19A NCAC 03I .0307        COURSES OF INSTRUCTION

Commercial driver training schools shall teach the following courses:

(1)           For persons 18 years of age or older, a course as follows:

(a)           Classroom Instruction. A minimum of six hours, including rules of the road and other laws affecting the operation of motor vehicles, safe driving practices, pedestrian safety, and the general responsibilities of the driver. No class shall consist of more than 50 students. Classroom work shall be limited to no more than six hours per day.

(b)           Behind-the-Wheel Instruction. A minimum of six hours, including instruction and practice in all the basic physical skills necessary for proper control of a motor vehicle in all normal driving situations, such as starting, stopping, steering and turning, controlling the vehicle in traffic, backing, and parking. A valid learner's permit issued by the Driver License Section of the Division is required.

(c)           A person holding a valid learner's permit issued by the Driver License Section of the Division shall not be required to take the six hours of classroom instruction set forth in Sub-item (1)(a) of this Rule.

(d)           A person holding a valid learner's permit or driver's license issued by the Driver License Section of the Division may contract for any portion of the six-hour behind-the-wheel instruction.

(2)           For licensed persons, a course for purposes of driver improvement, such as improving their knowledge and skill in the operation of a motor vehicle.

(3)           For unlicensed persons under the age of 18 years, courses shall be governed by G.S. 115C-215 and Rule 16 NCAC 06E .0301.

(4)           For licensed persons taking a course offered by a restricted commercial driver training school, the following courses are authorized:

(a)           Curriculum for evaluation and improvement for licensed adult drivers only, utilizing over-the-road observation in vehicles not owned by the school or equipment such as driving simulators.

(b)           Professional curricula, including one or more of the following:

(i)            police pursuit driving;

(ii)           auto-cross driving;

(iii)          emergency-vehicle driving; or

(iv)          road and track racing.

(5)           Instructor training program, the requirements for which are:

(a)           The school must be licensed for one full year prior to approval.

(b)           All work must be with an instructor licensed as an Instructor Trainer.

(c)           A proposed plan of operation must be submitted to the Division outlining the training schedule, including:

(i)            instruction in:

(A)          using effective teaching methods,

(B)          writing lesson plans,

(C)          reviewing of Subchapter 03I Rules Governing the Licensing of Commercial Driver Training Schools and Instructors,

(D)          using audio visual equipment and teaching aids,

(E)           filling out all commercial school forms, and

(ii)           listing names of instructor trainers to be employed for the training program.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 20-321; 20-322; 20-323; 20-324;

Eff. July 2, 1979;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2000; July 1, 1994; December 1, 1993; November 1, 1991; April 1, 1989;

Readopted Eff. July 1, 2021.