Driving Programs

The SUNY Erie Driver Education Program is a comprehensive program with students responsible for participating in 24 hours of driving (supervised and assessed by parent/legal guardian) and 24 hours of lectures.

The college will not provide any in-car training. Driving sessions will be conducted and assessed by parent/guardian.

Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Admission is based on receipt of all of the following items: the registration, clear copy of permit, payment and signed consent form, plus availability of space. You will receive a confirmation email if/when accepted into the program.

Fee: $412

Please note: If you cancel class within one week of the start date, there will be a $75.00 cancellation fee. Once class has started there are no refunds. 

Successful completion of the course will qualify the student for the DMV Certificate of Completion (MV-285) which will satisfy NY State mandated requirements for new drivers; auto insurance reduction; ability for licensed drivers to drive past 9 PM upon turning 17.

The certificate of completion will be mailed out to students three to five weeks after the course ends. Students successfully completing the program will also be issued a one-year complimentary AAA basic membership. A copy of the certificate will be provided for insurance purposes (if applicable.) Please note there is a $25 replacement fee if the certificate needs to be replaced.

Minimum 17 students, maximum 36 students: classes may become full before the above dates. Early registration and submission of all required documentation will ensure your spot in class.

Attendance and Fee Policy:

Please read carefully:

All students must attend 24 hours of lecture and 24 hours of supervised driving (to equal a minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel training, + minimum 18 hours of observation of a licensed driver. 

A passing grade on the written exam is required to successfully complete the course.

1. Failure to meet these requirements will result in course failure and denial of your MV-285 (Completion Certificate).
2. To ensure you receive credit for classes, the instructor must verify that you attended for each class. Students are expected to actively participate.  Students that fail to participate or are distracted (phone use, talking, non-responsive to instructor) will be removed from the session at the instructor’s discretion. Parent and student will have to submit signed form for each driving lab. If the office does not receive, the student will not receive credit.
3. Makeup class fees must be paid by PayPal. Fees are $32.00 for one session and $64.00 for two sessions.
4. Only two lecture absences are permitted. All absences must be made up. 
5. A student with three absences will be removed from the program. No refunds will be given once your session begins
6. Parents or guardians are responsible for conducting all 16 one- and one-half hour sessions of the driving portion. Behind the wheel assessment forms will be provided. SUNY Erie is not liable for any accidents that may occur under parent/guardian supervision. 
7. Car lessons can be conducted in segments amiable to the parent and child. i.e., the one and ½ hour sessions could be done in an hour one time and then another half hour. Behind-the-wheel assessments must be submitted as directed by the instructor.
   
   

Consent to Participate form

Back to top

This defensive driving course is voluntary and is open to the public and local businesses. Benefits include a 10 percent reduction on liability and collision insurance and four points off the driving record. 

Registration for the program should be received one week prior to the start date for the class. To receive credit for the class, you must be present for the entire class time. For closings due to weather or emergency, call 851-1111. Closings are also announced on the radio and television.

FEE: $44.00 FOR AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA MEMBERS (AAA) AND $50.00 FOR NON-MEMBERS.

Back to top

To receive a conditional license in New York State, following a conviction for DWI/DWAI, motorists must be registered with an Impaired Driver Program (IDP). This 16-hour program is only available through a referral from the New York State DMV or as a condition of discharge from a court. The Impaired Driver Program is part of New York's effort to reduce both the personal and property losses caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Registration is done in person at your local NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Office. You can register after a conviction in New York. Normally you would receive a letter within ten days of a conviction with specific information on registering. Contact the Erie County Auto Bureau at (716) 858-7450.

The cost of the program is $234 and you may pay by certified check, money order, or online. You can arrange a fee payment plan through SUNY Erie’s Main office. You do need to be paid in full by the start of the sixth class. SUNY Erie also offers the option to pay online with a credit card.

Classes are held evenings and Saturdays at Erie Community College South Campus, 4041 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127 and at Erie Community College, North Campus, 6205 Main Street (Main and Youngs Rd), Williamsville, NY 14221.

Students attend once a week for seven consecutive weeks, for a total of sixteen classroom hours. The first and second sessions are two hours. Sessions three through six are 2.5 hours. The last session is two hours in length. If you miss a class, you need to call the main office to arrange for a makeup class or to start a new set of classes.

Classes are taught by Erie Community College employed assistant part-time professors who are certified by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, and the Prevention Research Institute. All instructors have advanced degrees and participate in yearly in-service training.

The Erie County Auto Bureau or New York State Department of Motor Vehicles determine when your license can be returned. Failing to finish all classes will result in a notice being sent to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in Albany and within 2-4 weeks you will receive a revocation notice. You must turn in your license and the original revocation or suspension period will be reinstated.

Back to top

A court may refer a motorist with a traffic ticket for speeding or other moving violation to this three-hour course. This course offers the benefit of a reduction of a moving violation to a non-moving violation. The course discusses defensive driving techniques, as well as updates class participants on New York State laws. Western New York courts use our driving school to help the traffic violator improve his/her attitude toward driving.

Back to top

iDrive Traffic School is a three-hour dynamic course specifically tailored to 16-25 year old traffic violators. The design of the course is to engage and motivate participants to be responsible, caring and knowledgeable drivers.


Back to top

The Risk Intervention Program is a unique four-week traffic safety course for persistent or severe violators. This court referral program also reduces the fine and/or charge for the driver when the program is completed.


Back to top