COURSES

• FOUR-HOUR DRIVER SAFETY COURSE DSC-4
• ONLINE COURSE DSC-4
• EIGHT-HOUR DRIVER SAFETY COURSE DSC-8
• READY FOR THE ROAD? – YOUTH DRIVER SAFETY COURSE

FOUR-HOUR DRIVER SAFETY COURSE DSC-4

DSC-4 is a concise and up-to-date driver safety course based on the Illinois Rules of the Road.  The course features topical educational materials including a student handbook, videos, flip charts, and other proven training aids.  DSC-4 students learn how to anticipate hazards, adjust driving habits and act appropriately through the use of classroom teaching techniques which include: lecture, group discussion, videos, written exercises and an examination on driver safety techniques.

The DSC-4 program is designed to be conducted in a half-day with emphasis on four major subjects:

• The Dangers of Aggressive Driving
• Distracted and Impaired Driving
• Things We Do Everyday
• Keeping You Safe

Because only Traffic Safety School certified Instructors may teach DSC-4, consistent and professional training is assured.

The DSC-4 course is designed to meet the needs of various “at risk” audiences:

• Court Referrals      -   drivers who are required to attend a driver safety course.
• Corporations         -    employees driving company vehicles.
• General Public      -    citizens interested in improving their everyday driving skills.

 ONLINE COURSE DSC-4

The DSC Online Course is an Internet-based version of the 4-hour Driver Safety Course.  The course is designed to allow users to learn driver safety strategies using a personal computer, during one or multiple sessions.

Certain County Courts do not accept, or place restrictions on accepting, the Online Course.  At this time Jefferson County and Shelby County defendants may take the Online Course.  Cook County defendants who are 18 years of age or older at the time the ticket was issued may take the Online Course. 

You will not be able to access the Online Course until you receive a login ID number and password from Northwestern University Traffic Safety School. In addition, if you requested the regular DSC-4 classroom course and wish to switch to the Online Course, an additional fee is required and must be paid before you are sent your login information.

• How the Course Works - Students access the course via the Internet on a computer at any time, day or night, after receiving assignment information and instructions from TSS. They can complete the course at one time, or log in numerous times to complete all sessions of the course. They must pass a post-test before they can finish the course. 

After they complete the course, a certificate of completion is mailed to the student’s home address within 7-10 business days.

• Student Enrollment - Students can register by paying their ticket and indicating the web course on the registration form. You may use the Volunteer Enrollment form to register if you did not receive your ticket in Cook, Jefferson or Shelby counties.
• Student Notification - For students paying online, the User ID and Password is printed on the information letter printed from their home printer. For students paying by phone or by mail,  a special Online assignment letter is sent to the student with a User ID and Password to access the course. The assignment letter will give a specific deadline date to complete the course.
• Online  Helpline - Students can call TSS at (847) 467-5240 during business hours for information about or technical assistance with the Internet course.  After business hours, they will be able to leave voicemail on the helpline for callbacks.

EIGHT-HOUR DRIVER SAFETY COURSE DSC-8

The 8-hour Driver Safety Course (DSC-8) is based on the concept that if drivers learn to drive safely, they will lower their chances of dying or being injured in a vehicle collision. Each year, over a 100,000 students throughout the state learn the basics of safer driving by attending DSC-8 classes.

The comprehensive DSC-8 curriculum is based on the most recent research on preventing deaths and injuries, and uses training techniques that reinforce information learning by students.

Each hour of the DSC-8 course includes: lecture, discussion, videos, exercises and scenarios.

DSC-8 is an eight-hour course which is conducted in two consecutive four-hour sessions.  Classes may be held on two consecutive evenings, all day on a weekday or on a Saturday.

The Traffic Safety School certifies only highly qualified instructors, guaranteeing that the Driver Safety Course will be taught consistently and professionally regardless of the location 

READY FOR THE ROAD? – YOUTH DRIVER SAFETY COURSE

Ready for the Road? is a course specifically created to meet the needs of younger drivers.  The purpose of the course is to help participants recognize that their inexperience and casual attitudes toward driving can cause violations, collisions, injury and death.  It also encourages them to adopt safer approaches to driving.

Based on the results of research undertaken at Northwestern University Center for Public Safety on young traffic offenders, the course strongly emphasizes discussion rather than lecture.  Students have the opportunity to discuss their attitudes and feelings related to such topics as peer pressure, intentional risk taking, hazard recognition and accepting responsibility for the choices they make while driving.

Facilitators for the course are selected not only for their knowledge of driver safety techniques, but also for their proven ability to work effectively with young people and create an atmosphere conducive to open and meaningful discussions.

Topics in the course include:

• Why Young Drivers Are At Risk
• Making Safe Driving Decisions
• How to Avoid Distracted Driving
• Adjusting to the Driving Environment