West Islip Union Free School District

Driver Education is a valuable experience. West Islip High School offers a New York State approved and regulated Driver Education course in the Summer (July), Fall (September-January), and Spring (February-June). Students are taught in the classroom and behind the wheel by New York State approved Driver Education instructors. New York State mandates that each student complete 24 hours of classroom lecture training, and 24 hours of in-car training, which consists of 6 hours behind-the-wheel and 18 hours of observation as a passenger. Approximately one month after the successful completion of the Driver Education course, students will be mailed a Certificate of Completion (MV-285) which allows them to receive a senior driver license at the age of 17 (without Driver Education, a senior license will not be issued until 18 years old). 

If a student who registers cannot be accommodated because classes are filled, all monies will be returned or refunded.

If a student withdraws during the first week of class, a 75% refund will be granted. Please note: checks will be deposited after class rosters are created (within two weeks of registration).

All driving classes meet in the upper parking lot, outside the Fitness Center at West Islip High School (Fall and Spring). 

Lecture classes meet at West Islip High School.

A notebook, pen, and your New York State Learner’s Permit.

If you have a question regarding Driver Education, please visit the New York State DMV Homepage for the most up-to-date requirements. If you have a general question regarding the NYS DMV Driver Education program offered at West Islip HS, please e-mail the Coordinator, Mr. Tim Horan at t.horan@wi.k12.ny.us.  For questions regarding program registration, contact Registration Coordinator Lorraine l.kolar@wi.k12.ny.us .  Both coordinators are available Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-3:00pm. 

Per New York State DMV, a student must attend ALL 48 hours of the program in order to receive the “Student Certificate of Completion” (MV 285). The NYS certified instructor is forbidden by NYS law from issuing the MV-285 to anyone who has not met the minimum attendance requirements. Students must make arrangements to attend all classes.  It is the student's responsibility to make sure absences will NOT occur. Parental notes/student conflicts DO NOT excuse absences from NYS DMV DE classes.  A Certificate of Completion will NOT be issued to ANY student in the event of missed classes.  

The Driver Education Program is completed AFTER the LAST day of class is completed (please check the session dates on the original registration form).  Students who successfully complete the program with a passing grade of “65” or better in both classroom and laboratory instruction will receive a “Student Certificate of Completion” (MV-285) issued by New York State DMV.  Receiving a certificate is contingent upon receiving a passing grade for the course, which includes attendance, completion of classwork, driving assessments, participation, and attitude in both the lecture classroom and driving car.  The MV-285 certificate will be mailed to the address listed on the student's NYS Learners Permit approximately two-four weeks after the session has ended. 

The MV-285 is a numbered form, and the student must provide the form number to the Department of Motor Vehicles when registering for a road test.  When scheduling a road test, please choose a date that is AT LEAST ONE MONTH AFTER THE LAST DRIVER EDUCATION CLASS to ensure the Certificate of Completion is received.  At the bottom of the form is a perforated section.  Please keep the bottom section to submit to your insurance company for a possible discount on insurance premiums. Please note the MV-285 certificate is valid for two years from the original date it is issued and is mailed to the address on the students permit/junior license. If any address changes take place, please notify the DE office ASAP.

It is important to keep the MV-285 certificate in a safe place until needed for scheduling a road test. The certificates are signed by a school district administrator and the certificate numbers are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Acquiring a duplicate MV-285 certificate requires preparation of another certificate and re-registration to NYS DMV.  Therefore, if a certificate needs to be replaced, it must be ordered from DMV, which is a lengthy process and could take up to one month to process.

NO. Please schedule your road test online at the New York State DMV Homepage. 

Please check for the road test requirements online at the New York State DMV Homepage. 

The REMIND APP will be used to notify students and parents of important Driver Education updates and class cancellations. Both students and parents are encouraged to join the class REMIND APP. Please note that if school is cancelled, Driver Education lectures could be cancelled.