In the weeks leading up to winter break, a form was released to gauge interest in an iDriveSmart Driver’s Ed program at Potomac. Currently, there is no available resource hosted by Potomac for students getting their permits and licenses. According to Potomac’s Director of Auxiliary Programs, Ms. Shveta Khullar, “The Auxiliary Programs is considering reintroducing the iDrive Smart program for Upper School students to enhance convenience and accessibility. We are currently in the early planning stages and working through logistical details. A most recent survey indicates community interest, and the next phase will focus on planning, most likely a hybrid delivery model that includes both online and in-person options.” 

Currently, the McLean options for iDrive Smart are Langley High School, McLean High School, and the Santini’s Deli lot. However, slots for these locations are picked up quickly, leading some students to have to go as far as Random Hills (yes, that is its real name) to get driving instruction. 

Additionally, Potomac presently has no available driver’s education class, meaning students must find outside companies (such as iDrive Smart) to fulfill the Virginia driver’s education requirements. These requirements are:

• 30 hours of instruction (either in-person or online)
• Seven 100-minute behind-the-wheel sessions (50 minutes observing, 50 minutes driving)
• 45 hours of driving with a licensed adult in the passenger seat (15 of which must be at night)
• Attend one 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety presentation

However, there is the possibility that the demand for iDrive Smart isn’t enough to merit such a large endeavour. Perhaps Potomac families prefer for this process to be independent of school itself. As Ms. Khullar said, this program is still in its early stages, and nothing has been cemented.