By Katherine Waters

Sun Staff Intern

NORWICH – Students who participate in Norwich High School’s Drivers’ Education program learn more than just the skills to pass their test, says instructor John Mason.

This year nearly 70 students will participate in Norwich High School’s Drivers’ Education class and recieve 48 hours of instruction from instructors John Mason, Jerry Locke or Dale Johnson. Each student is required to participate in 24 hours of skill development in the car and 24 hours of classroom work.

“The program is truly designed to promote favorible behavior and attitude about driving,” said Mason. “We want to bring positive performances to the highway.”

Patricia Giltner, principal of Drivers’ Education, said it is important for students to sign up and participate in the program. “First of all, a parent trying to teach their child can be tense,” she said. “We have more objective instructors who really teach them the rules and regulations of the road.”

Not only does Drivers’ Education consist of driving experience and memorizing the traffic rules, students also hear speakers such as the state and local police, Oxford Justice John Weidman, insurance agent Wayne Emmons and D. Rickard Insurance.