The classes begin June 6 and include 30 hours of classroom instruction with six hours of "behind-the-wheel" instruction for $365 or six hours of "behind-the-wheel" only instruction for $285.
Superintendent John Harper explained the classes are being held through Marietta Community School and are open to all residents.
"We were trying to find a way to offer drivers education for our kids that would be less expensive and they had that option for us. ... and when we operate the program it costs the kids more and it costs us more," Harper said. "Working with [Marietta Community School], they've got a good thing going and we're just excited about the opportunity to provide as much drivers education as we can."
Harper added the need for drivers education in Bartow surpassed the amount of available staff.
"[Need] was the second thing that hampered us in offering drivers education during the summer," Harper said. "We just didn't have enough people in time to be able to offer it to as many kids as wanted it. This is a terrific opportunity for anybody in Bartow County, not just Bartow County students, to take drivers education."
To register or for more information, visit www.mariettacobbdriverseducation.com/drive_ed/
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, high school students that need to test for an instructional permit or driver's license over the summer have to obtain a "DDS Certificate of Attendance Form" from their school administration before the end of the school year. Students planning for an on-the-road test will also need a Georgia Alcohol Drug Awareness Program certificate of completion.
The Department of Driver Services Certificate of Attendance Forms must be signed and notarized from the student's school and presented at the time of applying for a permit or Class D driver's license.
The department reports the form is typically valid for one month, but the Certificate of Attendance Forms issued in May 2011 will be accepted until September 30, 2011.
All applicants under the age of 18 not enrolled in school must provide a General Educational Development diploma, high school diploma, or an attendance form from the student's local Board of Education if enrolled in an approved home school program.
In addition to the Certificate of Attendance, successful completion of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program is required to obtain a permit. The Alcohol and Drug Awareness program is typically taught in both public and private schools as part of the 9th grade health curriculum.
Eligible students may obtain the required course online through eADAP. The online option is available to students who are home-schooled, have moved to Georgia from another state, were absent from school when the ADAP courses was taught, or who need the course during the summer months. For more information visit www.dds.ga.gov.
Persons under the age of 17 will be required to show proof they successfully completed a driver education course approved by DDS. In addition, these persons must have completed a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, six hours of which must be at night.
Persons over the age of 17 will not be required to show proof they completed a driver education course. However, they will still be required to have completed a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, six hours of which must be at night.