8 Hour Safe Driving Practices Course
Dangerous driving!
This course meets the Connecticut DMV requirements for adults, 18 and older, who wish to apply for a Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license and who do not hold a valid motor vehicle operator’s license issued by any other state, or by any territory or possession of the United States.
The course consists of eight hours of instruction and complies with the following requirements:
- Four hours concerning the nature and effects of alcohol and drugs, as provided in subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of subsection (d) of section 14-36 of the Connecticut General Statues; and (2) Four (4) hours of subjects directed to safe driving practices.
Entrance Requirements
In order to be eligible for the Adult (age 18+) 8-Hour Safe Driving Practices Program, a student must:
- Provide proof of being at least 18 years of age (birth certificate).
- Be a resident of the city of Bristol or city taxpayer (utility bill showing local address)
- Fully pay the required tuition
Classroom Policies & Provisions
Student Attendance:
Students must complete all 8 hours of the 8-Hour Safe Driving Practices Program.
Make-up Opportunities:
Make-up opportunities are available by arrangement, as classes repeat throughout the year. Take note of the Class Schedule.
Student Conduct:
Students are expected to fully participate and contribute to a positive learning environment. Unacceptable or disruptive behavior may result in termination from the program.
Student Progress:
Students successfully completing all requirements for the 8-Hour Safe Driving Practices Program, will receive the appropriate Connecticut State Certificate needed to take the driver’s test.
Study Materials:
Each student receives his/her own Connecticut Driver Manual and has use of the textbook (Drive Right) during the course. Students may also receive topic fact sheets, and any additional information mandated by the State of Connecticut.
Special Needs:
Students requiring classroom adaptations or special consideration are encouraged to speak with the driver education instructor or program director.
Students whose main language is not English may also be accommodated following evaluation and consultation with the program director.
Instructional Goals:
- The student develops an understanding of the effects of alcohol and other drugs, fatigue, and emotions on the driving task, assesses the dangers of these factors, and develops strategies to making health-promoting decisions throughout the life span.
- The student analyzes and evaluates the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and understands how they affect the driving task. The student should be able to define blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and explain factors that affect blood alcohol concentration.
- The student understands the effects of alcohol and other drugs on the driving task, analyzes and evaluates the physiological and psychological effects of drugs other than alcohol on the driving task, and understands how they affect the driving task including an individual's ability to utilize the space management system and vision impairment experienced with alcohol and drug usage.
- The student develops an understanding of Connecticut traffic laws and formulates knowledge of rules, regulations and penalties required to relate the laws to driver responsibility. Per se limits in the laws, which must be included in the school's classroom curriculum, is provided in this booklet.
- The student recognizes the symptoms for fatigue and develops strategies to avoid driving when fatigued.
- The student understands the dangers of aggressive driving, avoids aggressive driving, and utilizes strategies to respond appropriately to aggressive drivers.
