(1) The department recommends safe driving courses so that a driver can learn how to:

(a) Correct and rehabilitate driving performance;

(b) Learn safe, responsible, and respectful driving behaviors; and

(c) Avoid danger potentials, risks to drivers, and other road users.

(2) To receive a recommendation for a safe driving course, an entity or individual offering a safe driving course must apply on a form prescribed by the department and include copies of course materials.

(3) The department considers the following factors when determining whether to recommend a course:

(a) A need exists for a course in the geographic location the course will be offered, or a need exists to provide options to problem drivers.

(b) The entity or individual offering the course is doing so as a part of a larger driver improvement or education program that has demonstrated success in correcting driving performance and behaviors.

(c) The safe driving course educates and assesses student comprehension about the following driving behaviors:

(i) Dangers associated with impaired driving including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as other illicit substances;

(ii) Dangers of driving at excessive speeds;

(iii) Dangers of right-of-way violations including merging, improper turns, roundabouts, and intersections;

(iv) Dangers of distracted driving;

(v) Dangers of improper passing and following vehicles too closely;

(vi) Dangers of aggressive driving;

(vii) Dangers of fatigued driving;

(viii) Passenger safety to include child restraints and seatbelt use;

(ix) Operating around vulnerable road users; and

(x) Hazard awareness: Maintenance and emergency, school zones, constructions zones, and weather conditions.

(4) The department may recommend a course that is substantially like the course described in subsection (3) of this section and the course is recommended or approved by another governmental entity.