Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a probationary Driver's License?
A. All driver's licenses issued to motorist under the age of 18 are probationary in the state of Indiana. This has been in effect since January 1, 1999. Those persons holding a learner’s permit for at least 60 days may receive a probationary license at 16 years and at 180 days of age without enrolling in a driver’s education course. Those who have successfully completed an approved driver’s education course may receive the probationary license when they are 16 years and 30 days, when the driver’s education permit has been held for 60 days.

During the first 90 days after receiving a driver’s license, drivers under 18 years of age, may not carry passengers unless there is someone age 21 or older and who holds a valid driver’s license (not a graduated license) in the front seat. Note: Under Indiana’s new probationary licensing law, teen drivers may drive alone immediately upon receiving their probationary license.

Teens have four times the accidents of all other age groups. Some studies of night driving curfews show a 60 percent reduction of teen accidents.

Q. How soon may a person get a learner's permit?
A. The driver education learner’s permit may be secured from the BMV at the age of 15.

Students are eligible to get their operator's license at 16 years and one month when:

A. They have successfully completed an approved driver education course.
B. They have held their learner's permit for at least 60 days from the date of issue.

All students must take the written test and a driving test. ( Note: the sixth driving lesson is not the drive test). The written test must be taken at the BMV. The driving test may be taken at either the BMV or at The Driving Center. If taken at the BMV, one must supply the vehicle that is registered in the state of Indiana and the test is free. If the driving test is taken at The Driving Center the cost is $ 20.00, and we supply the driver education vehicle that was used during the class.

The student must have no less than a grade of “B” in both the classroom and the drive portion to take the drive test with The Driving Center.

To take the drive test at The Driving Center, the driving test must be taken prior to the written test. If the student fails the written test, the drive test at The Driving Center is negated and all testing then must be completed at the BMV. The Driving Center will not test students unless the student is at least 16 years of age.

Q. What is the fee of the driver education permit at the BMV?
A. The fee is $ 9.00 for the permit.

Q. May students drive legally with a parent?
A. Yes, the student who has a driver’s education learner’s permit may drive with a parent after they have attended the first class session.

Q. What are the state requirements for Driver’s Education?
A. The student must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of driving practice with a licensed driving instructor. All course work and driving must be completed within 60 days after the first day of class. All students are allowed only one driving hour per 24 – hour period with instructors. The student may drive with parents any time and any length of time after the first day of class.

Q. What is the fee for taking Driver Education at “The Driving Center”?
A. The total cost is $ 399.00. A $ 60.00 non-refundable deposit is required at registration. The balance of $ 339.00 is due the week before class begins. All fees must be paid before drive times can be scheduled. We accept cash, check, VISA, or Master Card. You may choose a three equal payments option with the balance being paid prior to the first class. Ask the office staff for details.

Students should only schedule the class on the month when they do not have other conflicts, such as athletic sport seasons, band and choir performances, and other extra school activities. Students should not miss class except in an extreme emergency. If a class is missed, the student must come back the following month to make up the exact class lesson that was missed. We do not charge a $40.00 fee for missed class as does our competition. We only ask that you make this a top priority in your life for the three to four weeks it takes to complete the class. We do have a missed drive fee of $ 35.00 for missed drive time or for failure to give 24 hour notice of your scheduled drive time. Make up fees for missed driving instruction must be paid before the next drive time.

Q. What type of papers do I need when I go to the BMV to get my learner's permit?
A. A pink slip (certificate of driver education or CDE form) will be issued three weeks prior to the start of class. This form is taken to the BMV with:

• The student
• Their original birth certificate
• Their social security card
• Another form of identification, such as a picture in a yearbook or student ID.

Since September 11th the BMV is also requiring proof of residence. This can be:

• A student’s report card with the student’s name and address
• A bank statement with the student’s name and address
• A boater’s license in the student’s name with address
• A car title with the student’s name and address on the document.

A driver education permit will be issued by the BMV. This is a two-part permit. One is a plastic picture type of license and the other is a paper permit. It looks like a receipt on the front, but it has spaces on the back that we must fill out and stamp at the end of the class. Do not throw this away, because we need to validate this on the last night of class. If either is lost, they must be replaced before class is completed. All students must have the plastic permit on their person every time they drive. Also, they will not be allowed to take their written or drive test at the BMV for their Operator's License when they turn 16 years and 1 month without the paper license completely filled out on the back.