Driver's Education
The goal of Caldwell County Schools is to provide a quality driver education program to all students in a safe and timely manner. Caldwell County Schools has contracted with FK Chestnut Driving Academy to provide driver's education services for students.
Things Parents, Guardians, and Students Should Know About Driver Education:
- North Carolina law requires students to complete 30 hours of classroom coursework and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving.
- Students must be at least 14½ years old and enrolled in a public, private, or homeschool program to register for driver's education.
- Before a student who meets the age and enrollment requirements may register for Driver’s Education classroom work, a $65 Driver’s Education fee must be paid online using the Caldwell County Schools Online School Payments system.
- Homeschooled students must pay for Driver’s Education at a Caldwell County Schools high school.
- Fees are non-refundable, so families are encouraged to carefully consider which class they register for. Jobs, extracurricular activities, vacations, and other commitments may create scheduling conflicts that impede a student's ability to attend or complete course requirements. If a student is unable to complete the course due to attendance, behavior, or performance, an additional fee will be required before the student can register for another session.
- Families experiencing economic hardship may apply for a fee waiver at their school. A parent or legal guardian should contact the school principal or school social worker to complete a fee waiver request. Written documentation must be submitted along with the request.
- After Driver’s Education fees are paid, students may register for a course using the Chestnut Driving Academy website. Please note that the Chestnut Driving Academy website is not managed by Caldwell County Schools. For questions, call 828-850-0910.
- Registration for the driver education course opens four weeks before the first day of class.