Driver’s Ed to Resume on Aug. 1, 2020

In-person driver’s education courses have gotten the green light to start instruction again.

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has authorized classes and behind-the-wheel training to resume on Aug. 1. Classes were canceled for months after the COVID-19 pandemic forced an economic shutdown, including the closure of schools.

HDOT provided guidance on how to conduct in-person classes:

• Instructors must follow CDC guidelines for small in-person classes including hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, use of cloth face coverings, and posting of signs to promote protective measures.
• Class size is limited to 10 people per class.
• Waivers/Liability forms must be signed by the student or guardian prior to participation in class.
• Students and guardians must be educated NOT to attend classes if they are sick. Instructors should also ask students and guardians screening questions prior to participation in class.
• All class participants (instructor and students) must wear non-medical grade face masks or face shields if a medical condition prevents the use of a face covering.
• Pre-class non-contact temperature checks are recommended.
• High-touch points within the classroom should be sanitized per CDC guidance.
• Instructors are to provide hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes or have students bring their own sanitizers.
• All class participants are encouraged to frequently wash their hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Instructors should space classroom seating at least 6-feet apart.
• Classes are not to be more than five hours in duration.
• The 30 hours of classroom instruction must be spaced out over a six-week period.
• The 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training can be taught concurrently or after classroom instruction.
• HDOT Highway Safety staff will maintain copies of instructor records such as waivers, student logs, and schedules.

Behind-the-wheel training by Driver’s Education instructors is also permitted to resume for instructors with approved COVID safety plans. Instructors are encouraged to follow CDC guidance for drivers-for-hire to the extent practicable.

The traveling public is reminded that behind-the-wheel road tests are administered by their respective county and that availability of appointments varies. For more information, visit https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/vehicle-registration-licensing.