Driver Education Mission Statement
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Driver Education is committed to excellence. The program is offered only to
residents of Bellmore and Merrick. The Driver Education course is intended to educate students (age 16 or older) on appropriate
driving skills and habits as well as playing a responsible role in the highway transportation/safety system. Course highlights in-
clude 24 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of behind the wheel training and observation. Students who satisfactorily
complete the course are eligible to receive the MV-285: Student Certificate of Completion. The MV-285 Student Certificate of
Completion allows:
1. a NYS Junior Permit holder to schedule a road test
2. young drivers a possible reduction in automobile insurance cost (dependent upon insurance provider participation)
3. a 17 year old to receive a senior license (MV-285 form must be submitted to local DMV to attain this benefit)
Benefits of the Course
Students will receive an MV-285 (Course Completion Certificate) from the district in the mail 2-3 weeks after the completion of
the entire course. This provides an insurance reduction to students who qualify; and a driver’s license Class D at age 17 upon
successfully passing the NY State road test & submitting their MV-285 to DMV. MV-278s (5 Hour cards) MAY be issued by the
lecture instructor during the course, IF available and time permits.
Refund Policy. *** Refund requests must be submitted by September 10th - NO EXCEPTIONS ***
All refunds must be requested to tmalloy@bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us .
If a student cannot be accommodated because classes are filled, all monies will be refunded. If a student makes a schedule
change request on the specified date and cannot be accommodated, all monies will be refunded.
Absences and Make-Ups
A student is allowed to make up to 3 absences in either car or lecture class. NY State requires that all absences be made up in order to pass the program. More than 3 absences in either class (not combined) will result in the student failing the course. There are no "excused" absences.
Absences due to sports, SATs, ACTs (or other exams), are still considered absences.
Lecture Classes- if you are absent, you should email your Instructor directly and arrange a make-up.
Car Classes - if you are absent, please discuss make up arrangements with your teacher at the next class.
STUDENT OBLIGATIONS
1) I will always obey all New York State vehicle and traffic laws.
2) I understand that I must successfully complete both the road and theory portions of the course in order to receive
Certificate of Completion aka MV-285.
3) I will conduct myself in a responsible manner at all times in both car and lecture classes.
4) I understand that all cell phones must be turned OFF during car and lecture classes.
5) I understand the Absence/Make-up section of this application.
6) I understand that in order to take advantage of the road portion of the course, I must gain additional practice time with my
parent/legal guardian during approved hours.
7) I understand that 50 hours of parent supervised instruction is required when applying for a license under the age of 18. (MV-
262 is also required in order to schedule a road test.)
8) In the event of a collision during the conduct of the car class, I will give a full and detailed statement to the driving school re-
garding that collision.
9) I will carry my Lerner’s Permit and High School I.D. at all times, and present it when requested.