Driver Education
Winter 2026 Driver Education
Residents of the Orchard Park Central School District have priority to participate in the driver education program. Registration dates and times are listed below. If there are remaining spots after OPCSD students have had the opportunity to register, non-district students will be invited to participate by clicking on the link that will be available on this page beginning Monday, December 15, 2025. If you have questions, please contact our Community Education office at (716) 209-6295.
Participants must attend all scheduled theory and driving classes to acquire the minimum number of hours established by New York State. There are no make-up sessions. If a student cannot meet all classes, they should not sign up for the program. Students will be given a calendar with their complete schedule at registration. This schedule is subject to change; therefore, the final schedule for a student is determined by the instructor. You must be flexible.
The winter session will begin on approximately January 26, 2026, and will run through approximately the end of April/early May (depending on the instructor and the weather). We have two instructors, and their schedules do vary somewhat. Lectures will meet for an hour and a half weekdays after school (times and days depending on the instructor), for 16 lectures. Students will drive 2-3 times per week for an hour and a half, totaling 16 drives in a time slot selected at registration (based on availability). The calendar received at registration will list all lecture and drive times.
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Certificate of Completion (MV-285, a.k.a. “The Blue Card”). This certificate allows students to schedule road test appointments with the Department of Motor Vehicles and apply to change their junior license to a full license at the age of 17. Also included is the “Eligibility for Reduction of Insurance Premium” certificate, which may be presented to the student’s insurance company. Please check with your individual carrier in regard to the discount that may be given.
The 5-Hour Prelicensing Certificate (MV-278) is also included in the Driver Education program, and will be given to students upon request once the content of the pre-licensing program has been covered in the classroom and the student successfully passes the test.
The MV-278 can also be used to schedule a road test with the Department of Motor Vehicles before completion of the full Driver Education course.