WNC Douglas offers courses for new drivers

The Western Nevada College will offer six sessions of new driver education this spring for teens age 15 and older.

Each session meets from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the WNC Douglas campus. Session dates are Saturdays, Feb. 17-March 20, and Monday-Thursday, March 29-April (Douglas spring break). Cost per session is $110.

Nevada law requires new drivers under age 18 to take a 30-hour new driver education course if one is offered within 30 miles of their home. The class may also improve their success rate on the state noncommercial driver's license exam, which now costs $25 for first time testing. There is a new retest fee of $10 for each time the written or behind-the-wheel driving skills test is retaken.

Young drivers will learn safe driving techniques through lectures, class discussion, guest speakers, and films that cover Nevada driving regulations, basic vehicle control, and driving maneuvers in various situations and environments. Teens learn how to avoid accidents, and what to do if involved in an accident, their vehicle breaks down, or they are stopped by a public safety officer.

The course also covers how to handle distractions and peer pressure, and prevent falling asleep at the wheel and driving under the influence. Speakers include public safety officials and insurance representatives. Instruction includes tips on how to drive safely around large trucks and motorcycles and avoid unexpected objects in the road, as well as maneuvering safely through roundabouts and rules for driving in bad weather.

To register for the noncredit class, fill out the online application at www.wnc.edu/academics/continuing_education/drivereducation, then print out and mail or fax (775-445-3148) the registration form to WNC Admissions, 2201 West College Parkway, Carson City, NV 89703.

Students should wait two days and then call (775) 445-4458 to confirm registration and pay for the class.