January 2025 START classes are full.
We don’t keep waitlists for START classes, but scroll down for future class dates and mark your calendar!
See START classes in action, hear from teens who’ve completed them, and meet some of the people who are helping to save teen drivers’ lives!
Car accidents are the leading killer of American teens.
Experts say that inadequate training is one of the key contributing factors in these accidents. Teens get on our roads with very little behind-the-wheel experience, and they lack most of the skills they need to drive safely. Many teens are also susceptible to the temptations of their electronic devices and other distractions.
The professional driving instructors from the Tucson PD are helping to save teen drivers’ lives.
The START program provides teen drivers with critical information on decision-making and judgement, and teaches them the basic motor vehicle driving skills related to commonly encountered collision factors.
The behind-the-wheel portion of the START program consists of 6 exercises:
• Evasive Steering • Controlled Braking • Off-Road/Pavement Recovery
• Basic Skid Control • Anti-Lock Brake System Familiarization • Distracted Driving Simulation
START classes are taught by professional driving instructors from the Tucson PD. Class vehicles are provided by the Tucson PD and Jim Click Hyundai. Classes are sponsored by State Farm Insurance.
The Tucson PD: Ready to Protect, Proud to Serve
Class vehicles provided by Jim Click Hyundai
Distracted driver cockpit simulator funded by State Farm Insurance
Important Class Information and Guidelines – Please Review!
Five-hour classes are held at the Tucson Police Academy at 10001 South Wilmot Road.
Classes begin promptly at designated start times. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Allow extra travel time to avoid traffic delays. Parent signatures are required for drivers under 18—no exceptions. Bring your license, proof of insurance, and signed waiver(s) and form to class if you haven’t already emailed them to Monica Sheldon.
Bottled water, snacks and drinks will be provided courtesy of the START program. Hand sanitizer will also be available. Face masks are optional.
Teens will be in close proximity while in the vehicles conducting the behind the wheel skills. High touch points in the vehicle will be sanitized.
Certificates will be awarded at completion of the training course along with a souvenir as our thanks for attending.
REMINDER: You must have a driver’s license. Permits are not accepted—please do not register if you only have a permit. Classes are only for licensed, insured drivers who are 16–19 years old at the time of registration.
Please familiarize your teen with the dress code so they’re able to participate when they arrive.
After you complete the registration process, please download the liability waiver(s) and photo release form PDFs! Please print, complete and sign all forms, then email them to Monica Sheldon at ode@tucsonaz.gov prior to your class date/time. Thanks! Note: downloading and submitting these forms does not register you for any class.
DOWNLOAD WAIVER(S) / FORM
Questions? Please call Monica Sheldon at 520-589-8930, or send her an email.
Registration dates for future START classes – be sure to register early as classes tend to fill fast!
| Class Date | Class Times Available | Open Registration Date |
|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2025 | 7 am and noon | January 6, 2025 |
| February 15, 2025 | 7 am and noon | January 6, 2025 |
| March 1, 2025 | 7 am and noon | February 3, 2025 |
| March 15, 2025 | 7 am and noon | February 3, 2025 |
| April 5, 2025 | 7 am and noon | March 10, 2025 |
| April 19, 2025 | 7 am and noon | March 10, 2025 |
| May 3, 2025 | 7 am and noon | April 7, 2025 |