This story has been updated to include the contact information of the new SRO at PBHS as of Sept. 2021, Officer Christie Meany.

Starting Nov. 2, 2020,PBHS students can take their learner permit test right at school.

Pine Bush High School students who are at least 16 and looking to get their learner permit have something to cheer about. While others have to make an appointment at the local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) and possibly wait  months for that appointment, PBHS students can take their learner permit test right here at Pine Bush High School, thanks to Principal Aaron Hopmayer and School Resource Officer Dan Boyd.

“Last year Dan came up with the idea that we should be certified to administer the tests,” said Hopmayer. “That way, our kids can take it right here in our offices. The procedure is the same, but without the wait time or much of the test anxiety.”

Both Hopmayer and Boyd applied to DMV, took the training and are certified to administer the testing.

It didn’t happen last school year because of COVID-19 but Hopmayer and Boyd are ready to put this into place starting Nov. 2.

Boyd said the process is the same as if the students were going to the DMV except they make an appointment with him or Hopmayer. Only one student is allowed to take the test with each of them at any one time. Boyd or Hopmayer would verify the student’s identity, age and residence with the same documents that are needed by DMV and enter them into the system.

After verification, they would log on to the testing website through the DMV and take the test. There is no extra cost involved; all students would pay the same state fee as they would at DMV.

Be advised that this appointment is for your learners permit test only. You will have to do a permit transfer with DMV.  However, this new system will significantly reduce your wait time. You must make an appointment with your county DMV to provide identification, take your eye test, and pay the fee directly to them. Step by step instructions will be provided when you pass your  learner permit test regarding the process for obtaining your actual permit through DMV. If you have any further questions please contact Officer Boyd at (845) 744-2031 Ext. 3184

“The benefit here is a quicker wait time to actually take the test,” said Boyd. “And if they fail, they can sign up  very quickly to take it again. No long wait time.”

Also, they are taking the test in a place in which they are familiar, Hopmayer added, helping them get rid of some test anxiety, if they have it.

The test is available in both English and Spanish. For those with testing accommodations, there is an audio button so the test can be read aloud to them.

Boyd, who is a Town of Crawford police officer, said he would help the students prepare by going over vehicle and traffic law in advance with them as part of their studying. The learners’ permit manual is online for students to study on their own.

Hopmayer, though, views it another way. “Yes, there are great benefits for our students and their parents by providing this service. In addition to that, it further reinforces the collaborative effort between our school district and the Town of Crawford Police Department. This is a great outreach and I hope many students take advantage of it.”

Anyone wishing to get more information  about taking the learner permit test at the high school may contact Mr. Hopmayer via email at aaron.hopmayer@pinebushschools.org or PBHS’s new SRO (as of Sept. 2021) Officer Christie Meany at christie.meany@pinebushschools.org or 845-744-2031, ext. 3184.

To make an appointment, click here to complete and submit the Google form.