The purpose of this chapter is to establish requirements, procedures, and standards to administer the driver education program under Transportation Article, §16-505, Annotated Code of Maryland. The regulations in this chapter establish: The requirements and procedures for the certification of: A business entity, organization, institution, or individual to provide the driver education program required to obtain a noncommercial driver's license; and Instructors to teach the driver education program; and Standards for monitoring certified schools and instructors to: Ensure the quality, content, and availability of the driver education program; and Evaluate the effectiveness of the driver education program. This chapter applies to the Administration's certification and monitoring of certified schools and instructors that provide the driver education program an individual is required to complete to obtain a noncommercial driver's license. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Administration” means the Motor Vehicle Administration. “Apprentice instructor” means an individual authorized by the Administration to give instruction in the driver education program courses under the supervision and mentoring of an experienced certified driver education instructor. “Day” means calendar day. “Driver education course” has the meaning stated in Transportation Article, §16-501, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Driver education instructor” or “certified instructor” has the meaning stated in Transportation Article, §16-501, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Driver education program” or “program” has the meaning stated in Transportation Article, §16-501, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Driver education school” or “certified school” has the meaning stated in Transportation Article, §16-501, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Instructor certification courses” means the training courses approved by the Administration that an individual is required to complete to obtain certification by the Administration to teach the driver education program. “Instructor trainer” means an individual trained and approved by the Administration to conduct the approved instructor certification courses. “Program completion certification” or “driver education program completion certification” means the documentation or electronic information submitted by a certified school to the Administration that verifies an individual has successfully completed the driver education program. “Reportable medical condition” means any medical disorder set forth in COMAR 11.17.03.02-1 that an applicant for a driver's license, if diagnosed as having, is required to report to the Administration. “School” means a business entity, organization, institution, or individual authorized to provide the driver education program, whether or not the program or courses are conducted for profit. “School certification” means the approval issued by the Administration that authorizes a drivers' school to conduct the driver education program required to obtain a noncommercial driver's license. “Student” means an individual enrolled in a driver education program. “Supervision” means the act of mentoring by an experienced instructor to oversee and provide guidance to an inexperienced instructor. “Training vehicle” means a passenger vehicle used to teach the behind-the-wheel instruction of the driver education program. A school certification issued by the Administration authorizes a school to offer the driver education program. A school shall receive certification from the Administration before offering the driver education program. The Administration may certify the following business entities, organizations, institutions, or individuals as schools to provide the driver education program: Licensed drivers' schools; Public and private school systems; Community colleges; Colleges and universities; and Organizations that provide instruction for students with special needs. A school certification may not be transferred, sold, or assigned without written approval from the Administration. Assignment of all or substantially all of the school's assets, or any assignment of interest in the stock or shares of the business, that results in a transfer of control of that business, shall be considered an assignment. An applicant for an initial school certification: Shall be 21 years old or older; Shall be licensed as a drivers' school under Transportation Article, Title 15, Subtitle 7, Annotated Code of Maryland, and be in compliance with all the laws, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to the drivers' school license; May not have any pending charges or criminal convictions for: Fraud; A crime of moral turpitude; A sex offense; Contributing to the delinquency of a minor; or An offense within the last 5 years involving: A controlled dangerous substance; Alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle; or A felony while operating a motor vehicle; May not have any outstanding complaints or pending charges for alleged violations that, if proven, would constitute grounds to refuse, suspend, or revoke the school's: Certification under Transportation Article, §16-506, Annotated Code of Maryland; or License under Transportation Article, §15-109, Annotated Code of Maryland; Shall have a valid federal and State tax identification number; May not have any unresolved past due tax or other financial obligation due to Maryland; and Shall be in compliance with all the State and local requirements to be licensed and authorized to do business in Maryland. If an applicant for a school certification is a partnership, corporation, or education institution, each individual responsible for the operation of the program shall meet the qualifications and requirements set forth in this regulation. A business entity, organization, institution, or individual shall submit an application to the Administration requesting certification as a driver education school. The application shall be signed by the authorized representative of the business entity, organization, or institution requesting the certification. The application shall be completed, in its entirety, and be accompanied by: Documentation acceptable to the Administration that: The applicant has at least one business office located in Maryland with posted business hours; and The business office used by the applicant to conduct business and all classrooms used for instruction or to administer tests meet all State and local building, zoning, fire and safety regulations, codes, and standards for use as a driver education school business office or classroom or other applicable zoning classification, including a certificate in the current business owner's name, identifying the maximum occupant capacity for all business offices used to conduct business and all classrooms used for instruction or to administer tests; Documentation acceptable to the Administration that the applicant has: Workers' Compensation and Unemployment insurance for all school employees; General liability insurance covering all business offices and classroom sites for the protection of individuals using the premises and equipment during the program instruction; and A surety bond in the amount set forth in Transportation Article, §15-705, Annotated Code of Maryland; A description of the course schedule for classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction; The applicant's written policy detailing a proposed payment or assistance plan for students with verifiable financial hardships to participate in the program courses; A list of the instructors who are to be employed to teach the scheduled courses; A list of the designated individuals to be authorized by the Administration to transmit program completion certification information to the Administration; A list of training vehicles to be used by the certified school for instruction to include for each vehicle: The year, make, registration plate number, and vehicle identification number; Except for a new vehicle titled in the past year from a manufacturer's certificate of origin, a copy of the certificate of inspection issued within the last 3 months by a Maryland authorized inspection station; and A copy of the insurance certificate showing evidence of current required motor vehicle liability insurance; and A statement certifying under penalty of perjury whether the applicant has ever had a drivers' school license or school certification revoked in Maryland or any other State. A school certification may only be issued by the Administration if all requirements have been met and the applicant has completed the orientation conducted by the Administration. A certified school owner and each individual responsible for the operation of the program may not have pending charges or criminal convictions for: Fraud in the operation of providing instruction; A crime of moral turpitude; A sex offense; Contributing to the delinquency of a minor; An offense involving a controlled dangerous substance; An offense involving alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle; or A felony involving the use of a motor vehicle. A certified school shall: Display the school's certification in a conspicuous place in the business office; Only use school training vehicles approved by the Administration; Only use curricula, instructional materials, quizzes, tests, and forms approved by the Administration; Conduct an Administration-approved parent orientation at the start of each driver education program course; Make operation and student completion records available for inspection upon request by the Administration during the school's posted business hours; Comply with nondiscrimination requirements in providing services without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disabilities, or any other classification required under local, State, and federal laws and regulations; Comply with any decisions, direction, or findings made by a federal or State agency as the result of any complaint filed with these agencies asserting a violation of any local, State, or federal law; Issue a certified completion certificate, signed by the designated official of the certified school, through December 31, 2008, to students who successfully complete the program, unless authorized by the Administration to submit the completion information electronically; Effective January 1, 2009: Transmit student program completion information electronically to the Administration within 1 business day of the student's completion of the program; and Inform the student that the student's driving record will not be updated by the Administration for at least 3 business days after the student completes the program; Schedule additional or remedial sessions for students who need additional instruction; Comply with all State and local building, zoning, fire and safety regulations, codes, and standards for use as a driver education school business office or classroom, or other applicable zoning classification, including a posted certificate in the current business owner's name, identifying the maximum occupant capacity for all business offices used to conduct business and all classrooms used for instruction or to administer tests; Report, in writing, to the Administration within 5 business days any changes in the information supplied in the latest application or renewal form including changes in: Training vehicles; and Newly employed or terminated instructors; Provide not less than 8 hours notice to the student in the event of a cancellation or postponement of more than 2 hours of a scheduled behind-the-wheel or classroom instructional period; and Provide a prorated refund to a student who withdraws or transfers from the school. A certified school shall at all times maintain: An approved business office located in Maryland; Workers' Compensation insurance continuously in force for all school employees; General liability insurance continuously in force for the protection of individuals using the premises and equipment during the program; A surety bond continuously in force in the amount set forth in Transportation Article, §15-705, Annotated Code of Maryland; and A payment or assistance policy that will permit students with verifiable financial hardships to participate in the program courses. A certified school shall ensure that: All courses are taught in English unless authorization has been granted in writing by the Administration to teach in another language; Each class is conducted in only one language other than sign language, which may be used simultaneously or singularly; In courses taught in a spoken language other than English, that each student enrolled in that course can understand, speak, and read the alternate language; Only tests included in the approved program course curriculum are administered; Only certified instructors conduct the testing, evaluation, and teaching of students in classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction; Only authorized school employees correct and grade tests; Only instructors review the test results with a student; and The classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction is completed within 18 weeks unless a student requests an extension. A certified school may not: Publish, advertise, or otherwise suggest or imply that a driver's license is guaranteed or assured after completing the school's instruction; Use any publication or advertisement that is false, deceptive, or misleading; Endanger an employee, a student, or instructor; or Subcontract to another organization or individual to conduct any portion of the program, without prior approval from the Administration. At the time of student enrollment, the certified school shall require the student and if student is under 18 years of age the parent or guardian, to sign a rights and responsibilities form and return a copy of the signed form to the student that contains the following information: Classroom and testing locations, dates, and times; The certified school's established policy for: Course cancellations and postponements, that conform with §A(13) of this regulation; Course fees, payment methods, refund policy, and retest fees; Fees for remedial and additional instruction; Make-up policies; and How and when the behind-the-wheel instruction is scheduled; Payment or assistance policy that permit students with verified financial hardships to participate in the program courses; That the student driving record kept by the Administration will be updated within 3 business days after the student completes the program; That after presenting a complaint to the driving school, the student has a right to file a complaint against a certified school with the Administration, including the appropriate Administration official's contact information, on a violation of the responsibilities required by the schools as set forth in this form or dissatisfaction with the service provided by the school; and That if the student withdraws from a certified school course, the student shall be provided with a classroom student record and completion form and a behind-the-wheel student record and completion form listing the amount of instruction that has occurred which will be transferable to a new school and receive a prorated refund in accordance with §A(14) of this regulation. A certified school shall maintain for at least 3 years, in a secure location, in hard copy or electronic format, records and reports of all business activities for the program. These records and reports shall include: Instructor employment records; Training vehicle insurance, maintenance, inspection, and registration records; Surety bond certificates; Results of tests and evaluations administered to each student; Copies of each student's program completion forms; and Signed student rights and responsibilities forms provided in accordance with Regulation .08E of this chapter. The records and reports shall be made available for inspection by the Administration, during the school's posted business hours. If the records or reports of a school become lost, mutilated, or destroyed, the school shall notify the Administration immediately, in writing, and state the date and circumstances involving the loss, mutilation, or destruction. A school shall within 1 business day notify the Administration, in writing, of any vehicular crash that involves a training vehicle and results in a fatality. Effective January 1, 2010, a school shall submit an annual report to the Administration by January 31 for the previous calendar year. The report shall be submitted in the format required by the Administration and shall include: The number of applicants and students enrolled in the program; and The number of students participating in the program who: Were deaf and hard of hearing; Were 18 years old or older; Required additional or remedial training; Dropped out of the program before completion; or Transferred to another school. Effective January 1, 2009, a school shall submit a completion certification report electronically to the Administration for each student who successfully completes the program within 1 business day of the student's completion, in the format approved by the Administration. The completion certification report shall include the successful completion of the program, including both classroom and behind-the-wheel program instruction for each student. A certified school shall electronically submit corrected information to the Administration within 1 business day of the notification of any errors in the submission of a completion certification report. A certified school shall only: Employ instructors certified by the Administration to teach the program courses; and Use instructors who are employed by the certified school. A certified school shall notify the Administration, in writing, within 5 business days of any newly employed instructors by the school or of any instructors terminated. The Administration may monitor the driving records of all employed instructors, and report to a certified school any changes to the driving records of the instructors it employs. A certified school shall require each employed instructor to notify the school immediately of any: Complaints or charges for alleged violations that, if proven, would constitute grounds for refusal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the instructor's certification, driver's license, or driving instructor's license; or Convictions or other dispositions of any complaints or charges that would constitute grounds for refusal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the instructor's certification, driver's license, or driving instructor's license. A certified school may not allow a certified instructor to teach the program courses, if the instructor: Fails to maintain a valid driver license for the class of vehicle in which instruction is to be given, with no driving restrictions, except for: Corrective lenses; or A restriction issued under Transportation Article, §16-203, Annotated Code of Maryland, for child support arrearages; Has more than four active points on their current driving record; Fails to maintain satisfactory data on their criminal history record, as defined in Regulation .18 of this chapter; or Notifies the school of any reportable medical conditions. A certified school shall be responsible for ensuring instructors follow all the requirements set forth in this chapter. A certified school shall annually monitor and document on a form provided by the Administration an instructor's performance evaluation for proficiency in teaching the classroom and the behind-the-wheel instruction of the program courses and have the document available for review by the Administration. A school certification issued under this chapter is valid for 2 years from the issue date of the certification. A school certification expires 2 years from the date of issuance, unless renewed by the Administration in accordance with the requirements of this regulation. To qualify for a renewal of a school certification an applicant shall: Be in compliance with all the laws, rules, regulations, and policies governing the program; and Submit a completed renewal application to the Administration, with documentation acceptable to the Administration, that the applicant meets all the requirements set forth in Regulations .05 and .06 of this chapter. Before the Administration approves a renewal, a certified school shall resolve pending charges and complaints and take appropriate remedial action while the current school certification remains in force. A school certification shall expire on the expiration date if the completed application for renewal is not received by the Administration at least 2 calendar weeks before expiration, as set forth in State Government Article, §10-226, Annotated Code of Maryland. A certified school that submits a renewal application after the certification has expired shall reapply for the certification and meet all the certification requirements set forth in this chapter. A certified school may request a duplicate certification certificate to replace one that has been lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed. To obtain a duplicate certification certificate, the school shall: Submit a request for a duplicate on a form approved by the Administration, that includes the date and circumstances involving the loss, theft, mutilation, or destruction of the certificate; and If applicable, surrender the mutilated certificate. Under Transportation Article, §16-506, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Administration may, after a hearing, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the certification of a school, or refuse to issue, after notice and hearing, a certification of a school, if the Administration finds the school has failed to comply with any of the requirements pertaining to the program or school certification as: Set forth in this chapter; or Adopted under Transportation Article, Title 15, Subtitle 7, or Title 16, Subtitle 5, Annotated Code of Maryland. The Administration shall, after notice and hearing, refuse to renew or, after notice and opportunity for hearing, refuse to issue an initial school certification, if the school or applicant: Provides fraudulent, inaccurate, or incomplete information on required applications, forms, reports, or other required documents required by the Administration; or Does not meet the requirements set forth in this chapter. Under Transportation Article, §16-506, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Administration shall immediately suspend or revoke a school certification with notice of the right to a hearing within 7 days of a request, if the Administration determines there is a danger of immediate, substantial, and continuing harm to the public. A most serious violation, if committed by a school owner or any individual responsible for the operation of the program, shall result in an immediate suspension of a school certification, with notice of the right to a hearing within 7 days of a request, if the Administration determines that there is a danger of immediate, substantial, and continued harm to the public. A second most serious violation shall result in an immediate revocation of a school certification, with notice of the right to a hearing within 7 days of a request, if the Administration determines that there is a danger of immediate, substantial, and continued harm to the public. Most serious violations include a charge for: Fraud; A crime of moral turpitude; A sex offense; Contributing to the delinquency of a minor; An offense involving a controlled dangerous substance; An offense involving alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle; A felony involving the use of a motor vehicle; Acting in a manner that is unsafe for students participating in the program; Knowingly providing program courses while the school certification is refused, suspended, or revoked; Knowingly issuing a program completion certificate to an individual who did not complete the program; or Knowingly allowing an individual to teach the program courses, conduct behind-the-wheel instruction, or test or evaluate students without the required instructor permit or certification by the Administration. Except as provided in §F of this regulation, all other violations shall be considered a serious violation and subject to progressive disciplinary action by the Administration. The progressive disciplinary action may include a conference, fines, or suspension or revocation of a school certification. When a school certification is suspended or revoked the school shall immediately: Surrender the school certification certificate to the Administration; Stop conducting program courses and all operations of the program; Refund the fee paid by the students enrolled in the program courses as follows: Refund 100 percent of the fee paid if instruction has not started or if the first class of a course was not completed; and In all other cases, refund fees prorated separately based on the hours of instruction in the classroom and behind-the-wheel that have not been completed; Provide information, in a format acceptable to the Administration, identifying the students who successfully completed program courses and the program courses each student successfully completed; and Surrender all student records and property of the Administration to the Administration. Under Transportation Article, §15-804, Annotated Code of Maryland, an individual applying for an instructor certification or renewal of an instructor certification shall be fingerprinted and have a State and national criminal background check conducted by the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The applicant shall: Be fingerprinted at an official site that provides electronic digital fingerprinting, which shall include: An official CJIS Central Repository site; or A CJIS Central Repository approved private provider; Pay the required fee, including the fee authorized under Criminal Procedure Article, §10-221(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, for access to criminal history records; and Obtain a dated official receipt verifying that fingerprinting has been completed and a criminal background check has been requested. In accordance with Criminal Procedure Article, §§10-201—10-234, Annotated Code of Maryland, the CJIS Central Repository shall forward to the Administration the applicant's criminal history record information. Information received by the Administration on an applicant from the CJIS Central Repository shall be: Confidential and may not be redisclosed; and Used only to determine the eligibility or disqualification of an apprentice instructor, an instructor certification, or the renewal of an instructor's certification. An individual subject to a criminal background check under this regulation may contest the contents of the printed statement issued by the CJIS Central Repository as provided in Criminal Procedure Article, §10-223, Annotated Code of Maryland. Certification by the Administration is required to teach any part of the driver education program. A certified instructor may not teach the program courses unless the instructor is employed by a school certified by the Administration. Classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction shall be taught by a certified instructor authorized to give the instruction provided. An instructor certification may not be transferred, sold, or assigned. To qualify for certification as an instructor, an applicant shall be licensed under Transportation Article, Title 15, Subtitle 8, Annotated Code of Maryland, as an instructor and be in compliance with all the laws, regulations, rules, and policies pertaining to that license. An applicant requesting certification as an instructor: Shall be 21 years old or older; Shall possess a high school certificate, its equivalent, or a college degree; Shall possess a valid driver's license issued by Maryland or another state to drive the class of vehicle in which instruction is to be given, and may not have any driving restrictions, except for: Corrective lenses; or A restriction issued under Transportation Article §16-203, Annotated Code of Maryland, for child support arrearages; May not have more than four active points on their current driving record; May not have any pending charges or criminal convictions for: Fraud in the operation of providing instruction; A crime of moral turpitude; A sex offense; Contributing to the delinquency of a minor; or An offense within the last 3 years involving: A controlled dangerous substances; Alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle; or A felony involving the use of a motor vehicle; May not have any reportable medical conditions; May not have any outstanding complaints or pending charges for alleged violations that if proven would constitute grounds for refusal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the instructor's certification, driver's license, or driving instructor's license; Shall have first been approved as an apprentice instructor; Shall have successfully completed the required instructor certification courses approved by the Administration; and Shall have successfully passed a final skills evaluation to demonstrate competency and proficiency in teaching both the behind-the-wheel and the classroom instruction of the program. The school where the applicant for instructor certification is employed shall ensure that: The applicant meets the qualifications for instructor certification; and The application for instructor certification is complete and contains all the required documents and information. The application for instructor certification shall be submitted to the Administration accompanied by: Documentation signed by the certified school that the applicant has successfully completed the required instructor certification courses approved by the Administration to be qualified for an apprentice instructor permit; A copy of the applicant's high school certificate, its equivalent, or college degree; A dated official receipt verifying that fingerprinting has been completed and a criminal background check has been requested within the past 15 days; A copy of the applicant's driving record for the past 3 years issued by the driving license authority of the applicant's state of licensure; Certification by the applicant that the applicant does not have any reportable medical conditions; and A statement certifying under penalty of perjury whether the applicant has ever had a driving instructor license or instructor certification revoked in Maryland or any other state. Prior to scheduling the final skills evaluation for competency and proficiency, an applicant shall also submit to the Administration: Documentation signed by the certified school that the applicant has successfully completed the required instructor certification courses approved by the Administration to be qualified for instructor certification; and A copy of the logbook provided by the Administration documenting the learning activities during the time as an apprentice instructor. An instructor certification and instructor certification badge may not be transferred, sold, or assigned. An instructor certification badge, issued by the Administration, shall be worn by the certified instructor in full view and at all times when functioning in the capacity of an instructor. A certified instructor shall: Use the program curriculum approved by the Administration; and Teach the program curriculum in accordance with the regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines established by the Administration. A certified instructor may not use a cell phone or allow the student to use a cell phone in a moving motor vehicle while conducting behind-the-wheel instruction, except in the event of an emergency. A certified instructor shall maintain: A valid driver's license to drive the class of vehicle in which instruction is to be given, with no driving restrictions, except for: Corrective lenses; or A restriction issued under Transportation Article, §16-203, Annotated Code of Maryland, for child support arrearages; A driving record with not more than four active points; and A satisfactory criminal history record, which means having no pending charges or criminal convictions for: Fraud in the operation of providing instruction; A crime of moral turpitude; A sex offense; Contributing to the delinquency of a minor; An offense involving a controlled dangerous substance; An offense involving alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle; or A felony involving the use of a motor vehicle. A certified instructor shall disclose any reportable medical conditions. A certified instructor shall report to the employing school: Proof of all satisfactory completion of any professional development; Any complaints or charges for alleged violations that if proven would constitute grounds for refusal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the instructor certification, driver's license, or instructor license; Any convictions or other disposition of complaints or charges that would constitute grounds for refusal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the instructor's certification, driver's license, or instructor license; and Any reportable medical conditions. A certified instructor shall report to the Administration, in writing, within 5 business days of any change in the information supplied in the latest application or renewal form submitted to the Administration. An instructor certified by the Administration shall continuously follow all the requirements set forth in this chapter. An instructor certification issued under this chapter is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. An instructor certification shall automatically expire 2 years from the date of issuance, unless renewed by the Administration in accordance with the requirements of this regulation. An applicant for renewal of an instructor certification shall submit a renewal application on a form required by the Administration with documentation attached signed by the certified school stating that the instructor: Has in the last 2 years taught a minimum of 30 hours of the program courses; Has in the last 2 years satisfactorily completed a minimum of 8 hours or 4 hours each year of professional development approved by the Administration; and Is in compliance with all the laws, regulations, policies, and rules governing the program. Before the Administration approves a renewal, a certified instructor shall resolve pending charges and complaints and take appropriate remedial action while the existing school certification remains in force. An instructor certification shall expire on the expiration date of the certification if the completed application for renewal was not received by the Administration at least 2 calendar weeks before the expiration date, as set forth in State Government Article, §10-226, Annotated Code of Maryland. An instructor who submits a renewal application to the Administration after the certification has expired shall: Reapply for certification and meet all the qualifications for certification; and Demonstrate proficiency in teaching the program courses, as determined by the Administration. The Administration may issue a duplicate instructor certification badge to replace one that has been lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed. To obtain a duplicate instructor certification badge, the instructor shall: Submit an application on a form required by the Administration, to include the date and circumstances involving the loss, theft, mutilation, or destruction of the badge; and If applicable, surrender the mutilated badge. Under Transportation Article, §16-506, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Administration may, after notice and hearing, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew an instructor certification or, after notice and opportunity for hearing, issue an initial instructor certification if the Administration finds that the applicant or instructor has failed to comply with any of the requirements pertaining to the program or certification of an instructor as: Set forth in this chapter; or Adopted under Transportation Article: Title 15, Subtitle 8, Annotated Code of Maryland; or Title 16, Subtitle 5, Annotated Code of Maryland. The Administration shall after notice and hearing refuse to renew or, after notice and opportunity for hearing, issue an initial instructor certification, if the instructor or applicant: Provided fraudulent, inaccurate, or incomplete information on required applications, forms, reports, or other required documents; or Fails to meet any of the requirements set forth in this chapter. Under Transportation Article, §16-506, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Administration shall immediately suspend or revoke an instructor's certification, with notice of the right to a hearing within 7 days of the request, if the Administration determines there is a danger of immediate, substantial, and continuing harm to the public. A most serious violation, if committed by a certified instructor, shall result in an immediate suspension of an instructor certification with notice of the right to a hearing within 7 days of a request, if the Administration determines that there is a danger of immediate, substantial, and continuing harm to the public. Any second most serious violation shall result in an immediate revocation of the instructor certification, with notice of the right to a hearing within 7 days of a request, if the Administration determines that there is a danger of immediate, substantial, and continuing harm to the public. Most serious violations include charges for: Fraud; A crime of moral turpitude; A sex offense; Contributing to the delinquency of a minor; An offense involving a controlled dangerous substance; An offense involving alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle; A felony involving the use of a motor vehicle; Acting in a manner that is unsafe for students participating in the program; Knowingly providing the program courses while instructor certification is refused, suspended, or revoked; Knowingly providing program course instruction when the instructor is not certified; Knowingly failing to provide classroom and the behind-the-wheel instruction as approved by the Administration; Failing to maintain a valid driver license for the class of vehicle in which instruction is to be given, with no driving restrictions, except for: Corrective lenses; or A restriction issued under Transportation Article, §16-203, Annotated Code of Maryland, for child support arrearages; and Having more than four active points on the instructor's current driving record. Except as provided in §F of this regulation, all other violations of the laws, rules, policies, and regulations under this chapter governing the program or instructor certification shall be considered a serious violation and subject to progressive disciplinary action by the Administration. The progressive disciplinary action may include a conference, fines, and suspension or revocation of an instructor certification. If an instructor certification is refused, suspended, or revoked, the instructor shall immediately: Surrender the instructor certification badge to the Administration; Stop conducting program courses and all involvement in the program; and Surrender all student records and property of the Administration to the school or to the Administration. The Administration may issue an apprentice instructor permit authorizing a qualified applicant to give instruction in the driver education program courses under the supervision of a certified driver education instructor. The apprentice instructor permit is valid for 6 months and may not be extended or renewed. An apprentice instructor permit shall: Only be issued once to the same individual; Authorize teaching both behind-the-wheel and classroom instruction; and Authorize instruction only with the certified school where the apprentice instructor is employed. An apprentice instructor permit may not be transferred, sold, or assigned. An applicant qualifying for approval as an apprentice instructor shall: With the exception of §§A and B(10) of this regulation, meet all the qualifications for instructor certification as set forth in Regulation .16 of this chapter; and Have successfully passed the knowledge test and the basic skills evaluation in both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction conducted by the Administration. Pending the receipt of satisfactory data on their criminal history record as set forth in Regulation .18 of this chapter, an applicant otherwise qualified for an apprentice instructor permit may begin teaching under the direct supervision of an experienced certified instructor. An apprentice instructor permit may not be transferred, sold, or assigned. An apprentice instructor shall continuously follow all the requirements set forth for a certified instructor under Regulation .18 of this chapter. The certified school shall: Ensure an apprentice instructor is supervised by a certified instructor experienced in teaching the driver education program courses with: A minimum of 2 years experience in teaching the driver education program courses; or The Administration's approval to teach apprentice instructors; Continue supervision until the Administration is in receipt of satisfactory data on the individual's criminal history record as set forth in Regulation .18 of this chapter, and the individual is issued an instructor's certification; and Have a certified instructor observe performance and conduct a one-on-one session with the apprentice instructor for a minimum of 2 hours every 2 weeks and document the performance and sessions in the apprentice instructor activities log. The Administration may issue a duplicate apprentice instructor badge to replace one that has been lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed. To obtain a duplicate apprentice instructor badge, the apprentice instructor shall: Submit an application on a form required by the Administration, which should include the date and circumstances involving the loss, theft, mutilation, or destruction of the badge; and If applicable, surrender the mutilated badge. An apprentice instructor permit shall be cancelled: If the applicant's criminal history record fails to contain satisfactory data; At the expiration of the 6 month approval period; or If the apprentice instructor is no longer employed by the certified school. Approval of an apprentice instructor permit may be revoked or suspended after notice and hearing, if the certified school or the apprentice instructor fails to comply with any of the program requirements or requirements set forth in: This chapter; or Transportation Article, Title 15, Subtitle 8, or Title 16, Subtitle 5, Annotated Code of Maryland. An individual shall successfully pass the knowledge test and the basic skills evaluation in both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction conducted by the Administration to qualify for an apprentice instructor permit. To qualify for an apprentice instructor permit an applicant shall: Pass the knowledge test before attempting the basic skills evaluation; Pass both the knowledge test and the basic skills evaluation for both the classroom and the behind-the-wheel instruction; Wait at least 7 days, in the event of failure, prior to any additional attempts; and Wait at least 1 year after failing the fifth attempt to pass the test or evaluation, before reapplying for an apprentice instructor permit. An individual shall successfully pass the final skills evaluation to demonstrate competency and proficiency in teaching both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction conducted by the Administration to qualify for an instructor certification. To qualify for an instructor certification an applicant shall: Pass the final skills evaluation in both the behind-the-wheel instruction and the classroom instruction; Wait at least 7 days, in the event of failure, prior to any additional attempts; and Wait at least 1 year after failing the fifth attempt before reapplying for instructor certification. An individual shall successfully complete the following Administration approved courses to qualify for an apprentice instructor permit and instructor certification. To qualify for an apprentice instructor permit, an individual shall complete the following Administration approved instructor certification courses conducted by the employing certified school: An introductory course that provides a detailed review of: Maryland's Graduated Licensing System; and The driver education program; A primary level classroom instruction course that provides basic knowledge of how to teach and facilitate student learning activities in the classroom instruction of the program curriculum; and A primary level behind-the-wheel instruction course that provides basic knowledge of how to teach and facilitate student learning activities in behind-the-wheel instruction of the program curriculum. To qualify for an instructor certification, an individual shall complete the following instructor certification courses conducted by an Administration approved instructor trainer: An advanced level classroom instruction course that provides comprehensive knowledge of how to teach and facilitate student learning activities in the classroom instruction of the program curriculum; and An advanced level behind-the-wheel instruction course that provides comprehensive knowledge of how to teach and facilitate student learning activities in the behind-the-wheel instruction of the program curriculum. The Administration may waive the instructor certification course requirements in classroom instruction for individuals who possess a valid teaching certificate from a state department of education if the individual meets all other requirements for instructor certification. The Administration may waive the instructor certification course requirements for classroom and behind-the-wheel training for individuals who provide documented and verifiable training and experience as a driver education instructor from another state if the individual: Provides proof acceptable to the Administration that their training and experience is equivalent to the training requirements set forth in this regulation; Successfully completes the introductory course outlined in §B(1) of this regulation; Successfully passes the knowledge test outlined in Regulation .27 of this chapter; and Successfully passes the final skills evaluations to demonstrate competency and proficiency in teaching both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction as set forth in Regulation .27 of this chapter. An instructor trainer is an individual approved by the Administration to conduct the approved instructor certification courses. An individual shall be approved by the Administration as an instructor trainer before teaching the advanced level instructor certification courses. The Administration shall establish the criteria for the approval of an instructor trainer, including, but not limited to, the requirement that all courses shall be open to the public. The Administration may, as needed, conduct the required training and professional development courses for instructor trainers. An approved instructor trainer shall permit the Administration to: Review course and course participant records during normal operating hours; and Monitor the instruction given in all instructor certification courses. The Administration shall approve all courses required for professional development of instructors required under Regulations .18 and .19 of this chapter. The Administration may, as needed, conduct the professional development courses. An organization requesting approval of professional development courses shall submit course information to the Administration for approval at least 4 weeks before the planned advertisement date or the course start date, whichever date is the earlier. The course information submitted shall include: The course outline; The course description; The content areas of the curriculum; and The performance criteria necessary to complete the course. An organization that conducts approved professional development courses shall issue a course completion certificate to each course participant who meets the performance criteria for successfully completing the professional development courses. An organization that conducts approved professional development courses shall permit the Administration to: Review the course and course participant records during normal operating hours; and Monitor the instruction given in all the professional development courses and the instructor certification courses. Classroom instruction shall be conducted in a room inspected and approved by the Administration before a school may use the room to conduct the program. A classroom in an educational institution regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education or the Maryland Higher Education Commission is exempt from the inspection requirement in §A of this regulation. All classrooms shall include student desks or tables and chairs. The desks or tables and chairs shall be arranged to allow: An unobstructed view of the chalkboard or whiteboard and other visual aids used in program instruction; and Student seating and writing surfaces for each student that provide privacy when tests are being administered. A classroom shall be equipped with: A chalkboard or whiteboard with a minimum surface area of 4 feet by 6 feet; and Audiovisual equipment required for conducting classroom instruction including, but not limited to: A videocassette or digital video disc (DVD) player; An overhead projector and screen; A television monitor visible by all students with a minimum screen size of 25 inches measured diagonally; and More than one television for larger classrooms. Certified schools shall make available classroom supplies and materials included in the approved curriculum. Classroom supplies and materials shall consist of: Copies of instructional worksheets, fact sheets, and examinations for each student; Textbooks for assignment for each student throughout the entire course of instruction; Instructional videos or DVDs; and Instructional transparencies, slides, or PowerPoint presentations. A portable structure, preengineered building, or mobile home may be a permanent building and used as a classroom if it: Is installed on a permanent foundation with conventional utility hookups; Has been inspected and approved by the Administration; and Complies with fire, safety, and zoning requirements. Under Transportation Article, §16-505, Annotated Code of Maryland, a student shall complete a minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction. The classroom instruction of the driver education course curriculum shall be taught by: A certified instructor; or An apprentice instructor under the supervision of an experienced certified instructor. A certified school shall conduct the classroom instruction of the driver education course curriculum approved by the Administration in its entirety: According to the standards established by the Administration; and In the sequence approved by the Administration. Other than items already in the approved curriculum, any textbooks, videos, worksheets, fact sheets, and any other supporting materials that students may use throughout the course shall be approved by the Administration before use. The maximum number of individuals a certified school may enroll for one driver education course may not exceed 30 individuals or the maximum number of students allowed under the pertinent zoning and fire codes, whichever is lower. A school: Shall request approval in writing from the Administration for a class size greater then 30 students, even if permitted under fire and zoning codes, which approval may not be unreasonably withheld; and If denied approval for a class size greater than 30 students, may request a hearing under Transportation Article, §12-203, Annotated Code of Maryland, to demonstrate that approval of a class size greater than 30 students is reasonable. Individuals other than those enrolled in the driver education course may be permitted to be in the approved classroom during the classroom instruction as long as: The posted maximum occupancy capacity for the room is not exceeded; Visitors or observers present photo identification and sign a log form kept by the certified school; There are individual seats for everyone in the room; and The additional individuals do not interfere with or interrupt the instruction being provided. Individuals permitted in the classroom during the classroom instruction other than those enrolled in the driver education course are: Individuals making up missed classroom instruction; Parents, guardians, or supervising drivers for individuals enrolled in the course; Administration staff conducting compliance or quality assurance visits; Approved instructor trainers conducting instructor certification courses; A certified instructor supervising an apprentice instructor; An apprentice instructor; A certified school employee responsible for observing and evaluating the instructor's performance; Parents or guardians of potential students interested in evaluating the instruction and operation of a certified school; Individuals designated and approved by the Administration to evaluate or conduct research on the driver education program; and An interpreter for the hearing impaired. A driver education school shall permit the Administration to enter the classroom and observe the instruction and operations of the classroom. A driver education school may not schedule classroom instruction: For more than 3 hours in one day; To start before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.; or To end after 9:30 p.m. A minimum rest period of 15 minutes shall be provided to course participants at the end of each 90-minute period of instruction. The time provided for rest periods or meal intermissions may not be counted as classroom instructional time. Classroom instruction shall not exceed 3 hours per day. A certified school shall make up all missed classroom instruction if the scheduled instruction is canceled or postponed. Except as otherwise provided in §§B and C of this regulation or with prior approval by the Administration, all driver education training vehicles shall be titled and registered in the name of the certified school. A certified school may use a vehicle obtained from a manufacturer-sponsored driver education loan program as a training vehicle if it meets the requirements of the driver's education loan program under Transportation Article, §13-621(c)(2)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland. The certified school shall: Provide an adequate number of training vehicles to allow each course participant to complete the course; Maintain motor vehicle liability insurance on each training vehicle in the amounts established in Transportation Article, §17-103, Annotated Code of Maryland; Service, clean, and maintain training vehicles on a regular schedule; Have all training vehicles inspected annually by a licensed State inspection station; Only use a training vehicle for instruction in the driver education program that has passed the annual Maryland State Inspection; Ensure the instructor dual brake and clutch, if the vehicle is equipped with a standard transmission, is: Physically in the vehicle and operational at the time of the annual Maryland State Inspection; and Operational by producing the same effect as the manufacturer installed original equipment brake or clutch when applied; Immediately remove from service a training vehicle with any condition that is not in compliance with Maryland State Inspection standards; Affix signs to both sides of a vehicle containing the name and telephone number of the certified school; Affix to the rear of the training vehicle in letters not less than 3 inches high the words “Student Driver”; and Keep the vehicle registration card and a copy of the required insurance certificate for a training vehicle in the vehicle's glove compartment at all times. A copy of the annual State inspection certificate for a training vehicle shall be submitted within 1 business day to the Administration, and the original certificate shall be filed at the certified school's business office. Except for a new vehicle titled in the past year from a manufacturer's certificate of origin, an uninspected vehicle may not be used for behind-the-wheel instruction. A certified school shall notify the Administration within 2 business days, in writing, of the addition or removal of a training vehicle from its fleet by providing: The vehicle's year, make, registration plate number, and vehicle identification number (VIN); and Insurance and inspection certificates required under §B of this regulation. Except for a training vehicle containing adaptive equipment for drivers with disabilities, training vehicle may not be more than 8 model years old. In addition to other safety laws and regulations for vehicles, a training vehicle shall be equipped with: Dual brake pedals; Dual clutch pedals if the vehicle is not equipped with an automatic transmission; Reflectors or emergency triangles; and Instructor mirrors that shall: Provide an unobstructed view of the traffic conditions to the rear of the vehicle from the instructor's seat; Be affixed inside the vehicle in a fashion that eliminates blurring due to mirror vibration and reduces the possibility of unintentional changes in mirror adjustment; and Include a second mirror that: Is affixed to the right passenger side mirror housing and provide an unobstructed view of traffic conditions to the rear and right rear of the vehicle from the instructor's seat; and Is not affixed to the mirror surface or otherwise obstructs the driver's use of the right passenger side mirror. The certified school shall make available for use in all training vehicles the following equipment approved by the Administration: Pedal extensions for the brake, gas, and clutch pedals; and Seat cushions to ensure proper seating position. Under Transportation Article, §16-505, Annotated Code of Maryland, a student shall complete a minimum of 6 hours behind-the-wheel instruction. The behind-the-wheel instruction of the driver education program shall be taught by: A certified instructor; or An apprentice instructor under supervision of an experienced certified instructor. A certified school shall conduct the behind-the-wheel instruction of the driver education course curriculum only for a student that has a valid learner's permit. An instructor shall verify that the individual receiving the behind-the-wheel instruction has a valid learner's permit prior to providing the instruction. Certified schools shall conduct the behind-the-wheel instruction of the driver education course curriculum according to the standards established by the Administration. Behind-the-wheel instruction shall be conducted: In an approved training vehicle as set forth in Regulation .33 of this chapter; and On routes that: Are preplanned, documented, and available at the driver education school office and in the training vehicle for review by the Administration; Allow a student to practice the concepts taught in the classroom; and Achieve the objectives of the approved curriculum of instruction. Behind-the-wheel instruction shall: Be based on a written lesson plan with routes that support the concepts and objectives in the approved curriculum of instruction; Provide a student with an opportunity to operate the training vehicle on a variety of traffic mixes and conditions; Emphasize the knowledge, skills, and behavior needed to safely operate a motor vehicle; Be scheduled in a manner that allows for: Debriefing periods during the session for the instructor to review activities and evaluate performance; A student to complete the learning activities in the approved sequence; and A student to complete missed instruction in a reasonable time frame; Include time for remedial and additional instruction as needed; Include evaluation of a student's performance based on the learning objectives in the approved driver education curriculum; and Include documentation of the evaluation results on a form approved by the Administration. Any time provided for rest periods or meal intermissions may not be counted as part of the minimum 6 hours behind-the-wheel instruction. The certified school shall develop a schedule and assign instructors and training vehicles so that individuals participating in a course may complete the required 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction within 18 weeks or longer on request of the student. Behind-the-wheel instruction for a student operating a training vehicle may not exceed 2 hours. An instructor shall be seated in the front passenger seat at all times during the behind-the-wheel instruction. During an enrolled student's behind-the-wheel instruction, only two observers at a time may be permitted to ride along and shall be limited to: Students enrolled in the program; Approved instructor trainers conducting instructor certification courses; A certified instructor supervising an apprentice instructor; An apprentice instructor; Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the program; A representative of the driving school management involved in a quality assurance function; A representative from the Administration; or An interpreter. Time spent observing an instructor or another student completing a behind-the-wheel instruction may not be counted as part of the minimum 6 hours behind-the-wheel instruction. To be eligible to enroll in the program, an individual shall: Be seeking a noncommercial driver's license; and Prior to participating in the behind-the-wheel instruction of the program, obtain and present to the certified school a valid learner's permit. A certified school shall make accommodations for a student with special needs in compliance with all local, State, and federal nondiscrimination laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act. To successfully complete the program, a student shall: Attend and participate in all required classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction; Achieve a minimum passing score of 80 percent on the final knowledge examination; and Achieve a minimum passing score of 80 percent on the final behind-the-wheel evaluation. A student may miss 12 hours or less of classroom instruction and continue the course. A student shall make up any instruction missed before a school may submit a program completion certification to the Administration. A school shall provide make-up instruction, within a reasonable time frame, for a student who misses 12 hours or less of classroom instruction. Students may not continue to participate in the program if they: Consistently arrive late for the course instruction or consistently leave course instruction early; Miss more than 12 hours of classroom instruction; or Act in a disruptive manner. An instructor shall continuously evaluate the students' performance and provide remedial or additional instruction as required. A certified school may charge a student an additional fee for remedial and additional instruction. If a school does not allow a student to continue participating in the program, the school shall: Notify the student and parent or guardian of a student under 18 years of age; and Fully document the reasons and details of problems in the student's records. A certified school shall submit a program completion certification to the Administration, in a format established by the Administration, for each student who successfully completes the program. Effective January 1, 2009, a certified school: Shall submit a program completion certification electronically to the Administration in the format established by the Administration within 1 business day of the student's completion of the program; May submit program completion information on-line to the Administration, in the electronic format established by the Administration, for a student who has never received their license and lost a previously issued Driver Education Program Completion Certificate Form DE-004, providing the school has the student's records for successfully completing the program; May not issue a Driver Education Program Completion Certificate Form DE-004 to any student that completes a program course after December 31, 2008; and Shall return to the Administration by April 1, 2009, all unused inventory and accounting information for all Driver Education Program Completion Certificates Form DE-004 in a manner established by the Administration. A certified school shall provide to the student documentary evidence of any instruction of the program successfully completed, with the following documentation: A Classroom Student Record and Completion Form DE-003A, signed by an authorized school official for documentation of classroom instruction completed; and A Behind-the-Wheel Student Record and Completion Form DE-003B, signed by an authorized school official for documentation of the behind-the-wheel instruction completed. The Administration may accept documentary evidence of satisfactory completion of a driver education program from another state or jurisdiction, as meeting the requirements of Transportation Article, §16-105, Annotated Code of Maryland, if the driver education program completed in the other state or jurisdiction meets or exceeds the statutory requirements and standards in Maryland. The Administration may conduct unannounced visits during the school's posted business hours to observe instructors and audits of certified schools to evaluate the school's compliance with the laws, regulations, standards, and the quality of instruction. The Administration may develop one or more research models to evaluate the effectiveness of the program under the provisions of Transportation Article, §16-505, Annotated Code of Maryland. The Administration may require certified schools to provide statistical information in an approved format to support the research models outlined in §B of this regulation. Transportation Article, §§12-104(b), 12-117, 13-621, 15-102—15-111, 15-701—15-710, 15-801—15-807, 16-212.1(b), and 16-501—16-507, Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: November 21, 2008 (35:23 Md. R. 2013) Regulation .06C amended as an emergency provision effective December 11, 2008 (36:2 Md. R. 98); amended permanently effective February 23, 2009 (36:4 Md. R. 354) Regulation .08A, E amended as an emergency provision effective December 11, 2008 (36:2 Md. R. 98); amended permanently effective February 23, 2009 (36:4 Md. R. 354) Regulation .09A amended as an emergency provision effective December 11, 2008 (36:2 Md. R. 98); amended permanently effective February 23, 2009 (36:4 Md. R. 354) Regulation .14A, B amended effective October 1, 2009 (36:19 Md. R. 1437) Regulation .33F amended effective July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 656)