Proprietary Driver Education Schools
Application Instructions
There are specific, legal steps that must be taken by individuals seeking approval to conduct proprietary schools of instruction, including driver’s education courses in Iowa. The process involves four separate state agencies (1) the Secretary of State, (2) the Iowa Department of Transportation, (3) the Iowa Department of Education and (4) the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. It is the responsibility of the private driving school applicant to contact each of these agencies to obtain the necessary documents and approvals before any instruction may begin.
You must first contact the Secretary of State’s office to obtain a certificate of organization to do business in Iowa. This is the certificate that all businesses need to operate in the state. This must be completed before going farther with this process. You can obtain information on the Secretary of State’s web site or by calling the customer service number for that office at 515/242-6303.
After obtaining the necessary
documents from the Secretary of State’s office, you will need to complete the
“Proprietary Driver Education Program Approval” and “Proprietary Driver
Education Teacher Approval” forms and return them to the Department of
Transportation for review with a copy of the Certificate of Organization.
At the same time, you must register with the Iowa Colleges Student Aid Commission. This registration requires you to show evidence of financial responsibility, including either a letter of credit or a bond. The Iowa College Student Aid Commission forms are available by contacting Keith Greiner, at (877)272-4456. When all steps are completed, the Commission will issue a letter of registration to you.
You must obtain the appropriate Iowa teaching credentials to conduct classroom
or behind-the-wheel driver’s education instruction. If you need assistance in
obtaining the required driver’s education teaching credentials for Iowa, contact
Gary Borlaug at (515)281-3483 of the Practitioner Preparation & Licensure
Bureau of the Department of Education.
Upon approval of your program, as per Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Rules, and verification that each instructor listed has obtained the required teacher certification and endorsement, the forms will be signed and returned with a letter that serves as your license to offer driver education courses and will include a course identification number. A copy will be sent to the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. These forms are available for printing from this web site.
THIS ENTIRE PROCESS MUST BE
COMPLETED
BEFORE CONDUCTING DRIVER EDUCATION COURSES OF INSTRUCTION IN IOWA
For NEW Proprietary Driver Education Schools
Print and complete the following two forms in their entirety.
Sign and date both forms.
Include a check for $25 made payable to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Mail both forms, check and proof of authority to do business in Iowa to:
Iowa Dept. of Transportation
ATTN: Toni Kerkove
Office of Driver Services
1622 South Federal Avenue
Mason City, IA 50401
For RENEWAL Proprietary Driver Education Schools
Print and complete the following three forms in their entirety (Due December 24 annually).
Sign and date forms.
Include a check for $25 made payable to the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Mail forms and check to:
Iowa Dept. of Transportation
ATTN: Toni Kerkove
Office of Driver Services
1622 South Federal Avenue
Mason City, IA 50401
If you are unable to get these forms from this website or for more information regarding proprietary driver education schools, contact:
Iowa Dept. of Transportation
ATTN: Toni Kerkove
Office of Driver Services
1622 South Federal Avenue
Mason City, IA 50401
Telephone: 641-423-1675
E-Mail: Toni.Kerkove@dot.iowa.gov
Related websites:
Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle DivisionMinor Restricted License (MSL) Questions & Answers
Public School District Driver Education Program Application Instructions