Driver's Education

There is no registration fee for students enrolled in Hoke County Schools. Beginning August 2026, there will be a $65 registration fee for non-Hoke County Schools students.

Each student MUST have at least 30 hours of classroom hours and at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving with a certified instructor. Students will drive in pairs, so each student will drive for 6 hours and observe for 6 hours. As of December 1, 2025, the DMV and DPI require that each student must complete the NC Work Zone Safety course, which is included in our classroom curriculum.

Parents and students should monitor the Driver’s Ed webpages of Hoke County High School and SandHoke Early College to stay informed of class schedules and registration information. Both schools will send their prospective students information regarding Driver’s Education via Hoke County Schools' email addresses. All classes are conducted in person. Registration is online only.

Hoke County High School Driver's Education

SandHoke Early College Driver's Education

Please consider extracurricular activities when planning.  Contact coaches and other after-school activities supervisors to avoid scheduling conflicts. All class registration is non-refundable and not transferable to other classes.  Please make sure your student is able to attend classes in which they are registered.  Students may only miss up to 3 hours of class before being dismissed from class (they must make this time up in a later class period).

Students missing more than 3 hours will need to register for class again and pay the $65 fee again (if payment is applicable).

To participate in Hoke County Schools Driver Education classes, students must be aged 14 1/2 (PRIOR to the first day of class) and must be under 18. 

Students MUST attend school in Hoke County. Students from Hoke County registered home schools (MUST provide documentation), NC charter schools (in Hoke County), or private NC schools (in Hoke County), may register for any class scheduled. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide adequate documentation verifying enrollment status as well as residency documentation. Students who reside and attend schools in other counties are not eligible to attend classes in Hoke County.

1. Writing utensil and paper for notes
2. Snack/food (students MUST clean up any trash or food before leaving)

Original Social Security card AND proof of ID (certified birth certificate, valid military ID, valid NC state ID, or valid passport) before a student can complete the driving portion of the Driver's Education program. We do not copy or keep the documentation.  It is for verification only.  No copies are allowed.

No, all class registration is non-refundable and not transferable to other classes.

Classes are not held on weekends (Saturdays or Sundays), early dismissal days, teacher workdays or if school activities are canceled because of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Behind-the-wheel driving may take part on the weekends, before school, after school, and at night.

Class schedules are subject to change. If the schedule is changed, the scheduled school will make an announcement, or the instructor will notify students.

We are averaging 6-10 months in between classroom and behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction. Over the summer, we work with MANY students, and they all need to drive for 6 hours (and observe for 6 hours). We apologize for the delay, and thank you for your continued patience while we are doing everything that we can to get your students the BTW instruction. An instructor will reach out to you to schedule as soon as they are able.

Older students are given priority to schedule BTW instruction, but please also be aware that class dates are also a consideration in assigning instructors. Remember that vision-testing and document verification are the “starting points” for entering the BTW queue.

Due to the number of students who are waiting for the behind-the-wheel portion of the program, we are not able to give you an exact time. We ask families to hold off on making appointments before an instructor contacts you to schedule drive time, because we are not responsible for missed DMV appointments made in advance of your child receiving BTW instruction.

Eligibility certificates can be obtained from the school where the student participated in the Driver’s Education course. If you homeschool or attend a verified online school, you will need to obtain an eligibility certificate from the NC Department of Non-Public Education.

1. N.C. Driving Eligibility Certificate, signed by a parent/ legal guardian (BTW instructor will give to the students after successful completion of the program)
2. Driver's License Eligibility Issues form, signed by a parent/ legal guardian AND the student (BTW instructor will  give to the students after successful completion of the program)
3. Certificate of Completion  (BTW instructor will give to the students after successful completion of the program)
4. Passing 70% of classes (or 3 out of 4)
5. School Fees Paid (Hoke County Schools only)

No. All students must complete the classroom portion and the behind-the-wheel portion of the program. This includes 30 hours of classroom and at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving (our students complete 6 hours of driving and 6 hours of observing due to having 2 students in the vehicle). After the successful completion of the program, you will need to take the paperwork to the school for the eligibility certificate. The eligibility certificate expires in 30 days. This will be reviewed with your student on the final day of driving. All paperwork needed will be in the folder your child brings home after completing the driving portion. 

Please make sure students are adhering to the school dress code policy and student handbook (behavior) during class and the behind-the-wheel portion of the program.  Failure to do so may result in being dismissed from class.

If you need a new eligibility certificate:
HCS students, charter school students, and private school students - go to your own school and request a new one.
Homeschool and verified online schools - request another certificate through the NC Department of Non-Public Education (it will be mailed to you).

If you need a new certificate of completion:
All students - reach out to the principal of the assigned school.