Student Parent Information Sheet

The following information should help answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding driver education and the Driving Academy's policies.

1.  A pink slip (Certificate of Driver Education or CDE form) will be mailed to the student approximately 2 weeks to 21 days before the start of class.  This form is taken to the BMV with:

• The student accompanied by a parent
• their Birth Certificate (original)
• their Social Security card
• another form of identification, such as a picture in a yearbook or student ID

Since 9/11 the BMV is also requiring proof of residence.  This can be:

• a report card with the student's name and address
• a bank statement with the student's name and address
• a Boater's License with the student's name and address
• a car title with the student's name and address

A Driver Education permit will be issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This is a two-part permit.  One part is a picture (plastic) license and the other is a paper license.  Both are required to be in the student's possession when driving.  They will need to have both with them the first and last day of class.  

If either is lost, it must be replaced by going back to the BMV and purchasing an new permit, before we can put the final grades on the back of the new paper permit.  Also they will not be allowed to take their written or drive test at the BMV for their Operators License when they turn 16 years of age and 1 month without the paper license being complete.

The fee at the BMV is $9.00 for the permit.

2.  A student may drive Legally with a parent and/or guardian after they have attended the first day of class.  Driving with Grandparents is not considered legal as the law is currently written.

3.  Students are responsible for scheduling six (6) drive times.  The class time does not include the driving.  The drive times do not necessarily have to be completed by the end of the course.  Our goal is to have both class and drive hours completed in 4 to 8 weeks.

4.  Students are allowed only one driving hour per 24 hour period with our instructor.  (State Law)  The student may drive with parents any time and any length of time after the first day of class.

5.  All course work and driving should be complete within 60 days of the first class date.  

6.  Students are not allowed to miss class except in extreme emergency.  Students are required to make up a missed class by coming back in the next month on the day that class is offered.  It is important to look at the students commitments and schedule driver ed. when they will not have conflicts with their schedules. 

7.  The Waiver Program  First of all, there is no waiver as we use to know it.  All students are required by state law to take a written test and a drive test.  The written test must be taken at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.  It consists of  40 questions. It is made up of signs and multiple choice questions.  You are allowed to miss 2 signs and 6 questions.  If a student passes the written test, they are allowed to schedule their drive test with the state examiner at that time.  These tests are FREE at the BMV.  If the student has 3 failures in any combination they are required to wait till their permit expires and apply for a Learners Permit.  They then must hold that permit 60 days and then start the testing process over again. 

The alternate approach:  If the student has sucessfully completed a driver education class with a grade in the classroom of "B" or better and a grade of "B" or better in the drive portion of the class they have the option of taking the drive test at The Driving Academy  at a cost of $20.00.  This must be done  before they take the written test at the BMV.  If they have driven with the certified Driving Academy examiner during their class driving instruction the Driving Academy  will not be able to administer the drive test as the state law is now written.  If the student is eligible to take the drive test at The Driving Academy, sucessfully passes, and then fails the written test at the BMV, their drive test  is void.  If the student fails the drive test at the Driving Academy, the student is still entitled to three drive tests with the state examiner providing they successfully pas the written exam.  They then must take the written and the drive tests at the BMV.

A holder of a permit who does not pass the examinations during the period for which the learner's permit is issued must obtain a new learner's permit and is not eligible to take the examination until two (2) months after the issuance of the new permit.

8.  Students need practice time.   We need you cooperation in allowing your young adult to be your chauffer as offten as possible.  If they could drive with you between each hour they drive with us they will grow in skills and confidence.  Help them to practice making smooth take-offs and stops, and making right and left turns comfortably.  Help them with their tracking on a county road or city street lane.  We will do our part to show them proper methods , give them defensive driving tips and how the "Indiana State Laws" apply.  Be a good role model!  Realize your student has been watching you  for years but now they will be focused on your driving habits - good and bad.

9.  If you ever have questions as to your students progress in the classroom or in driving - please call or stop in.  If you have questions about any law - no matter how insignificant it may seem - please ask us.  We are paid and trained to know the answers, plus we have an excellent rapport with the BMV, with local, county and State Police agencies.  We want you and your young adult to leave The Driving Academy ready for the next chapter in your lives together.