Driver Education Course Provider Requirements

(1) An entity which proposes to offer a Driver Education Course must submit an application and all required documentation to the Department. This application can be found at www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/--driver-education-courses--traffic-schools-.html. Upon submitting application, a nonrefundable application fee in the amount of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) must be mailed to the Department at the address provided at the time of application. (2) Upon initial approval, the applicant will be provided a Certificate by the Department. The Certificate shall be maintained on file and provided upon request. (3) A provider will be required to submit an annual renewal application, required documentation and application fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) through the same process as an original applicant. (4) A provider must provide a minimum of four (4) hours of classroom or on-line driver safety training which has been determined by the Department to meet or exceed the standards of the American Automobile Association, National Safety Council or other recognized curriculum that has been submitted for review and approved by the Department and which is designed to educate persons committing minor traffic violations and to deter future violations. Such entities may seek the Department directly on any requests to be approved as a provider. (5) A provider may assess a reasonable fee between fifty dollars ($50.00) or one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175.00) for the Driver Education Course, provided that no person shall be refused admittance for inability to pay. This fee shall apply only to Driver Education Courses that may be required pursuant to T.C.A. § 55-10-301 and shall not apply to any program offered pursuant to the provisions of T.C.A. Title 49, Chapter 1, or to any other driving instruction school. (6) A provider will issue a certificate of completion to each student who has successfully completed the Driver Education Course. Such certificate shall have thereon the student's full name, driver license number, date of birth, course name, hours completed and the Driver Education Course Provider's name and address. (7) No governmental employee or the employee's immediate family shall have a direct or indirect personal interest in a private entity that provides a Driver Education Course and shall not receive anything of value in an individual capacity from the private entity. (8) A provider must comply with or exceed the minimum standards set forth herein. (9) A provider must only use Instructors who meet the qualifications set forth herein. (10) A provider must maintain the following records for a period of three (3) years and ensure that such records are available for inspection by the Department during business hours: (a) A roster of each class, listing the course name, location, Instructor's full name, student names, driver license numbers and date of birth. (b) A receipt for each student stating the student's full name, driver license number and amount paid. (c) A list of students who have successfully completed the Driver Education Course, with each student's full name, driver license number, date of birth, course name and class location. DRIVER EDUCATION COURSES CHAPTER 1340-03-07 (d) Course material, which shall include the most recent material to teach crash prevention, and safe and defensive driving. (e) Any other records that may be required by the Department. (11) A provider must ensure compliance with all Department rules and regulations. (12) A provider must update any change(s) in information on the application or any change in ownership or Instructors through the Department’s online portal within seven (7) business days. (13) A provider must be open for periodic on-site inspection by the Department, with or without notice. (14) A provider shall not hire any person as an Instructor or otherwise who is an employee of the Department. (15) A provider shall comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.