title: / Driver Education–Spring 2011
Course number: / TT 109B
Course description: / This is a comprehensive 30-hour driver's education course. Students who successfully complete all course requirements will receive a certificate of completion from Great Basin College to present to the DMV. There are four Units with material divided into sessions covering topics in:-
  • Orientation
  • Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road
  • Vehicle Control Technique
  • Managing Risk with the IPDE/SIPDE Process
  • Natural Laws & Car Control
  • Basic Vehicle Maneuvers
  • Negotiating Intersections
  • Driving in Urban and Rural Areas, and on Interstate Highways
  • Defensive Driving Habits
  • Sharing the Road
  • Unfavorable Driving Conditions and Emergencies
  • Buying, Maintaining and Insuring a Vehicle
  • Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Driving
  • Planning For Travel
  • Driver Fitness
  • Review for the Final Examination

Location: / This class is completely Online.*** (DSL or T1 line connection is preferred. Students with a dial-up connection may request videos on CD or go to any ofGBC’s free college computer labs, a high school library, or public library)
Meeting day(s): / Online
Meeting time(s): / Online
Prerequisite(s): / You must turn 15 1/2 years of age prior to the end of the course
Instructor Information
Name: / Joe de Braga
Email: / Use the Internal Mail within Web Campus. Replies to e-mail questions will usually be returned within 24 hours excluding holidays.
Office location: / On line
Office hours: / Call for appointment
Phone: / INSTRUCTOR: 775-738-3107(Home)
TECH SUPPORT:775-753-2167
Biography: / State Certified Instructor
Course Goals
Course Goals/Objectives/Learner Outcomes:
Assessment of Learner Outcomes: / To provide the student, through online activities, videos, quizzes, and lessons, a thorough grasp of traffic laws and rules that apply to all drivers as well as basic vehicle maneuvers, defensive driving habits, sharing the road with other users, unfavorable driving conditions and emergencies, maintenance and insurance, and driver fitness.
Students must pass each of four Unit Exams with a score of 85% or higher.
Policies
Introduction: / Course participants are expected to complete the course within 10weeks. Participants who do not pass the course must register again to participate in another session.
Additional information: / Sessions are offered several times each semester as well as during the summer and end 10 weeks from the start date.
Textbooks
Required reading: / Drive Right, Revised 10th, ISBN:0-13-068324-8
OR Responsible Driving,Glencoe, ISBN:0-02-653382-0
Required reading: / Nevada Driver's Handbook, Motor Vehicles Branch, Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety, Current Revised March, 2010.
Online Book Order Information
Drive Right
Loan from local High School: / In most cases for students in the service area ofGreat Basin College, a book can be borrowed from their high school. Some books are available at SCHS and Elko HS (see Mr Wickersham). If you borrow a book please return it as soon as possible.
Drive Right Online Book Order: /
Nevada Driver's Handbook / Obtained free from anyNevadaDepartment of Motor Vehicles

Course Requirements
Requirements: / Participants are required to spend a minimum of 30 hours studying and grasping the lessons as well as taking all presentation, simulation, quizzes, & tests.
Participants are expected to check the email & discussion board within the course for relevant announcements on a daily basis.
Grading Method
Pass or Withdraw
Students must complete all activities & each unit exam with an 85% or higher to receive a Pass grade.
Unit 1
Expected Learner Outcomes: / Upon completion of this unit,
you will be able to: / Measurement:
Signs, Signals, & Roadway Markings /
  • Identify the meaning of each shape used in traffic signs.
  • State the meaning of each of the eight colors used on traffic signs.
  • Describe the correct action to take when approaching red, yellow, and green traffic signal lights.
  • Identify the meanings and locations of common pavement markings.
  • Describe laws governing motor vehicle ownership and operation.
/ Successful completion of
Simulation Exercises
Presentations/Worksheets
Review Quizzes
Discussion
Unit Tests
Basic Vehicle Control & Using the (S)IPDE* Process / *(For those using theResponsible Drivingtext, the process is known as SIPDE, where the "S" stands for "Search")
  • Identify Defensive Driving Terms
  • Explain steps to take before, during, and directly after entering a vehicle to maintain maximum safety.
  • Explain the purpose of common vehicle controls, the locations and functions of instruments and devices, and the different steps to driving automobiles with both automatic transmissions and manual transmissions.
  • Use the (S)IPDE process to search zones, identify and analyze traffic situations, predict possible outcomes, and make wise decisions for executing safe actions.

Unit 2
Expected Learner Outcomes: / Upon completion of this unit,
you will be able to: / Measurement:
Controlling Your Vehicle /
  • Describe natural laws, such as gravity, energy of motion, friction, traction, and stopping distance, and how they apply to driving.
  • Identify how restraint devices can help reduce the force of impact in a collision.
  • Explain basic maneuvers you will need to steer, change lanes, make turns, execute turnabouts, and park in various situations
/ Successful completion of
Simulation Exercises
Presentations/Worksheets
Review Quizzes
Discussion
Unit Tests
Intersections & Sharing the Roadway /
  • Describe safe ways to search and negotiate intersections.
  • Explain the procedure for negotiating a roundabout intersection.
  • Identify good judgments involving time, space, and distance related to intersections and railroad crossings.
  • Explain situations in which you would yielding the right of way
  • Correctly judge gaps in traffic.

Unit 3
Upon completion of this unit,
you will be able to: / Expected Learner Outcomes: / Measurement:
Driving in Urban, Rural, & Expressway Areas /
  • Explain unique factors in urban, rural, and expressway areas that can make driving difficult.
/ Successful completion of
Simulation Exercises
Presentations/Worksheets
Review Quizzes
Unit Tests
Discussion
Driving in Adverse Conditions & Handling Emergencies /
  • Describe how to use the (S)IPDE Process for these situations
  • Tell how to use the (S)IPDE Process to manage risks in poor weather
  • Identify weather situation that may change driving conditions
  • Tell how to use the controlled-braking technique
  • Describe what to do in situations like: blown tires, mechanical malfunction, and steering problems.
  • Explain how to avoid or minimize collisions.
  • List steps to take after a collision.

Unit 4
Expected Learner Outcomes: / Upon completion of this unit,
you will be able to: / Measurement:
Buying & Maintaining a Vehicle, & Insurance /
  • Identify routine preventive-maintenance checks that can help assure trouble-free vehicle operation.
  • Define the terms:- liability coverage, medical payment coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, under-insured motorist coverage, no-fault insurance, premium, and deductible as used to identify vehicle insurance.
  • State the benefits of having adequate vehicle insurance.
  • Obtain price quotations for vehicle insurance.
/ Successful completion of
Simulation Exercises
Presentations/Worksheets
Review Quizzes
Unit Tests
Discussion
Writing /Synthesis Essay
Alcohol, Other Drugs, Distractions and Driving /
  • Describe how physical condition can affect driver performance.
  • Describe how an individual's emotional state can affect driver performance.
  • Explain the risks associated with operating a cell phone while driving
  • State the laws governing use of alcohol and the serious consequences drivers face if found guilty of driving under the influence.
  • Discuss ways peer pressure can be a positive or a negative influence on the decisions you make about driving and drinking.
  • Identify the effects of alcohol and other drugs on your body.
Planning Travel
  • Describe how to prepare for short and long road trips.
  • Tell what techniques you can use to stay alert while driving.
  • Identify how road markers can help in calculating distances and understanding direction of travel.
  • Describe extra precautions you need to follow when driving special vehicles such as recreational vehicles and rental trucks and when pulling a trailer.

Students with Disabilities

GBC is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For more information or further assistance, please contact Julie Byrnes, ADA Officer, at 753-2271.

Policy of Academic Integrity

GBC subscribes to the traditional policy of academic integrity: Students are expected to be honest. Students are expected to do their own work. Students who plagiarize or commit academic dishonesty are violating the standards of academic integrity and are subject to consequences ranging from failing the assignment or course to dismissal from the institution.