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    Driver and Safety Education

    For Parents and Guardians

    Learning to drive is an exciting milestone for your teen—and choosing the right driver education program is the first step toward a lifetime of safe driving.  When exploring programs, look for one that is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)

    Parent Checklist: Choosing Driver Education

    Visit: Driver Education Programs

    There are 418 Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved Local Education Agencies (LEAs)—including public school districts, charter schools, Career and Technology Centers, Intermediate Units etc.,—that offer approved driver education programs. If you live in one of the LEA jurisdictions your child is eligible to participate in that LEAs driver education program.

    If you choose a Private Driver Training School (PDTS) instead, before enrolling your teen in a PDTS, make sure the program is approved by and meets all PDE requirements and best practices. Review the checklist below.

    1. 1

      School Licensing and Credentials

      • Is the PDTS licensed by the PDE? All private schools must display their PDE-issued school site license.
      • Is the PDTS instructor licensed by PDE? Instructors must carry their PDE instructor license during every lesson and show it upon request.
    2. 2

      Vehicle Safety and Certification

      • Is the driver education vehicle PDE-approved? All instructional vehicles must display a PDE vehicle certificate on the passenger side visor, facing the passenger compartment.
    3. 3

      Curriculum and Instruction Quality

      • Does the PDTS follow the PDE’s Content and Performance Expectations for Driver Education?
      • Does the PDTS implement Best Practices from the PDE Enhanced Program Guide for Driver Education?
    4. 4

      Communication and Student Progress

      • Does the PDTS debrief with the student and parent/guardian after each lesson?
      • Does the PDTS share a student progress report during each debrief?

    Sample Driving School License

    Sample Driving School License

    Sample Driving School
    Instructor License

    Sample Driving School Instructor License

    Sample Driving School
    Vehicle License

    Sample Driving School Vehicle License

    Final Tip

    Choosing a PDE-approved and licensed PDTS helps ensure your teen driver receives safe, high-quality instruction that prepares them for a lifetime of safe driving.