Since Raye Leonard took over as education director at Boothbay-Wiscasset Regional Adult Education (BWRAE), it has been a goal to bring a driver’s education program for high schoolers and young adults back to the region. Leonard estimates an initial investment of about $50,000 would be required to launch the project. This includes purchasing and customizing the vehicle, hiring an instructor and expanding supportive administrative jobs.

If a car were donated, this would speed up the process and possibly reduce share costs from Boothbay and Wiscasset.

The desired vehicle would be a low-mileage four-door sedan or small SUV, with space in the passenger area for another mirror and dual pedals to be installed (in case the instructor has to brake). The car would preferably be a 2018 or newer, as more recent vehicles have features students should familiarize themselves with, such as backup cameras. Call Leonard at (207) 315-5651.

“Once we get it going, it's an easy revenue generator,” said Leonard.  

After the first year, driver’s ed will bring in about $20,000 annually; this will both sustain the program and provide funds to other BWRAE offerings, Leonard explained.  

She stressed how a local program would aid access. Right now, most parents must take their children to Rockland for classes, meaning time and stress, especially if students also trying to complete their high school education at BRWAE.  

“I'm also motivated to support (those students). They're struggling even more because they don't have access to transportation to get anywhere, many of them. So, it's an access thing.”  

BWRAE is trying to ease these struggles in the meantime through partnering with Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education to offer an in-person driver’s ed program at Wiscasset Middle High School, and Dirigo Driving Academy in Rockland to offer a hybrid (part online, part in-person) driver’s ed program. Both programs start in March and are taking a limited number of Boothbay students.