Parents / Guardians,
It’s time to get registered for 2023 Drivers Education Classes. Students will need to be registered by January 1, 2023.
Payment of fees is not required to begin taking the classes. However, fees must be paid before a “blue or white card” is issued to prove you have completed class – you need this to take your permit or behind the wheel test. All fees will need to be paid to Bonnie or Cindy in the office. Money will not be taken by the instructor.
The 2023 fees for Driver Education are as follows:
RLF Students Out of District Students
Classroom only –
$120 $175
Behind the Wheel Only –
$290 $350
Students wishing to enroll in the classroom portion must be at least 14 years old by January 1, 2023, the closer to their 15th birthday the better their chances of successfully passing the permit test. In addition, the older they are …. Hopefully the more prepared they are for the responsibility of driving. If you feel your child is not ready for this responsibility, please do not hesitate to keep them out of class for an additional year.
There are 30 hours that are required. Students MUST attend all 30 hours of class. If they will need to miss more than 1 session, please contact me prior to the start of class to determine if we can accommodate this. If needed we will schedule a makeup session. All classes are in person. If something comes up and your student needs to learn at home, students are able to online learn, but must be visible on screen to the instructor.
In addition to student sessions, RLF Drivers Education has a parent class that all parents are EXPECTED to attend. According to changes in MN state law, this must be separate from the student sessions. The date and times are listed in the calendar below. This will highlight laws that parents should know expectations of students for the classroom, an explanation of the examination process, and an opportunity to ask questions. Each student should have at least ONE parent attend this session, this should be the parent that will be their primary driving supervisor. Both parents are welcome to attend if they so wish.
Students will hear from numerous guest speakers, including an insurance agent, law enforcement, local and regional ambulance, RLC highway department, school transportation, and many more. Parents are welcome to attend and listen to these speakers.
Students wishing to enroll in the behind the wheel portion must be 15 AND have earned their Learner’s Permit. Behind the Wheel (BTW) is mandatory 6 hour session, taking place over 3 days. Students will drive in RLF, Thief River Falls, and Crookston. All sessions will begin at LHS, with the students driving themselves home if they live within 5 miles of the school. A schedule of Behind the Wheel hours will be developed once students have registered. Students will get their schedule based on age, the older students getting their hours completed first. Every attempt will be made to get hours completed prior to their 16th birthday.
The schedule for classes is below. Last year we started having classes in the morning. Our overall feedback about having classes in the morning were very good. It works best to avoid conflicts with sports shedules and other evening commitments. We will be again have morning sessions.
2023 Tentative Classroom Schedule (Schedule is subject to change)
Monday, February 27, 6:00 - 7:40 a.m.
Tuesday, February 28, 6:00 - 7:40 a.m.
Wednesday, March 1, 6:00 - 7:40 a.m.
Thursday, March 2, 6:00 - 7:40 a.m.
Monday, March 6, 6: 00 – 7:40 a.m.
Tuesday, March 7, 6:00 - 7:40 a.m.
Wednesday, March 8, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 9, 6:00 - 7:40 a.m.
Monday, March 13, 6:00-7:40 a.m.
Tuesday, March 14, 6:00-7:40 a.m.
Wednesday, Mary 15, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 16, 6:00 - 7:40 a.m.
Tuesday, March 22, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Coaches will be contacted)
Wednesday, March 23, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 24, 6:00 – 7:40 p.m.
Parent meeting: March 22: 7:15 p.m. at Lafayette
Parent Night: The parent night will be on Tuesday, March 22 at 7:15 p.m. at Lafayette.