Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fee?
$1375.
The fees include both the final Knowledge and Drive Tests for the license.
Can the student miss any classes?
Our program makes it very easy to make up missed classes. Our flexibility can usually accommodate students that other driving schools can not. Students can make-up missed classes in the next program. If those dates do not work, let us know and we will find a way to make it work!
Feel free to contact us with your student's scheduling situation and we will do
our best to work out a plan that fits your needs.
How do we get the Learner's Permit?
There are 2 ways to
get the permit;
1: Wait until 10 days before the program starts and use a "wavier".
With this method, the student does not need to take the Knowledge Test.
(it does have to taken eventually however)
2: If the student is at least 15 1/2 they can come into our office and
take the 25 question Knowledge Test and then get the Permit right away.
Once they pass the Knowledge Test, it does not need to taken again to get
the actual Driver's License.
Whichever option you choose, we will send you step-by-step instructions for
getting the permit when we receive your enrollment.
Where can the Learner's Permit be used?
Washington and Oregon
Who has to be in the front seat next to the student?
Anyone who has held a Driver's License for 5+ years.
Is there a limit to the number of passengers that can be in the vehicle
with a driver who has a Learner's Permit?
No
How long is the Permit valid for?
One year. It can be renewed, but you will have to pay the fee again.
What about insurance?
In just about all cases, insurance companies do not charge an additional fee to cover a driver with a Permit. It's a good idea to confirm this with your insurance agent however.
Are the Knowledge and Drive Tests the same as what used to be done at the Department of Licensing offices?
Yes, this testing is now done at private driving schools.
Is there and additional charge for the testing?
No, it is included in the program fee. HOWEVER...We do charge $25. to retake the Drive Test if it is not passed.
When do you conduct the testing?
Knowledge Test: Fridays at 4:00 (2 PM during the Summer)
Drive Test: Fridays at 3:30....5:00....5:30PM (Summer: 3:00....3:30....4:00 PM)
Do you provide the test vehicle?
Yes
If the student fails the Drive Test, does it effect their driving record?
No
When can students take the tests?
As soon as they finish the program.
Do students have to be 16+ to take the tests?
No
What is the maximum time students can wait after they finish your program to take the tests?
There is no time limit. HOWEVER...If they wait more than 1 year from the starting date of their program, we charge the regular fee that we charge the General Public: $25 for the Knowledge Test. $60 for the Drive Test.
Do students have to physically go into a Department of Licensing office to get their license?
Not any more.(fortunately) IF their Permit has a photo, and IF they are satisfied with that photo, they can get the License online with a credit card.
What are the requirements for a minor getting a license?
- Pass a driver education course.
- Pass the Knowledge and Drive Tests.
- Hold their Learner's Permit for 6 months.
- Have at least 50 hours of diving experience. (Yes, the 6 hours in driver ed counts)
- Be 16+.
Do all driver education programs have the same # of hours?
Yes, the minimum hours are set by the Department of Licensing.
Does your office have parking?
Yes, there is plenty of free parking behind our building.
When are the IN-CAR DRIVING lessons given?
During the SCHOOL YEAR:
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS at: 5PM...6PM...7PM...8PM
SATURDAYS at: 1PM...2PM...3PM...4PM
SUNDAYS at: 10AM...11AM...12PM...1PM...2PM
In the SUMMER:
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS at: 10:00AM...11:00AM...12:00PM...1:00PM...2:00PM
SATURDAYS at: 10AM...11AM...12PM...1PM...2PM...3PM
SUNDAYS at: 10AM...11AM...12PM...1PM...2PM
Can students be picked up and dropped off at other locations beside home or school?
Yes, as long as we know about it in advance and it's within a reasonable distance of our normal operating area. (Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Phinney Ridge, Wallingford, Green Lake, University Area) (Laurelhurst, Windermere, Capitol Hill, Mountake, Broadmoor, Madison Park depending upon the time of day and day of the week)
How long is each driving lesson?
The students drive for one hour, then are driven home by the next student on the schedule. Typically, each lesson requires a commitment of 1.25 to 1.5 hour total.
Do you ever cancel drives due to weather?
Only for snow, or if there is enough ice on the roads to be dangerous. Other than that, we do not cancel drives.
Do the 6 hours of Lessons count toward the 50 required hours of experience the student must have to get their license?
Yes