Driver Education

Tim Horan, Coordinator
Lorraine Kolar, Registration Coordinator

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The Driver Education program coordinated by the West Islip School District provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the driving experience while meeting the requirements set forth by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the New York State Department of Education. Students enrolled in the program will complete 24 hours of classroom lecture provided by a NYS certified instructor and 24 hours of in-car instruction (6 hours behind the wheel and 18 hours observation as passenger) provided by a NYS licensed and DMV certified professional driving school. Program objectives include driver safety, rules of the road, traffic safety, dangers of texting while driving, substance abuse as related to driving, and the proper knowledge, attitude and skills needed to drive. 


Please be aware that upon successful completion of the program, the NYS DMV will issue a Certificate of Completion (MV 285) which will be mailed to the address indicated on the student’s Learner Permit. The student must possess the Certificate of Completion in order to apply for their unrestricted (senior) license at age 17. Please be aware that successful completion of the course does not guarantee that the student will pass a NYS road test administered by the DMV. Please refer to the NYS DMV website for further information. 



There are three Driver Education sessions held at West Islip High School each school year. The fall session runs from September through January, the spring session runs from February through June, and the summer session meets Mondays through Thursdays during the month of July. Students are selected and scheduled for each session in birthday order (oldest students are selected first) until all openings are filled. To register for the program, a student must be 16 years old and possess a NYS Learner Permit or Junior License. Please click on the DE links to access all registration materials and specific session information.   


Please note that the Driver Education program is a service provided to students of the West Islip School District and is not part of the regular high school academic curriculum; therefore students do not receive high school credit upon completion.