FAQ's

Do you give weekend and evening appointments?
We give appointments 7 days a week as early as 6am and as late as 8pm.

What are your office hours?
Our office is open Monday thru Friday 9am to 6pm. You may call any time to leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. For your convenience, you can schedule your lesson online by clicking here

What do the lessons include?
All of the lessons include free pick up and drop off. The lessons are private and we provide an automatic car with dual controls. Many mature drivers prefer to use their own car.

What areas do you serve?
We offer pick up and drop off to all of Orange County and Long Beach.

Are you insured?
Our school is fully insured, licensed, and bonded. Our license number is E4067. The DMV holds a copy of our Driving School insurance and bond.

Do you give special attention to nervous drivers?
Yes, we give special attention to nervous drivers. Our instructors are very calm and patient and specialize with working with nervous drivers. To have the feeling of the A mentoring that is offered by an instructor click here. Being nervous is common and we deal with many nervous and even phobic drivers who like to use their own car for the training. Since we are experienced professionals and we know how to coach you effectively, it takes a lot of the pressure off of you while you are driving. If you make a mistake, our skilled instructors can correct it. When you learn how to drive safely and defensively, you will become less nervous as you learn to control the car.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, personal check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and PayPal.

How do I pay?
You can pay the instructor at the first appointment or call the office in advance at 1-888-783-7483. To see the adult price list click here. To see the teen price list click here. If you decide to purchase a package, the full amount is due at the first session of the package.

When is payment due?
Payment is due at the first appointment. If you decide to purchase a package the full amount is due at the first appointment of the package. Upon request you will receive a receipt at the time of payment.

What if I am not sure which package I want?
You may take the first lesson and decide at the end of the session if you would like to purchase a package or just pay for one session.

How many lessons will I need?
On the first lesson the instructor will evaluate your driving level and give you an estimate of how many lessons you will need to pass the test and to be safe on the road.

What do you teach on the first lesson?
Because the lessons are private, the instructor will analyze your driving and customize the lesson according to your driving skills.

Can I use your car for the DMV behind the wheel test?
You can use our car for the DMV behind the wheel test. The instructor will pick you up. You will drive the car to the DMV and use our car for the test. We provide insurance and registration. When you are finished the instructor will take you back home. It is basically the same cost as a lesson or if you have a package you can use the last session to go to the DMV test.

Can I start without my permit?
If you have never had a driver’s license you may begin driving with one of our instructors before you have a permit. We are authorized by the DMV to issue Student Licenses. A Student License allows you to drive with our California licensed instructor before you have your permit.

What is a Student License?
A Student License allows you to drive with one of our California licensed instructors before you have a permit. A Student License is only valid with our instructor. You may not drive with anyone else until you get your permit at the DMV by passing your written test.

Do you teach freeway driving?
Yes, we do teach freeway driving. We will be working on the process of entering the freeway, merging by matching the speed of the freeway flow and exiting the freeway safely.

Do you guarantee that I can pass the test?
It is forbidden by law for us to guarantee that you pass the DMV test. We can however, give you a practice test and let you know if you would have passed had it been the actual test and go over the mistakes you made. It is a very rare for a student who has taken at least three simulated tests with the instructor to fail the actual DMV driving test.

Can you help me pass my written test?
We do provide Written Test Preparation. This is private tutoring and the instructor will come to you. The instructor will provide the DMV handbook, sample tests and go over important materials you will need to know to pass the written test. Written test preparation is the same cost as driving instruction.

Do you have female instructors?
At this time we only have male instructors at this time, but they are very courteous, patient, and professional.

Are your instructors licensed?
All of our instructors are licensed in the state of California by the Department of Motor Vehicles. They have had Live Scan background checks. They have passed an extensive training course and must have a minimum of 2 years experience of licensed teaching before being hired by our school (most of our instructors have much more than 2 years teaching experience).

How do I make an appointment?
Call our office at 1-888-783-7483 to schedule an appointment or schedule online by clicking here

How long does it usually take to get an appointment?
It usually takes about 3 to 5 days to get an appointment. However, sometimes same day or next day appointments are available. During the summer and holidays it may take longer to get an appointment.

How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
To cancel or reschedule an appointment please call our office at least 24 hours in advance before 6pm or you will be subject to a $75.00 fee.

What if for some reason I do not finish my lessons?
If for any reason you cannot or decide not to finish your lessons, the difference will be refunded to you.

What are the requirements for a teenager to get his/her permit?

1. You will need to complete driver education
2. Once drivers ed has been successfully completed, we will mail you a DMV completion certificate that you need to bring to the DMV.
3. Find and bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy.
4. Find and bring your social security card.
5. Complete and submit an original application form DL 44. The form is available at the DMV and could be filled out as you are waiting to be processed. Have both of your parents’ or guardians’ signatures on the DL 44 application form
6. Visit a DMV office with all the pre-mentioned documents and pay the DMV fees (make an Appointment(s) online for faster service)
7. Once you pass your written test and get your permit, we need to validated it at your first behind the wheel lesson. In Southern California, to sign up for your first lesson clicking here or call 1 888 78-DRIVE (1-888-783-7483)

Remember: Your permit is not valid until you have taken your first behind-the-wheel lesson.

What are the requirements for a teenager to get his/her drivers license?

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have had your permit for at least 6 months. (see previous question on how to obtain a permit).
• Your parents or legal guardian must sign your permit to confirm that you have practiced driving at least 50 hours (10 of which must be at night).
• You must have completed Driver’s education and the 6 hour behind the wheel program and provide the “Completion of Driver’s Education” and “Completion of 6 hours Behind the Wheel” certificates to the DMV.
• Pass the Behind the wheel drive test at the DMV.

What are the restrictions for a teenager after I get my license?
For information regarding this matter click here

What do you teach during the 6 hours behind the wheel driving course for teenagers?
The 6 hour behind the wheel driving course for teenagers under 18 is a DMV approved course that includes a summary of all the skills required to pass the DMV road test plus freeway driving. Download the brochure.

What do you do on the first lesson of the 6 hours behind the wheel driving course for teenagers?
The first lesson includes: steering control, using the accelerator and braking, right turns in residential, left turns in residential, reversing by the curb and light traffic.

What if I lose my certificate?
DMV Completion Certificates are numbered and strictly controlled by DMV. In order for us to issue another certificate we must receive a signed letter from a parent stating that the certificate was lost or destroyed and there is a $40.00 processing fee to issue a replacement certificate. Please allow 7 to 10 days for a replacement certificate. If a duplicate permit is obtained, revalidating a permit is $40.

 

How do I get my license?
To get your license you must pass a vision test, a written test and a behind the wheel test at the DMV.

Do I need to take driving instruction?
The DMV does not require that adults 18 years of age or older take driving instruction. It is optional. Nowadays without professional help, it is unlikely to pass the driving test.

My permit expired; do I have to retake the written test?
Yes, you must have a valid permit to take the behind the wheel test. A permit is valid for 1 year from the date you passed your written test. If it expires you must retake the written test to obtain another permit. You cannot get an extension for a permit.

What is the Driver Safety Department?
The Driver Safety Department is the department of the DMV that deals with people who have had their license revoked. People who come to us from the Driver Safety department have usually had a medical problem and been reported to the DMV by their doctor (ex: stroke), have had an accident and have been reported to the DMV by the California Highway Patrol, or have not passed their DMV road test after 3 tries.

What is the procedure for someone going through the Driver Safety Department to get their license back?

• Step 1: Have a “hearing” with your hearing officer at the Driver Safety Department.
  A hearing is an interview to evaluate that you are mentally capable of driving and usually includes the DMV written test (you are allowed to miss 3 questions). It is very important that you pass the written test – if you do not pass, you may need to hire an attorney to appeal for another chance to take the test.
• Step 2: After passing the written test at the hearing, you may be required to take driving instruction from a California licensed instructor at a driving school. The instructor will evaluate your driving and make sure you are doing everything up to DMV standards. Usually the DMV is looking for at least three classes to brush up your driving, but the instructor can tell you more after your first session. When you are ready to take your drive test, your driving instructor will send a report to your hearing officer and the hearing officer will contact you to set up your drive test. To begin your instruction you need to have a “Special Instruction Permit” from your hearing officer.
• Step 3: Take the Behind-the-wheel Drive Test (only available at designated DMV’s). Your hearing officer will review your test results and notify you by mail of the results of your test. It is very important that you pass this test; if you do not pass you may need to hire an attorney to appeal for another chance to take the test.

What is a hearing?
A hearing is an interview with your hearing officer at the Driver Safety Department to evaluate that you are physically and mentally capable of driving. The hearing usually includes the DMV written test (you are allowed to miss 3 questions). It is very important that you pass the written test with the best grade possible. If you do not pass, you may need to hire a lawyer to appeal for another chance to take the test. (A hearing is only required for people going through the Driver Safety Department).

What is a hearing officer?
A hearing officer is the person who oversees your case at the DMV Driver Safety Department. This person is responsible for interviewing you and evaluating the results of your behind the wheel test. This person will review your tests and decide if your license will be reinstated.

What is a Special Instruction Permit?
A Special Instruction Permit allows you to drive with a California Licensed Instructor if your license has been revoked.

Do I need a Special Instruction Permit to begin driving instruction?
If your license was revoked you are required to have a Special Instruction Permit to begin your driving instruction.

How do I get a Special Instruction Permit?
Your Hearing Officer can issue you a Special Instruction Permit. You may request a Special Instruction Permit at your hearing or anytime after your hearing has taken place. (Only required if you are going through the Driver Safety Department).

How many lessons will I need once I get my Special Instruction Permit?
There are no set requirements by the DMV for the number of lessons you will need. The hearing officer is usually satisfied that you have made an effort to bring your driving up to DMV standards if you can show that you have taken at least 3 sessions. It may take more or it may take less. Each person is different and your instructor can evaluate your driving at your first appointment.

Is a Driver Safety test different than a regular DMV test?
The Driver Safety road test is longer and more difficult than the regular drive test. Often you are asked “three step directions” (ex: at the stop sign turn right, at the first street turn left, then pull over to the curb.)

At the end of the test you may be required to go back to the DMV without directions.

What are some common mistakes experienced drivers make during the Driver Safety test?
Common mistakes made during the drive test include not looking over the shoulder on lane changes and right turns, not making traffic checks (at every intersection, you must look right and left before crossing), and not checking your mirrors often enough or at the proper times.

Can I use my own car?
If you are insured you may use your own car for driving instruction. If you are not insured you must use the car the instructor provides.

How many chances do I get to pass the written test if I am going through the Driver Safety Department?
You get one chance to pass the written test but the hearing officer has discretion in this area. If you do not pass, you may have to hire an attorney to appeal this decision for another chance to take the test.

How many chances do I get to pass the behind the wheel test if I am going through the Driver Safety Department?
You get one chance to pass the behind the wheel test. If you do not pass, you may have to hire an attorney to appeal this decision for another chance to take the test.

Can you help me prepare for a hearing?
Yes, we can help you prepare for a hearing. We have instructors that specialize in working with people going through the Driver Safety Department. The instructor can go over what will be required of you at the hearing and even give you a mock hearing.

Can the instructor go with me to the hearing?
Yes, your instructor can go with you to the hearing to assist you.

Can the instructor go with me to take the Driver Safety test?
Yes, most of our students find it very valuable. Yes, your instructor can accompany you to the drive test, but he may not ride along during the test. The fact that the instructor is there with you shows the tester that you have taken active steps to improve your driving skills.