Commercial driving schools must be approved to teach the Classroom Pre-licensing Course by DMV’s Bureau of Driver Training Programs (DTP). DTP also maintains the course curriculum and related forms. 

To be approved, the driving school must

• be licensed as a driving school by DMV (see also Open a Driving School)
• have a certified instructor with a classroom endorsement (see also Become a Driving School Instructor)
• have a classroom that meets DMV requirements [see also Request for Premises Check (PDF) (MV-279)]. For instance, the classroom must
  • be at least 150 square feet, and free from audible and visual distractions
  • be clean, comfortable, and easily accessible to students with disabilities
  • have adequate seating for each student with adequate heating, ventilation, and lighting, and rest room facilities that are easily accessible
  • have appropriate chalkboard, flipcharts, and audio/visual equipment

The certified instructor must

• be employed by a licensed driving school
• have at least one year experience as a behind-the-wheel instructor
• have successfully completed both the 30-hour Basic Course (titled The Methods and Content for In-car Instruction or MCCII) and the Teaching Techniques and Methodology Course

For additional information, contact DTP.

A high school, college or BOCES that wants to be approved to teach the Classroom Pre-licensing Course must have a State Education Department certified Driver Education Instructor who has a valid Driver Education Instructor Certificate (MV-283).

You must submit an Authorization and Approval for Pre-Licensing Course for Secondary Schools and Colleges (PDF) (MV-278.7) to the Utica Processing Center to request approval.