(a) Training — Students seventeen (17) years of age or younger.

1. (1) Students must be at least fourteen (14) chronological years of age.
2. (2) Students shall obtain and have in their possession a valid learner's permit when receiving behind-the-wheel instruction on public streets and highways.

3. (3)

   1. (A) Students taking driver education seventeen (17) years of age or younger shall receive a minimum of forty (40) hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
   2. (B) The program shall consist of:

(b) (b) Six (6) of the thirty (30) hours shall include instruction on traffic law changes that have occurred within the last ten (10) years;

1. (ii) The program shall include a minimum of six (6) hours of actual driving in the vehicle, while accompanied by and under the supervision of a qualified driver education instructor; and

   1. (iii)

(b) (b) Two (2) of the four (4) hours shall be nighttime driving;

1. (4) The classroom hours may be offered by correspondence and shall consist of:

   1. (A) A maximum of twenty-eight (28) hours of correspondence work; and
   2. (B) A minimum of two (2) hours or more of classroom instruction on driving techniques and rules of the road in Arkansas.

(b) Driver education training — General.

1. (1) Students taking driver education as beginning drivers and are eighteen (18) years of age or older shall receive a minimum of thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction and/or a minimum of six (6) hours of actual driving in the vehicle, while accompanied by and under the supervision of a qualified driver education instructor.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Persons taking defensive driving courses shall receive a minimum of eight (8) hours of classroom instruction or a minimum of four (4) hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of one (1) hour of actual driving in the vehicle and one (1) hour of observation, while accompanied by and under the supervision of a qualified driver education instructor.

   2. (B) The course shall include coverage of Arkansas Vehicle Code and other laws of this state relating to the operation of motor vehicles.

      1. (c) Prescribed course of study for beginners.
3. (1) A prescribed course of study of driver education shall be designed to develop knowledge of those provisions of the Arkansas Vehicle Code and other laws of this state relating to the operation of motor vehicles, acceptance of personal responsibility in traffic, appreciation of the causes, seriousness, and consequences of traffic accidents, and to develop the knowledge, attitudes, habits, and skills necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles.

4. (2) Using an appropriate textbook and/or other material, instruction shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

   1. (A) Signs, signals, highway markings, and highway design;
   2. (B) Rules of the road, state laws, and local ordinances;
   3. (C) Driving attitude toward motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians;
   4. (D) Basic driving maneuvers;
   5. (E) Operation of motor vehicle on streets and highways;
   6. (F) Familiarity with the Arkansas Driver's Manual;
   7. (G) Insurance law of the state;
   8. (H) Financial responsibility;
   9. (I) Seat belt use and laws;
   10. (J) Effect of natural laws on driving;
   11. (K) Alcohol and drug substance abuse and the effect on driving;
   12. (L) Basic vehicle maintenance including fluid levels, tire pressure, and lighting systems; and

   13. (M) Skills:

       1. (i) Starting;
       2. (ii) Backing;
       3. (iii) Parallel parking;
       4. (iv) Hill parking;
       5. (v) Starting on a hill;
       6. (vi) Intersection movement and observance;
       7. (vii) Lane observance and changing;
       8. (viii) Left and right turns;
       9. (ix) Pedestrian and vehicle right-of-way;
       10. (x) Proper use of automatic and/or standard transmission;
       11. (xi) Use of brake and accelerator; and
       12. (xii) Traffic lights or signals.
       13. (d) Vehicle insurance.

5. (1) Each training vehicle shall have proof of a motor vehicle liability insurance policy with the following minimum limits:

   1. (A) Bodily injury and death benefits of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for each person in any one (1) accident; and
   2. (B) Property damage coverage of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

6. (2)

   1. (A) Each policy shall be for a minimum of six (6) months.
   2. (B) Current proof of insurance shall be on file with the State Board of Private Career Education.

7. (3)

   1. (A) In the event the insurance coverage is cancelled, a copy of the written notice of cancellation must be furnished to the board within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt.
   2. (B) Behind-the-wheel instruction will be immediately suspended until proper verification of insurance is provided to the board staff.

(e) Vehicle specifications.

1. (1) Each vehicle used for training shall have a current registration with the state in which it is licensed.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Each vehicle used for training shall be maintained in a safe operating condition at all times.
   2. (B) Tires and brakes shall be in good working order at all times.
   3. (C) A maintenance log must be maintained and up-to-date for each vehicle.

3. (3) Each driver-training vehicle used by a school shall be equipped with the following operational equipment:

   1. (A) One (1) extra foot brake;
   2. (B) One (1) extra rearview mirror placed on the inside of the windshield on the right side;
   3. (C) Two (2) outside rear/side view mirrors one (1) on each side of the vehicle mounted on each front door;
   4. (D) One (1) extra clutch, if the vehicle is equipped with a clutch and manual transmission;
   5. (E) Seat belts with shoulder restraints for all seating positions in the vehicle;
   6. (F) Cushions for the proper seating of students when necessary;
   7. (G) Heater and defroster in working condition;
   8. (H) Seat adjustments that move easily and smoothly and secure after moving;
   9. (I) Door locks; and
   10. (J) Bear a conspicuously displayed sign containing the words "STUDENT DRIVER".
4. (4) Each vehicle shall be equipped with signs containing the name of the school and telephone number, which may be affixed to either side of the vehicle or the rear deck lid or rear panel of the vehicle, provided the sign does not interfere with or detract from the required student driver sign.
5. (5) No more than three (3) students may be in the vehicle during behind-the-wheel instruction.
6. (6) Vehicles when used in defensive driving classes are not required to have the signs as required in subdivisions (e)(3)(J) and (e)(4) of this section.