Question 1

What does driver’s education consist of?

Accepted Answer

24 hours of class & 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction

Question 2

At what age should I start driver’s education?

Accepted Answer

You can start at 15 years and 5 months (a month BEFORE you can get your permit). You want to start classes as close to the time that you get your permit as possible. If you are under 18 years old you have to hold your permit for 6 months before you are eligible to take your final exam, this gives us plenty of time to get you through our program. Keep in mind that driver’s education can take 4-6 months to complete.

Question 3

Does my driver’s education certificate expire?

Accepted Answer

No, once you have received your Certificate of Completion from us, it never expires. Make sure you put this certificate in a safe place, if you move out of state or switch insurance companies you might need it and we DO NOT have copies.

Question 4

What is the cost of your program?

Accepted Answer

Course cost is $400*.  $100 down before the first day of class, the remaining $300 is due within 60 days of starting class.  (*Price restrictions apply to students living in our outlying areas due to the cost of gas and the distance we have to travel to your home for the drive times. – Call our office to see if you are in our service area.)  You have 60 days to pay we just cannot schedule the driving lessons until they are paid in full.  Also – there is an additional $5 certificate fee that must be paid in CASH on the student’s last drive time.

Question 5

Can I make payments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you have 60 days to make payments. There is not a set payment plan, you pay what you can when you can, as long as its paid within those 60 days. Please note that you cannot schedule the 8 hours of driving until it is paid in full. You can make an online payment here

Question 6

What forms of payments do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We can take cash, check, or money order at our locations. You can also use debit/credit cards online. Click the payment tab (listed above). Please note that there is a 2% processing fee to use this service.

Question 7

Do you guys offer the self taught online classes?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not, we offer only a live virtual class online.

Question 8

Do you accept students who have taken online driver’s education?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as it was an Ohio approved program. However, our course cost does not change. We offer both parts, if you would like to do the online program for convenience purposes you may, but our cost is either $400 / $425 depending on where you live. If you would like to do the driving portion with us you will have to bring the following to our McCord Rd office to schedule your appointments. Legal Guardian & student Temporary Permit Payment Certificate of Enrollment from the online company Certificate of Completion from the online company (Note – you may schedule without this, but you will not be given your final certificate until we have both online certifications)  After we have registered the student and signed a contract then we will schedule drive times. Please note that these book several months out. We do offer a cancellation list if they are eligible.

Question 9

Do you get a break during the online Live Virtual Class?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a 30 minute break. During the a.m. class the break is from 12pm to 12:30pm During the p.m. class the break is from 6:30 pm to 7pm

Question 10

How do I schedule my driving lessons?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you are paid in full, we have seen your temporary permit, and you have taken at least one class session you can schedule your driving appointments by calling 419-885-0909

Question 11

What do I need to have with me for my driving lessons?

Accepted Answer

You need  your temporary permit for all of your drive times. On your last drive time you will also need your $5 cash certificate fee.

Question 12

What is the cancellation list and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Students who have already met their other requirements may be added to this list to get opportunities to get done sooner. We will schedule the student’s original drive times (wherever we are scheduling at that time) and then we will add them to the list. As we get cancellations / openings we will give the student a call and ask them if they would like to move up a drive time. Usually this is done one at a time, however, sometimes we are able to move up multiple drives times. We can contact you anytime from 10 minutes before the drive time or a few days before hand. We understand that teenagers have crazy schedules, so they are not penalized if they cannot take the openings, they will remain on the list until all four of their drive times are moved up or they have reached their original times. Please note that if your student is getting done by their eligibility date, we will not add them to the list. It is best for the drive times to be as close to the date that they take their test as possible (within contract dates) for that last-minute practice.

Question 13

What do I do if I can’t find my certificate?

Accepted Answer

If you lost your certificate you and a legal guardian must come into our McCord Rd office to fill out an application for another one to be printed. Please note that there is a $10 CASH fee.

Question 14

All About Temporary Permits

Accepted Answer

When & how can I get my temporary permit? In order to get your temporary permit, you need to be at least 15 yrs 6 months of age.  Take your birth certificate, social security card, and a licensed parent with their social security card to the nearest exam station to take a computerized test.  You may pick up a book to study at any license bureau prior to taking the test.  Once you pass the test you can get your temporary permit by going to any license bureau.  There is no fee to take the test, however there is a fee to get your actual temporary permit. If you would like to download the temporary permit booklet here.   Are there any practice tests that I can take before I attempt the temporary permit test? Yes, you can  to take several practice tests here, its free.  Who can I drive with on a temporary permit? While driving on a temporary permit, if you are between the age of 15 1/2 and 16 years old you may drive with a licensed parent or driving instructor only.  Between the age of 16 and 18 years old, you may drive with a licensed driver over the age of 21 years old.  After I get my permit what do I need to do before I can get my license? Under 18 Hold permit for a minimum of 6 months Drive 50 hours with legal guardian (40 day / 10 night) Complete a state approved driver’s education program Pass final examination  18 & older Hold permit long enough to pass final examination  How long is my temporary permit valid? 1 year  Who do I drive my 50 hours with? How do I prove I drove these hours? A legal guardian is technically the only one whose hours count towards that requirement. If a legal guardian is unable to complete these hours then they can appoint another person to complete these hours with the permit holder. In order to do that they must get a Loco Parentis Affidavit, complete, and get it notarized. You can download this form here: Locos Parentis Affidavit  You don’t have to ever turn in a log to prove that you drove these hours but your guardian must fill out the 50 Hour Affidavit. You should have gotten one of these when you got your temporary permit. If you need a new form you can download it here: 50 Hour Affidavit

Question 15

What are the Graduated Driver License Laws?

Accepted Answer

Please watch this video to fully understand Ohio’s GDL laws and how they affect you or your student Watch a video to fully understand the GDL Laws here.

Question 16

Temporary Permit – Under Age 18

Accepted Answer

At age 15 years and six months, an applicant may go to any driver exam station to take the knowledge and vision screening to begin the temporary permit process. Prior to testing, applicants must provide proof of: Full legal name Date of birth Social Security number (if assigned) Go to our Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency. If the applicant has an Ohio identification card, it must be surrendered when a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC) is issued. Prior to obtaining a driver license the following requirements must be met: Driver must complete a driver education class at a licensed driver training school, which includes 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving time. Driver must complete 50 hours of driving, with at least 10 hours of night driving, in addition to the driver education requirements. Driver must hold the TIPIC for at least six months. Knowledge Test and Vision Screening Applicants must pass both the knowledge test and vision screening to obtain a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). The knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions about motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs. Applicants must answer 75 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The knowledge test is available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, Somali, and Spanish. All other languages must use an interpreter. Customers must be able to understand directions and read traffic signs printed in English. Once the knowledge test and vision screening are passed, the applicant can proceed to a deputy registrar license agency to purchase a TIPIC within 60 days of passing the test. Applicants must provide proof of: Full legal name Date of birth Social Security number (if assigned) Ohio residency Citizenship or legal presence In addition, the applicant’s parent or guardian must present identification (driver license or ID card) to co-sign for the TIPIC. Go to our Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency. Test Failure Applicants who fail the knowledge test must wait at least 24 hours before retesting. There is no limit on how many times the knowledge test can be taken. Special Accommodations If you have special accommodations for knowledge and/or road testing, please contact a local driver exam station. TIPIC Restrictions Drivers must carry the TIPIC at all times when driving. If under age 16, drivers must have a parent, guardian or licensed driving instructor in the passenger seat when driving. If the driver is age 16 or older, driving with any valid licensed driver over the age of 21 in the passenger seat is permitted, except from midnight - 6 a.m., when the driver must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent, guardian, or licensed driver in the passenger seat shall not be intoxicated. All passengers and driver must wear safety belts.

Question 17

Probationary Driver Licensing – Under the Age of 18

Accepted Answer

At age 15 years and six months, an applicant may go to any driver exam station to take the knowledge test and a vision screening to begin the temporary permit process. Prior to testing, applicants must provide proof of: Full legal name Date of birth Social Security number (if ever assigned) Go to our Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency. If the applicant has an Ohio identification card, it must be surrendered when a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC) is issued. You can only hold one (1) Ohio credential at a time. Prior to obtaining a driver license the following requirements must be met: Driver must complete a driver education class at a licensed driver training school, which includes 24 hours of classroom or online instruction and 8 hours of driving time. Driver must complete 50 hours of experience with parent, guardian or custodian, which includes at least 10 hours of night driving, in addition to the driver education requirements. Driver must hold the TIPIC for at least six months. Knowledge Test and Vision Screening Applicants must pass both the knowledge test and a vision screening to obtain a temporary instruction permit identification card (TIPIC). The knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions about motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs. Applicants must answer 75 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The knowledge test is available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian, Somali, and Spanish. All other languages must use an interpreter. All applicants must be able to understand directions and read traffic signs printed in English. Once the knowledge test and vision screening are passed, the applicant can proceed to a deputy registrar license agency to purchase a TIPIC within 60 days of passing the test. Applicants must provide proof of: Full legal name Date of birth Social Security number (if ever assigned) Ohio residency Citizenship or legal presence In addition, the applicant’s parent or guardian must present identification (driver license or ID card) to co-sign for the TIPIC. Go to our Acceptable Documents page for a full list of identity documents and links to use our interactive process to assist you with what to bring to a deputy registrar agency. Test Failure Applicants who fail the knowledge test must wait at least 24 hours before retesting. There is no limit on how many times the knowledge test can be taken. Special Accommodations If you have special accommodations for knowledge and/or road testing, please contact a local driver exam station. License Restrictions You may not operate a vehicle from midnight - 6 a.m. unless: Accompanied by a parent or guardian Driving to or from work with documentation from the employer (see form BMV 2825) Driving to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with appropriate documentation from the event official (see form BMV 2826)  You may not operate a vehicle with more than one non-family member as a passenger unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Driver and all passengers must wear safety belts. Driver may not use any mobile devices, including cellular phones. A conviction of a traffic offense within the first six months of having a license may result in a parent or guardian having to accompany the driver for six months or until the driver reaches age 17. After the First 12 Months of Holding a License and Under Age 18 You may not operate a vehicle from 1 - 5 a.m. unless: Accompanied by a parent or guardian Driving to or from work with documentation from the employer (see form BMV 2825) Driving to or from an official school-sponsored event or a religious event with appropriate documentation from the event official (see form BMV 2826)  Driver and all passengers must wear safety belts. Driver may not use any mobile devices, including cellular phones. Multiple traffic convictions before the driver’s 18th birthday may result in a license suspension. For alcohol-related convictions, the driver license will be suspended for at least six months (see Ohio Revised Code 4511.19).

Question 18

How to do Maneuverability

Accepted Answer

Do you offer cones for rent? Yes, we have them available for rent at our McCord Rd office. It is a $25 CASH deposit. You get them for 1 hour. When you bring them back you get $20 of your $25 back, so there is a $5 charge. Please note we only do HOUR RENTALS. We have too many students that use them to rent them longer. We do not book appointments, however, if you would like to call us when you are on your way we will let you know if there is a set available, or what time they are expected to be returned. We have several sets for rent at a time. We will show you how to set them up, there is a local church nearby that allows us to use their parking lot for practice. Visit our “Maneuverability” tab (above) for more information.  You can watch a maneuverability video here.  	   Maneuverability  Maneuverability is one of the parts of the final examination that you have to pass before you get your final license. While it is very similar, it has replaced the “parallel parking” exam that used to be given. As long as the student’s skill will allow us to, our instructors will practice during the behind-the-wheel lessons.  Maneuverability Dimensions
(Dotted lines represent two standard parking spaces)     
 Maneuverability is something that takes practice, very few people can do it only practicing during their lessons. Every car is different and has different dimensions, so the driver must adapt every time they do it. We strongly urge you to come practice in the vehicle that you will be testing in, even if you had it mastered with the instructor.

Here are a few tips that may help
 Go slow, no need to rush through the course. The faster you go, the less time you have to react. You can use one hand or two hands for this part of the exam, do which ever is more comfortable for you Don’t practice for long periods of time. Once you start to get frustrated take a break for a few minutes, then start again.   You can watch a demonstration video here

Question 19

Where can I take my final exam?

Accepted Answer

Each county has an exam station. You can legally test anywhere in Ohio, but we strongly urge each driver to test in the county they live in. The exam station is located in an area that best matches the driving conditions for each county. Don’t test in the country if you will be driving in the city.  You schedule your test online here

Question 20

What do I need to bring to my final exam?

Accepted Answer

Temporary Permit Driver’s Education Certificate (if you are under 18) Know the make, model, color, license plate number of your vehicle AFTER you pass the exam you will receive some paperwork that you will need to take to a license bureau. You can do it at Heatherdowns OR you can go to the one that is closest to you. At this time you will need your legal guardian and your 50 hour affidavit. If you need another copy of the affidavit you can get it here: 50 Hour Affidavit

Question 21

When can I take my final exam?

Accepted Answer

Under 18 – After you have completed the following requirements Hold permit for a minimum of 6 months, temps are valid for 1 full year Drive 50 hours with legal guardian (40 day / 10 night)  Complete a state approved driver’s education program  18 & older – you just have to have a valid temporary permit.

Question 22

Can I rent one of your vehicles for the road test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do offer this service to our students. The cost is anywhere from $75 to $100 depending on where you live and where you are testing. We pick up about an hour before the exam and do a mini-lesson, take them to the exam, and then take the student home. Unfortunately, due to our schedule, we only rent our vehicles Tuesday-Thursday first thing in the morning for road tests. We don’t have any afternoon/weekend rentals available. Also, please note that we usually book out several weeks. Please call our office if you would like to schedule an appointment at 419-885-0909.

Question 23

What happens if I fail my final exam?

Accepted Answer

If you fail the final road exam you must wait 1 week before you are able to retest. There are two separate parts of the final exam, the road portion and maneuverability. If you fail one part, but pass the other, you only have to re-take the portion that you failed as long as you are on the same temporary permit. If your permit expires, then you will have to retake all exams again (temporary permit test as well).

Question 24

What is the Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Program?

Accepted Answer

​This is a new (starting July 1, 2017) type of program designed to help aid drivers who are over 18 years of age who have failed their driver’s exam the first time. This program has four options. ​ A 4-hour in-person class followed by 4 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor with a licensed abbreviated adult driver training school. A 4-hour state-approved online course followed by 4 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor affiliated with a licensed abbreviated adult driver training school. A 4-hour in-person class followed by 24 hours of driving with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older. A 4-hour state-approved online course followed by 24 hours of with a licensed driver 21 years of age or older.   Who has to take the Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Program? ​An applicant for an initial driver’s license, who is age 18 or older and who fails the first attempt at the maneuverability or road portion of the driving test, is required to take an abbreviated adult driver training course before attempting the driving test a second time.  Do you offer the Abbreviated Adult Driver Training Program? ​No we do not. You can view a list of approved schools & programs here.