(1) The program requires that successful candidates:

(a) demonstrate an understanding of the state requirements for approval of a traffic education program, i.e., school and teacher, student age, scheduling, program length, and liability;

(b) demonstrate an understanding of the state requirements to be eligible as an approved teacher of traffic education, i.e., educator license, driver's license, driving record, and specific coursework;

(c) demonstrate an understanding of the state requirements regarding vehicle usage, i.e., required and recommended equipment, maintenance, identification, vehicle use and restrictions, licensing, and insuring;

(d) demonstrate an understanding of the general administrative procedures and policies required for conducting an approved traffic education program, i.e., approval and reimbursement forms;

(e) demonstrate knowledge of the driver licensing process and the responsibilities associated with having that license;

(f) demonstrate a working knowledge and administration of the cooperative driver testing program leading to instructor certification;

(g) demonstrate a working knowledge of perceptual and physical screening techniques;

(h) demonstrate an understanding of the Uniform Vehicle Code, motor vehicle laws of Montana, and due process;

(i) demonstrate an understanding of the consequences resulting from violations, i.e., driving record, loss of driving privilege, higher insurance premiums, license retesting;

(j) demonstrate the ability to effectively assist students in examining and clarifying their beliefs, attitudes, and values as they relate to general safety;

(k) demonstrate an understanding of the importance of positive attitudes toward safe driving, i.e., mental, social, and physical tasks performed through a decision-making process;

(l) demonstrate an understanding of the safe interaction of all elements of the highway transportation system, i.e., pedestrians, bicyclists, passengers, motorcyclists, drivers, vehicles, and roadways;

(m) demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of vehicle ownership, i.e., basic mechanical operation, maintenance, and insuring;

(n) demonstrate an understanding of vehicle dynamics as they relate to operator control and the effects of occupant restraint systems;

(o) demonstrate an understanding of current traffic education issues, i.e., parent involvement, zone control, reference points, aggressive driving, and graduated driver licensing;

(p) acquire opportunities for student teaching experiences in classroom and behind-the-wheel situations with novice driving students under the direct supervision of a qualified teacher;

(q) design educational strategies for appropriate driving experiences for diverse learners;

(r) develop a logical scope and sequence plan for training driving skills in the repeated safe operation of a motor vehicle, i.e., controlled but varied situations and environments;

(s) demonstrate knowledge, application, and evaluation of specific student competencies, i.e., vehicle control, roadway markings, maneuvers, intersections, and highways;

(t) demonstrate an understanding of specific competencies as defined by recognized agencies and organizations, i.e., Office of Public Instruction and American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association;

(u) design educational strategies for visual perceptual skill development, i.e., zone control, IPDE process, Smith system, and defensive driving principles;

(v) experience and demonstrate an understanding of driving skills required to successfully handle adverse and emergency situations;

(w) demonstrate an understanding of accident facts, causation, and current crash avoidance and injury prevention strategies;

(x) develop a logical scope and sequence plan for a traffic education program that includes the physiological and psychological influences of alcohol and drug abuse as they relate to use of the highway transportation system;

(y) demonstrate skills and techniques using potential equipment, to assist learning for students with special needs;

(z) demonstrate an understanding of techniques and strategies to integrate traffic education into the K-12 curriculum;

(aa) identify and implement teaching trends and materials which will help assure continued program enhancement;

(ab) demonstrate an understanding of, and provide tools for, student and program assessment; and

(ac) demonstrate an understanding of current information on appropriate resources and how to establish an effective traffic education support network.