Driver Education

The goal of Lenoir County Public Schools (LCPS) and its driver education contractor, JDS Carolinas, Inc., is to provide quality driver education to all students in a safe and timely manner. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires that students receive at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the wheel training to receive a driver education certificate. There are no academic requirements in order to take driver education classes. However, there are academic requirements to apply for a permit or licenses after finishing the driver education class.

Driver education is available to Lenoir County Public School students who are between the ages of 14 ½ years to 18 years old at no cost. Students who attend Arendell Parrott Academy, Bethel Academy or a licensed home school (must live in Lenoir County) are also eligible for driver education classes through Lenoir County Public Schools. Students who are dismissed from driver education classes due to behavior or attendance problems will not be allowed to take driver education classes a second time through Lenoir County Public Schools.

Driver education classes will be offered several times during the school year including the summer and holidays. A schedule of class offerings is available on the JDS Carolinas, Inc. website.

Registration

Kinston High and North Lenoir High students may register for a driver education class by contacting the school where the student would like to take the class. As of Monday, June 20, 2022, South Lenoir High School provides a link via its social media sites for online registration. For more information and a class schedule, please visit the JDS Carolinas, Inc. website.

Drivers Eligibility

As of August 1, 1998, any person less than 18 years old who is applying for a permit or license must have a driver’s eligibility certificate. This certificate states that the student is working toward obtaining a high school diploma meaning that the student must be passing at least 3 out of 4 classes per semester, the student is currently enrolled full-time in school, and not be subject to the Lose Control; Lose License law (GS 20 – 11).

The certificate is valid for 30 days after the date it was originally issued. Students may obtain a driver's eligibility certificate from the school they currently attend.

Contact Information

Lenoir County Public Schools
Driver Education Liaison
Amy Jones
2017 W. Vernon Ave. Kinston, NC  28504
(252) 527-1109

JDS, Carolinas, Inc.
Private Contractor, Eddie Jordan, Owner
P.O. Box 143
Vanceboro, NC  28586
(252) 244-1220