Here in New York the instructors are all unpaid volunteers. They are allowed and encouraged to read the written portion of the test to those who request it since the state's position is that they are testing hunting safety knowledge and hans-on skills and not reading.
Whenever I'm with a group of sportsmen and someone grouses about the lack (real or perceived)_ of enough safety courses I ask all the folks who have had a license for more than a few years to stand up. Then I ask those who have taught or assisted in a safety course in the last year to sit down.
I end with a statement to the rest that they are the reason that there may not be enough safety courses to go around. We have signed up several new instructors because of this little performance.....
I'm glad for both you and you son and wish you many years of hunting together.
Lance
BTW: we own a farm in very good hunting country. We have substantial populations of squirrels, deer, turkey etc with good waterfowl hunting, especially Canada and snow geese. When folks ask for permission to hunt I usually tell them they'll have a lot better chance at a "Yes!" if I see them bring a new or young hunter.
