Driver Education and Training Credential
Enrollment in Orientation and an application with $50 non-refundable fee are required. State application and filing fees are due to the Credentials Office at the time of processing the Credential.
Credentials Office
(951) 827-1654
credentials@ucx.ucr.edu
Driver Education and Training Credential
HYBRID PROGRAM
Become an approved driver education and training instructor through this credential program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The program leads to the Designated Subjects Special Subjects Credential in Driver Education and Training.
Topics covered in the credential program include:
- Understanding California C.A.S.E. procedures
- Safety and risk factors involved in avoiding hazardous driving behaviors
- Current laws, regulations and practices in driver education and training
- Strategies for teaching a driver education and training program
- Ways to make simulation effective
- Behind-the-wheel teaching strategies
- Ways to design, implement and evaluate driver education and training programs
- Current research findings on traffic safety
- Budgeting, financial analysis, equipment and insurance needs for the program
Who Can Benefit?
This program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and would like to become a credentialed driver education and training instructor.
Course Schedule
| Required Courses (18 units) | Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation: Driver Education/Subject Matter | 0.0 | ||||
| Driver Choice and Responsibility | 4.0 | ||||
| Safety and Risk Factors in Driver Education and Training | 4.0 | ||||
| Driver Skills and Abilities | 4.0 | ||||
| Pedagogical/Organizational Considerations in Driver Education and Training | 2.0 | ||||
| Behind the Wheel Competencies | 4.0 | ||||
| Elective Courses (3 units) | Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
| U.S. Constitution Examination | 0.0 |  | |||
| Implementation of Health Instruction Framework for California Schools | 2.0 | | | | |
| CPR and Basic First Aid | 1.0 | |
Completion Information
Completion Requirements
Applicants seeking a Driver Education and Training credential are required to attend the Driver Education Orientation (EDUC 813) and complete 18 units of Driver Education and Training coursework.
The Designated Subjects Special Subjects Driver Education and Training Credential is offered as a full-time option only. Upon completion of the credential coursework, students are issued a five-year Preliminary Credential. Requirements for the Clear credential include specified coursework and teaching experience completed within the five-year validity period of the Preliminary Credential.
Completion Time
The program can typically be completed within one year, however it must be completed with five years.
Cost
The cost for the program is approximately $3,600. This does not include textbooks or materials unless otherwise noted. Certain courses may be waived or substituted, which may reduce the program cost. Please contact the Student Affairs Officer for specific information.
Prerequisites
Applicants for the five-year Preliminary Credential must:
- Possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university verified by official transcript.
- Possess a valid California driver's license and a clear driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Complete a two-semester (or three-quarter) unit course in the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution or passage of an examination in the subject given by a regionally accredited college or university.
- Verify passage of a CTC-approved basic skills proficiency exam, or its equivalent.
- Have verification by the ESD or LEA of the requirements for the clear credential through an orientation to the program.
- Complete 180 clock hours or 18 quarter units in a CTC-approved program in driver education and training.
Applicants for the Clear Special Subjects Education and Training Credential must:
- Possess a valid Preliminary Special Subjects Driver Education and Training Teaching Credential.
- Obtain verification by the ESD of two years of successful teaching experience as authorized by the Preliminary Credential defined as follows:
- Teaching a minimum of one course in each of four semesters within the five-year period of validity of the Preliminary Credential
- The renewal of an employment contract or other employment agreement with one ESD for a minimum of three of the four semesters
- Obtain verification by an LEA that the applicant has completed nine semester units, or 135 clock hours, in a commission-accredited program of personalized preparation
- Complete a course in health education, including, but not limited to: nutrition; the physiological and sociological effects of alcohol, narcotics and drug abuse; and the use of tobacco.
- Complete training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, which covers infant, child and adult skills.
Instructors
Instructor Opportunities
Interested in becoming an instructor at UCR Extension? Find out how.
Additional Information
Textbook Information
If a textbook is required, information is provided in the course listing when scheduled, on the confirmation you receive after enrolling, or by e-mail for an online class.
Delivery Method
Classes are offered in a hybrid format, combining face-to-face instruction with online discussion, quizzes and other activities. The proportion of face-to-face to online meetings varies from class to class. To learn more about online courses at UCR Extension, visit our Online Course Information page.
Face-to-face classes are offered in two locations:
- UCR Extension
- San Joaquin County Office of Education, Stockton
