Coeur d'Alene School District to discontinue driver's ed program

The Coeur d'Alene School District announced Friday it will discontinue its driver education program effective Nov. 12, citing recent changes in state law.

Under House Bill 531 (2024), Idaho families now have the option to complete driver education through a parent-led model, which allows parents or guardians to guide their student’s driver training. 

“For decades, our district has proudly provided driver education to about 200 students each year,” said Superintendent Shon Hocker. “While the program has served families well, I believe it is in the best interests of families for the district to pause our driver's education program. The parent-led option ensures students can still access affordable driver training options at a significant cost reduction.”

The district’s driver education program currently operates at an annual deficit of nearly $28,000. In addition, the program requires a new training vehicle and the district’s sole certified instructor will retire in November. The district estimates that if it had retained the driver's education program, the district would need to increase the current $275 fee to approximately $375-$405 per student to avoid the deficit. 

Trustees voted to discontinue the program during the Sept. 8 school board meeting. 

Families will continue to have access to state-approved training opportunities. More information on the parent-led program, including requirements and course providers, will be posted on cdaschools.org and shared with families in the coming weeks.