Have completed at least 10 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent, guardian, or natural support before the course begins
Be able to read, understand, and communicate in English (unless prior arrangements are made for accommodations)
Be physically and mentally able to participate in classroom and in-car lessons, with or without reasonable accommodations
Students must also:
Commit to attending and participating in all required instructional hours
Disclose any medical conditions, medications, or disabilities that could affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle or participate in the program
Agree to all school policies, including the Code of Conduct and Attendance Policy
Students who do not meet these eligibility requirements or who provide false or incomplete information may be removed from the program without refund.
📘 Behind-the-Wheel Scheduling & Rescheduling Policy
Purpose:
To ensure that all students complete their in-car instruction efficiently while maintaining fairness and predictability in scheduling.
Policy:
Behind-the-wheel lessons are scheduled prior to the start of the course. Each student will receive a recurring weekly drive time, plus one Saturday session, to complete the required driving and observation hours.
Students must:
Arrive on time for each scheduled behind-the-wheel lesson
Bring a valid Vermont Learner’s Permit to every in-car session
Be well-rested, alert, and free from the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medication
If a student needs to reschedule a behind-the-wheel lesson, they must:
Notify the instructor at least 24 hours in advance, and
Pay a $110 rescheduling fee (if it is their one allowable missed drive)
Missed or late behind-the-wheel lessons may not be rescheduled if:
The student has already used their one reschedule opportunity
Notice is not provided at least 24 hours in advance
The student repeatedly fails to show up for scheduled lessons
In such cases, the student may be removed from the program and required to re-enroll in a future course.
📘 Weather & Emergency Closure Policy
Purpose:
To prioritize the safety of students and instructors in the event of inclement weather, emergencies, or other unavoidable disruptions.
Policy:
The school reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or move any classroom or behind-the-wheel session due to:
Inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice, severe storms)
Hazardous road conditions
Instructor illness or emergency
Local school closures or public safety advisories
Other unexpected events that may compromise safety or disrupt instruction
In the event of a classroom cancellation due to weather or emergency, the school may pivot to a remote/virtual in-class session using a video conferencing platform, if appropriate and allowable by state guidelines. Students will be notified of this change in advance with instructions for joining the remote session.
If a behind-the-wheel session is canceled by the school, no rescheduling fee will apply, and a make-up opportunity will be provided.
If a student chooses not to attend a scheduled session due to weather concerns when the school has not canceled or moved to remote learning, the absence will count toward their attendance limit and may be subject to rescheduling fees.
📘 Parent/Guardian Involvement Policy
Purpose:
To promote clear communication, shared responsibility, and student success through active parent or guardian involvement.
Policy:
For students under 18, a parent or legal guardian is expected to:
Attend the program’s required orientation session (virtual or in-person, as scheduled)
Stay informed of the student’s attendance, progress, and any behavioral or scheduling concerns
Ensure the student completes at least 10 hours of supervised driving practice before the course begins
Support the student in fulfilling any make-up assignments, drive reschedules, or administrative requirements
Promptly communicate with the instructor if any issues arise that could affect the student’s participation or performance
Parents/guardians will be notified of any concerns regarding student behavior, attendance, or progress that may impact successful completion of the program. In the event of repeated policy violations, parents/guardians may be asked to participate in a resolution meeting or be informed of the student’s dismissal from the program.
📘 Use of Student Information & Privacy Policy
Purpose:
To protect the personal information of students and families and ensure that all student data is handled in a secure, confidential, and lawful manner.
Policy:
The school collects and stores limited personal information necessary for enrollment, communication, scheduling, and regulatory compliance. This may include:
Student name, contact information, and date of birth
Parent/guardian contact details (for minors)
Learner’s permit number and expiration date
Emergency contact information
Medical or behavioral disclosures relevant to student safety
Attendance, progress, and completion records
All student records are kept confidential and are used solely for educational, administrative, and legal purposes. The school will not share, sell, or disclose personal information to third parties without written consent, except as required by law or in the event of an emergency involving student safety.
Photos, videos, or testimonials involving students will not be used for marketing or social media purposes without prior written permission from the student or their parent/guardian.
📘 Student Driver Vehicle Use Policy
Purpose:
To ensure the safety of students, instructors, and the public by establishing clear guidelines for how students may use or interact with the driver education vehicle.
Policy:
The driver education vehicle is to be used only for scheduled behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified instructor. The following rules apply:
A maximum of two students may be in the vehicle at one time — one student driving and one student observing, as scheduled.
Students may not operate the vehicle without instructor supervision under any circumstances.
Students must:
Wear a seatbelt at all times
Bring a valid Vermont Learner’s Permit to every driving session
Refrain from eating, drinking, vaping, or smoking in the vehicle
Follow all instructor directions immediately and without argument
Use safe, focused, and respectful behavior while in or around the vehicle
The vehicle may be equipped with safety and monitoring features such as a dual brake pedal, dashboard camera, and/or GPS tracking. Students will be informed of any monitoring devices in use.
Failure to follow these rules may result in dismissal from the program.
📘 Instructor Conduct & Safety Protocols
Purpose:
To ensure that all instruction is delivered in a professional, respectful, and safety-focused manner, in alignment with best practices and state standards.
Policy:
All instructors representing the school are expected to:
Maintain appropriate licensure and certification as required by the State of Vermont
Undergo a background check annually to ensure continued eligibility to work with minors and vulnerable populations
Adhere to all traffic laws, program policies, and professional standards while instructing
Foster a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental learning environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities
Treat students and families with respect, patience, and professionalism
Provide clear, calm instruction and maintain emotional control during all lessons
Model defensive and legal driving behavior at all times
Keep the instructional vehicle clean, well-maintained, and free of hazards
Instructors must also avoid:
Any form of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate personal discussion with students
Use of cell phones, personal calls, or unrelated distractions during instruction
Transporting students outside of scheduled lesson purposes
Concerns about instructor conduct or safety can be reported confidentially to the school and will be reviewed promptly.
📘 Social Media & Media Release Policy
Purpose:
To outline how the school may use student images, video, and testimonials for marketing and educational purposes, and to clarify the rights of students and families.
Policy:
As part of the enrollment terms and conditions, students and parents/guardians agree that the school may use photos, videos, or testimonials featuring students for promotional purposes, including:
Website and print marketing
Social media posts
Newsletters or email campaigns
Informational or recruitment materials
This may include images taken during classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel lessons, and school-sponsored events.
To protect student privacy:
Media will never include full student names, addresses, or other personally identifying information
Any content posted will reflect the school’s values of professionalism, inclusion, and safety
Students and guardians may opt out of media use by submitting a written request before the course begins
The school will not post or share any content that could be considered embarrassing, inappropriate, or unsafe.
📘 Drug, Alcohol & Medication Disclosure Policy
Purpose:
To ensure the safety of all students, instructors, and the public by maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free learning environment and managing the effects of certain medications on driving ability.
Policy:
Students must not attend any classroom or behind-the-wheel session under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that impairs their ability to learn or drive safely.
The following rules apply:
Zero tolerance for alcohol or drug use before or during any portion of the program
Use of prescription or over-the-counter medications that may impair alertness, focus, or motor skills must be disclosed in advance to the instructor or program coordinator
If a student exhibits signs of impairment, the instructor has the right to remove the student from the classroom or vehicle immediately
Missed or rescheduled lessons due to suspected impairment will count toward the student’s absence limit and may be subject to rescheduling fees
Students who violate this policy may be dismissed from the program without refund and may be referred to appropriate support services if necessary.
📘 Technology Use Policy
Purpose:
To minimize distractions, protect student focus, and maintain a safe, respectful learning environment during both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel lessons.
Policy:
Students are expected to use technology responsibly and only as permitted by the instructor during the course.
In the Classroom:
Mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, and other personal devices must be silenced and put away during instruction unless used for an approved activity.
Students may not record classroom sessions without explicit permission from the instructor.
In the Vehicle:
Use of phones, headphones, or smartwatches is strictly prohibited during behind-the-wheel instruction and in-car observation, unless otherwise authorized for instructional purposes.
Students may not record video or audio inside the vehicle during instruction.
Any student who repeatedly misuses personal technology may be required to leave the session and may risk dismissal from the program.
📘 Liability Waiver & Acknowledgment of Risk
Purpose:
To ensure students and families understand the inherent risks involved in driver education and agree to assume personal responsibility for participation.
Policy:
By enrolling in the program, students and (if applicable) their parents/guardians acknowledge that:
Driving instruction involves inherent risk, including the potential for accidents, injury, or property damage, despite the presence of a trained instructor and safety equipment.
The student will be operating a motor vehicle on public roads under the supervision of a certified instructor.
The instructor will take all reasonable steps to ensure student safety but cannot eliminate all risk.
Students must follow all instructions and use sound judgment to minimize risks to themselves and others.
As a condition of participation, all students and (for minors) their parents/guardians will be required to sign a liability waiver and acknowledgment of risk form before beginning any behind-the-wheel instruction.
This form will release the school and its instructors from liability for injuries or damages that occur during instruction, except in cases of gross negligence or misconduct.
📘 Instructor Substitution or Lesson Cancellation Policy
Purpose:
To set expectations for how the school will handle unexpected instructor absences, substitutions, or the need to cancel or reschedule instructional time.
Policy:
In the event an instructor is unavailable due to illness, emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances, the school may:
Provide a qualified substitute instructor, or
Reschedule the lesson or class to a future date
All substitute instructors will meet the same certification and background check standards as regular staff.
Students will be notified as soon as possible via [preferred method: phone, email, or text] of any changes to their schedule. No rescheduling fees will apply when a cancellation or substitution is initiated by the school.
If an instructor is repeatedly unavailable in a way that affects the student’s ability to complete the course, the school will offer:
A make-up plan at no additional cost
A transfer to a future session, or
A prorated refund, if the course cannot be completed through no fault of the student
📘 Disqualification or Dismissal Policy
Purpose:
To outline the circumstances under which a student may be removed from the program and the procedures the school will follow in doing so.
Policy:
The school reserves the right to dismiss or disqualify a student from the program if the student:
Fails to meet the attendance or participation requirements
Violates the Code of Conduct
Misses more than the permitted number of classes or behind-the-wheel lessons
Arrives to a lesson under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or impairing medication
Displays unsafe, reckless, or threatening behavior in the classroom or vehicle
Refuses to follow instructor direction, endangering themselves or others
Fails to complete required payments or paperwork
Dismissals are made at the discretion of the program coordinator or instructor, and may occur with or without warning, depending on the severity of the violation.
In all cases:
Parents/guardians (for minors) will be notified in writing
Dismissed students are not eligible for refunds
In some cases, students may be eligible for future courses at the school’s discretion