​CSPG 38 - Safety/Driver Education (7-12)

​Instructional Area Code 5215
Modified: March 30, 2023

Safety/Driver Education is an instructional program that describes the theories, methods, and techniques involved in teaching driver and safety education.

Grade Level Scope of Certificate

A person holding a valid Pennsylvania certificate for Safety/Driver Education is qualified to teach Safety/Driver Education courses in grades 7 through 12.  A person holding this certificate is also qualified to teach this content in the sixth (6^th) grade. (See CSPG #104).

Certification Assignment

The certified Safety/Driver Education instructor may plan, direct, and conduct classroom theory and behind-the-wheel instruction at the secondary level.

Certification Clarifications

The following certificates continue to qualify an individual to serve as a Safety/Driver Education teacher within the grade scope of the certificate:

• Driver Ed – Safe Living
• Driver Education
• Highway Safety
• General Safety Education

A licensed Private Driver teacher or director is not required to hold an instructional certificate to provide classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction provided that the employing school district has posted the vacant position for a minimum of ten days on the publicly available website and no qualified, certified candidate is available. 

A Behind the Wheel Driver Aide [pursuant to §1519(b) of the Public School Code] may teach behind-the-wheel instruction under the supervision of a certified Safety/Driver Education teacher

Special Considerations

An educator certified in Safety/Driver Education may:

• provide professional development regarding their collegial studies;
• serve in the role of mentor advisor; and
• assist students in understanding how to read content area materials.

Restrictions

An educator holding a Pennsylvania certificate for Safety/Driver Education certificate is not certified to operate a private driver training school (PDTS) or teach a CDL program unless licensed to do so.

References

Program Specific Standards and Guidelines for Certification

Enhanced Driver Education Program Guide, February, 2003

22 PA Code: Chapter 4: §4.22(c)(7), §4.23(c)(8), §4.31(f), §4.33(c)

Chapter 49 §49.11, §49.81

PA Public School Code: §1202, §1209, §1212, §1519, §1604

Act 605

This revision supersedes all earlier CSPGs carrying this number and/or addressing this subject. Previous printing dates on this subject: 10/76, 1/87, 7/04

Summary of Changes