Buddy Car program at First Gear Driving School
The Buddy Car Program is designed for two students who want to learn together on the same schedule, in the same vehicle.
Students will share driving time across four structured sessions, building confidence through consistent, hands-on practice with an instructor. Each session includes both driving and observation, allowing students to learn from one another behind the wheel.
Program Details:
Format: Two students per vehicle, learning together
Sessions: Four 2-hour sessions
Scheduling: You will schedule your first of four sessions at registration
Requirement: Must register after selecting your partner
Cost: $400 per student
How the Buddy Car Program Works
Pair up with a friend who also wants driver education without a rigid 8 to 12 week schedule.
Select your first session time during registration. We will connect with your buddy to ensure they are registered before your first drive.
You will drive for 60 minutes, then switch and observe your buddy for 60 minutes. Lessons take place on ODOT-approved routes and can cover skills like parallel parking, merging, and freeway driving.
After your first session, you will schedule your remaining sessions based on both of your availability.
In as little as four weeks, you will finish the program and be closer to earning your license with guidance from an ODOT-certified instructor.
What’s Included in the Buddy Car Program
1:1 Instruction: Personalized coaching from ODOT-certified driving instructors
Focused Skill Practice: Work on specific areas like freeway driving, parallel parking, or anything you want to improve
Flexible Scheduling: Sessions built around you and your buddy, with options for home or school pickup
Replica Drive Test: Each student completes a practice ODOT drive test to build confidence and prepare for the real exam
ODOT-Approved Routes: Practice on approved routes that reinforce the skills and standards taught in a driver education course
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you’ll need to have your Provisional Instructional Permit in hand before your first session.
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Yes. Our program is fully certified by ODOT and meets all state requirements for driver education.
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If you need to reschedule, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. Missed session(s) or late cancellations may be subject to a rescheduling fee, and no-shows will be charged the full cost of the lesson.
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Yes. Each session uses ODOT-approved routes designed to apply the skills and concepts taught in a standard ODOT-approved course.
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Each session is 120 minutes long: 60 minutes of driving and 60 minutes observing your partner. Over the course of 4 sessions, you’ll complete 4 hours of driving and 4 hours of observation.
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Yes. Parents or guardians play an important role in helping their student meet the required driving practice hours set by ODOT. As part of the licensing process, parents must also sign an affidavit confirming the number of hours the student has completed.
Meet Your Instructor
Cameron Carpenter, Owner & Lead Instructor
In addition to owning and serving as the lead instructor for First Gear Driving School, Cameron also works as the Lead Paramedic Instructor at the College of Emergency Services.
With 20 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services, both as a paramedic and a firefighter paramedic, he has witnessed far too many lives lost to traffic accidents. That experience drives his commitment to being part of the solution, starting with educating new drivers. First Gear Driving School was founded on that vision of safer roads through stronger driver education.
Cameron and his family are deeply rooted in Tualatin and take pride in being active members of the community. Outside of teaching, he can often be found helping in the garden at Bridgeport Elementary, enjoying Oregon’s beautiful outdoors, or cheering from the sidelines at his children’s sporting events. His passion is working with developing drivers in the community and equipping them to become safe, confident, and responsible behind the wheel.