Driver's Education

For questions please contact Pam Post, Driving Program Supervisor, at 410-554-9223 or by email at PamJ.Post@maryland.gov.

Driver's Education

Program Description

This Driver’s Education class is designed for all DORS consumers ​not on the Autism Spectrum.

This Driver’s Education class, offered at WTC, will use the same 30-hour, MVA-approved Driver’s Education Curriculum that the commercial driving schools use. This includes the 6-hour Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training, which can be scheduled after successful completion of the 30-hour class. Students can attend the 30-hour class with or without a Learner's Permit; however, a Learner’s Permit is needed in order to complete the 6-hour BTW training.

WTC provides two to three additional class sessions compared to commercial driving schools. These additional sessions allow the instructor and students more time to present and understand the material and also to repeat quizzes and tests as necessary.

This Driver's Education class will offered, at minimum, on a quarterly basis:

• January
• April
• July
• October

Program Requirements

Each consumer referred to WTC for the 30-hour Driver’s Education class will need to have a Clinical Pre-Driving and Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) assessment. These assessments take place before entrance into the classroom. These assessments are required on the consumer’s IPE if the consumer is in “Service” status.

After successful completion of the 30-hour class, students who do not already have their Learner’s Permit will need to go to the MVA to take the Written Law Test and get their Permit. A student is required to have their Learner’s Permit prior to doing the 6-hour BTW portion of their driver’s education course.

Referral Requirements

1. Complete the Determination & Justification for Driving Assessment (RS-6x) form with consumer, in person, and attach it to AWARE™. The completion of the Determination & Justification for Driving Assessment (RS-6x) form will help determine if the consumer will require adaptations in order to drive.
2. Administrative approval via the completion of the Administrative Approval (RS-9h) form is required if adaptations will be required for driving.

Authorization Requirements

If the consumer does not require adaptations in order to drive, the DORS Counselor may draft a WTC Service Authorization for the following items:

1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
   Subcategory: Non-Adapted Vehicle: Clinical Pre-Driving
2. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
   Subcategory: Non-Adapted Driving: BTW Assessment
3. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Subcategory: Driver Education
4. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Subcategory: Driver Education-BTW

If the individual requires adaptations in order to drive, Central Office will need to draft a WTC Service Authorization for the following items:

1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment for Potential Modifications
   Subcategory: Assessment-Clinical Pre-Driving—Adaptive Vehicle
2. Category: WTC RTS Assessment for Potential Modifications
   Subcategory: BTW Adaptive Driving Assessment- Car or Van
3. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Subcategory: Driver Education
4. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Subcategory: Driver Education-BTW

IPE Requirements and Costs

For consumers who do not require adaptations in order to drive, add the following to the IPE:

1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
   Description: Non-Adapted Vehicle: Clinical Pre-Driving: $168/hour x 2 hour = $336
2. Category: WTC RTS Assessment
   Description: Non-Adapted Driving: BTW Assessment: $180/hour x 4 hours = $720
3. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Description: Driver Education: $350
4. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Description: Driver Education- BTW: Included with Driver Education above

If the individual requires adaptations in order to drive, add the following to the IPE:

1. Category: WTC RTS Assessment for Potential Modifications
   Description: Assessment-Clinical Pre-Driving—Adaptive Vehicle: $168/hour x 2 hours = $336
2. Category: WTC RTS Assessment for Potential Modifications
   Description: BTW Adaptive Driving Assessment-Car: $180/hour x 4 hours = $720
   or BTW Adaptive Driving Assessment-Van: $200/hour x 4 hours = $800
3. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Description: Driver Education: $350
4. Category: WTC RTS Training
   Description: Driver Education-BTW: Included with Driver Education above

Additional Information

When making a referral, adapted or non-adapted, please complete all forms required as outlined in RSM 2, Attachment 1600-1, Adapted Driving and Vehicle Modification Procedures.

Driving Services Handout

See also:

Driver's Education – Autism