SYLLABUS
Welcome to a fun year of learning. My name is Mr. Muralles; I am here to help in your path to obtaining a driver's license.
Contact Information: drivedatacademy@gmail.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course includes driver education topics. The goal of the class is to develop proficiency with driving knowledge and skills, expand understanding of driving responsibilities, improve logical thinking, and promote success in testing to pass OMV written examination.
Class Materials: A smart phone, Lap top, I-Pad, or any other electrical device with Wi-Fi access is needed for test taking.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: upon completion of the 38 Hour Course, the student will be able to understand:
Course Introduction. Minimum of 30 minutes (instructional objective to orient students to the class):
a. purpose and benefit of the course;
b. requirements for receiving course credit;
c. student course evaluation procedures.
The Traffic Safety Problem. Minimum of 90 minutes (instructional objective to develop an understanding of the nature of the traffic safety problem and to instill in each student a sense of responsibility for its solution):
a. identification of the overall traffic problem in the United States and Louisiana as well as the local law enforcement officials having jurisdiction where the course is being taught;
b. death, injuries and economic loss resulting from motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana; and
c. five leading causes of motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana as identified by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
Driving in the Highway Transportation System. Minimum of 90 minutes (instructional objective understanding highway traffic systems and the driver's responsibilities):
a. understanding the highway transportation system people, vehicles, roads;
b. keeping the highway traffic systems efficient engineering, education, enforcement;
c. responsibilities of drivers¯physical condition, driver's license, financial responsibility, safe vehicle.
Getting under Way. Minimum of 90 minutes (instructional objective locating and identifying the location, purpose and operation of each indicator, gauge and control, thereby operating safely and conserving fuel):
a. the view from behind the wheel, learning the controls instrument panel, indicators, gauges, controls, lights, other signals;
b. controls for safety safety belts, passive restraints, head restraints and rear view mirrors;
c. getting ready to drive, adjusting seat and mirrors, starting the engine.
Basic Driving Maneuvers. Minimum of 90 minutes (instructional objective defensive driving):
a. steering;
b. accelerating;
c. braking;
d. changing lanes;
e. turning;
f. backing;
g. changing direction;
h. parking;
i. passing; and
j. railroad crossings.
Traffic Laws for Safety. Minimum of 120 minutes (instructional objective familiarization with traffic and vehicle laws and to influence drivers to comply with laws on a voluntary basis):
a. basic driving rules;
b. right-of-way rules;
c. speed laws;
d. traffic signs and signals;
e. pavement markings;
f. highway markings; and
g. special safety laws DWI, implied consent, post-collision procedures.
Natural Laws and Driving. Minimum of 120 minutes (instructional objective learning about forces that act on your vehicle and predicting how vehicle will respond): Louisiana Administrative Code July 2010 Title 55, Part III
a. understanding the natural laws gravity, center of gravity, friction, energy of motion, centrifugal force, hydroplaning;
b. stopping distance perception time and distance, reaction time and distance, braking distance; and
c. force of impact factors affecting force of impact, energy-absorbing features in cars, passenger restraint.
A Strategy for Driving. Minimum of 120 minutes (instructional objective identifying hazards, considering choices and taking action):
a. understanding the IPDE process identifying problem, predicting outcome, deciding action, executing decision;
b. using the IPDE process avoiding, separating and handling hazards, managing time, speed and space, following and stopping distance; and
c. trouble spots limiting use of IPDE process limited visibility, traction, space.
Driving in City Traffic. Minimum of 120 minutes (instructional objective identifying and handling city driving hazards):
a. characteristics of city driving congestion, reduced speed, cross traffic;
b. using IPDE in city driving incoming traffic, following traffic, tailgaters, intersections, multi-lane roads, one way streets; and
c. right of way situations pedestrians, emergency vehicles, school buses.
Driving on Highways. Minimum of 120 minutes (instructional objective adjusting driving to a variety of traffic patterns, speeds and road conditions):
a. characteristics of highway driving less congestion, increased speeds, road conditions;
b. using IPDE on the highway junctions, bridges, railroad crossings, hills and mountain roads;
c. driving on the expressways minimum/maximum speeds, entering and exiting expressway, opposing or cross traffic;
d. driving to conserve fuel.
Sharing the Road with Other Users. Minimum of 90 minutes (instructional objective¯learning special characteristics and needs of other highway users and what to do to avoid conflicts with them):
a. pedestrians, animals, bicycles;
b. motorcycles and mopeds; and
c. other vehicles large trucks, recreational vehicles;
Road Hazards and Vehicle Failures. Minimum of 120 minutes (instructional objective¯identifying hazard(s), then acting to avoid them):
a. potential problems visibility, traction;
b. other emergencies controlling vehicle, swerving, skids, collisions, counterskids; and
c. vehicle equipment failures tires, brakes, accelerator, steering, engine, lights.
Driver Fitness and Highway Safety. Minimum of 90 minutes (instructional objective¯ability to identify, predict, decide and execute driving maneuvers based on physical and mental condition):
a. physical condition age, fatigue, coordination, vision, disabilities, hearing; and
b. mental condition alertness, awareness, emotions.
Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving. Minimum of 90 minutes (instructional objective¯to identify effects of alcohol and other drugs relating to driving ability):
a. drug use and abuse dangers, cautions, effects;
b. alcohol and the driver effects;
c. responsibilities as a driver, passenger, host, person;
d. possessing, obtaining or using a fraudulent driver's license, identification card; and
e. legal aspects.
Owning a Motor Vehicle. Minimum of 90 minutes (instructional objective¯ability to pay for, register, purchase fuel and maintain upkeep on vehicle):
a. deciding to buy;
b. titling and registering vehicle;
c. insuring a motor vehicle; and Louisiana Administrative Code July 2010 Title 55, Part III
d. planning a trip preparing vehicle and yourself.
Maintaining Your Vehicle. Minimum of 90 minutes (instructional objective¯a well maintained vehicle is safer to drive):
a. vehicle inspection;
b. preventive maintenance brakes, tires, steering/suspension, under the hood; and
c. fuel economy vehicle choice and maintenance, driving habits.
Comprehensive Summation of Unit(s)/Unit Test(s) and Final Examination. Minimum total of 240 minutes being dedicated throughout the 30-hour training course specifically for summation of unit(s)/unit test(s) and final examination.
TEXT AND RESOURCES REQUIRED:
Louisiana Driver's Guide Classes "D" and "E" Manual
Because we want to make sure the students are being held accountable for the reading assignments. The students must obtain a copy of the book before the end of class. They can download the PDF on a personal electronic device.
POLICY
Classroom Behavior
Respect others (administrators, secretaries, teachers, custodians, and fellow students) and you will be respected.
Disruptive behavior in the classroom that might prevent you or your classmates from learning will not be tolerated.
Verbal and/or physical abuse directed to any employee of Drive Dat Academy can result in suspension from the class.
Don't argue with teachers; follow classroom directions, complete class assignments.
Never refuse to respond to the instructions of a teacher.
Never put your hands on a teacher or a student in jest or anger.
Never use obscenity or profanity.
Be prepared to work with the proper equipment, i.e., paper, pencil, books, etc.
Food and drink are not permitted in classrooms.
No P.D.A. (Public Display of Affection)
No Hugging or Kissing is allowed on campus.
No use of mobile devices during lectures or instructional videos.
Discipline:
1st incident Verbal Warning to student
2nd Call Parent and and an essay assigned describing why student chose to do the behavior.
3rd Lunch Detention and an essay describing why student chose to do behavior again.
4th Removal from the participation of the classroom.
Sleeping in Class
1st Offense- Warning
2nd Offense-Warning/Call home and student will stand in the back of the class
3rd Offense – Call Parent and and an essay assigned describing why student chose to do the behavior.
4th Offense – Removal from the participation of the classroom.
Tardiness to Class (5 minutes or less)
1st Offense- Warning tardiness documented
2nd Offense – Call home and essay (explaining why you were tardy and how tardiness can affect you in your process to obtain your driver's license.)
3rd Offense – Call Parent and and an essay aasigned describing why student chose to do the behavior.
I will furnish each student with a copy of this syllabus; my classroom rules and the discipline procedure are posted in the website and will be reviewed with the students. If a parent has a question about a grading policy or classroom procedure, they should make an appointment with me by contacting me through my email. My doors are opened any time to parents as well as students.
Sample types of assessment: Observation and observation assessment (homework and class work assignments), open ended questions, student writing assignments, student binder, tests, quizzes, and exams.
Sample type of teaching and learning strategies: Classroom discussion, Technology based work, and writing activities.
* In order to pass the class the student must pass the classroom and the driving part with an average of 80% in the classroom and 70% in 8 hours of driving.
* 10% will be deducted from the final grade if the student does not turn in student enrollment contract or temporary instruction permit. If student has lost the paper work. Copies of these documents can be obtained from the Driving Class Documents section of the website. (As a new driver. One must be responsible with the paper work of driving.)
