For many students, not just LHS teens, earning a driver’s license is a rite of passage– a step towards freedom, independence and personal responsibility.
In Massachusetts, in order to obtain a Junior Operator license (JOL), you must complete a Driver’s Ed course. If you are over the age of 18, this is not required.
Fortunately for LHS students, Leominster High School offers a Driver’s Ed program. It’s the perfect way for students to earn the required criteria for a driver’s license. The program provides excellent instructors at a more affordable and accessible price!
Here’s a closer look at the program and how it gets students to know how to hit the road successfully.
Required Parent Participation:
A mandatory parent class is held in the LHS cafeteria to inform parents on what their children are learning, current laws, and how to be a role model of safe and responsible driving to their children.
- Two Hours
- Held during evening hours
- Certificate is given after the class is completed, valid for 5 years.
Parents are encouraged to sign up in a timely manner as at the class, they can sign up their child for the next available class sessions.
- Next session is TBA.
Driver’s Ed Classroom Instruction and Driving instruction:
All criteria are required by Massachusetts law.
- 30 hours of required classroom instruction is required by Massachusetts law.
- Classes are split into 10 classes, taking 3 hours each.
- A final exam must be taken, students need a score of at least 80%.
- Students must complete 12 hours of behind the wheel driving with the driving instructor.
- 6 hours of observing other students’ driving lessons is also required.
Costs and Eligibility:
LHS Driver’s Ed differs from other driving schools which are priced at a much higher rate.
- Students can sign up for the program as early as 15 years and 9 months old.
- $550 in total for both classroom instruction and driving lessons.
- $200 for classroom instruction.
- $350 for driving lessons.
- Due to rising costs, the LHS Driver’s Ed tuition cost may rise.
Students have the ability to switch over to a different driving school, but they must pay their set prices. LHS does not offer discounts on their behalf.
Additional Costs and Scheduling:
- Road Test Sponsorship Fee: LHS offers road test sponsorship for $60.
- Scheduling: Students can schedule permit tests and road tests online through the RMV website.
For more information or to get started with Driver’s Ed, students and parents can contact Jeffrey Soulliere.
- Soulliere can usually be found in the Weight Room in E-Wing Gym Hallway.
Updates and announcements can also be found on the Leominster High School Driver Education Program on Facebook.
For more information on requirements on JOL, and how to sign up for permits and road tests please refer to mass.gov
