THE first driver education program in the CNMI has opened and is now acceptig students, according to a media release.
The curriculum of the Driver Training Academy is designed to fulfill the 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of driving practice as required by P.L. 15-25.
The law stipulates that all first time applicants for a driver’s license must successfully complete a rigorous course in driver education and present a certificate of completion to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
The classroom instruction prepares the students to take the BMV exam in addition to addressing other topics such as DUI, vehicle maintenance, and defensive driving.
Upon successful completion of the classroom component and the BMV exam, a student with a temporary driver’s permit is then required to spend six hours “behind the wheel” practicing on CNMI highways and roads.
For safety, the DTA vehicles are equipped with “Student Driver” signs, two rearview mirrors, and a dual braking system so that the instructor can stop the vehicle if the student makes a serious driving error.
The Driver Training Academy classroom is located on the 6th floor of the Marianas Business Plaza (Nauru Building) and can accommodate individuals and small groups. Owner/operator/instructor, Richard Puhalla, has been an educator/administrator for more than 30 years. He is a licensed driver education instructor and has taught similar courses on the mainland.
For additional information, call 322-2220 or 484-0910.