Driver's Education
I. Driver's Education Course Enrollment
Wilkes County Schools offers a driver's education course for eligible students. Classroom instruction is held after regular school hours.
Eligibility and Course Requirements:
- Age: Students must be more than **14 ½ years old** to apply.
- Academic Standing: Students must be in **good academic standing** (passing 70% of classes, or **3 out of 4** classes) to participate.
- Instruction: Course requires **30 classroom hours** plus **6 hours behind the wheel** instruction.
- Fee: There is a course fee of **$65.00**.
- Application: Applications are available in the school office.
II. Driving Eligibility Certificate (DEC)
A DEC is required when a student plans to apply for a North Carolina driver’s license or learner’s permit. It verifies current enrollment and adequate academic progress.
How to Obtain a DEC:
- First, complete the Driver’s Education course and receive a **driver’s education certificate** from the instructor.
- Next, a parent must present a copy of the student’s **birth certificate** and **driver’s education certificate** to the school receptionist.
- The receptionist will then issue the DEC.
- Students must meet **adequate academic progress** toward graduation to obtain **or maintain** a license/permit.
- Students who have dropped out or have **not passed 3 out of 4 courses** in the previous semester are **not eligible** for a DEC.
- Students who do not continue to make adequate progress (pass 3 out of 4 courses) each semester will have their licenses **revoked**.