Frequently Asked Questions

Learning to drive comes with a lot of questions, and we want you to feel confident along the way. Our FAQ page makes it easy to find answers about registration, course details, and what to expect in class and behind the wheel.

You’ll also find tips for parents, information on Oregon driving requirements, and how we keep students safe. If your question isn’t covered, just reach out and we’ll be glad to help.

General Questions & Answers

  • We provide a range of options to meet different needs. For teens, we offer driving courses in a cohort model that begins every eight weeks. Classes meet twice a week for two hours over eight weeks, paired with weekly behind-the-wheel driving sessions with one of our instructors. Teens can also register for private driving lessons for additional instruction.

    For adults, we offer customized lessons such as trailer towing, highway safety, or a parallel parking refresher. See more adult courses available.

    We provide one-on-one driving instruction and behind-the-wheel training for teens and adults with special needs.

    We also provide DMV testing, and in 2026, we’ll be launching online courses. Please contact us to learn more. 

  • All materials required to complete the course, except for your Oregon Provisional Instruction Permit, are provided by First Gear Driving School.

  • Students must be at least 15 years old and not turn 18 during the duration of the course. Learn more about our teen driver courses.

  • We accept all payment methods supported by Stripe (credit cards, debit cards, and Venmo). If you prefer, checks can also be mailed to our P.O. box.

  • Due to the sequential nature of the course, full attendance and participation are required. We understand that life happens, so if a student misses a class or behind-the-wheel session, we can reschedule it for a $100 fee per session. We also reserve the right to move the student to the next cohort if needed.

  • Yes. All students train in our fleet of cars. These vehicles are regularly maintained and equipped with internal and external dash cameras, ensuring safety and peace of mind throughout every lesson.

    • Yes. Our program is fully certified by ODOT and meets all state requirements for driver education.

    • Our curriculum is based on the Oregon Risk Prevention Playbook. To successfully complete the program, students must pass module exams with a score of 80% or higher and complete a behind-the-wheel driving test. Upon successful completion, the student will receive a valid Oregon driver’s license, with no additional testing required.

Oregon Driving Requirements Questions & Answers

  • You can apply for a Provisional Instruction Permit starting at age 15.The process includes studying the Oregon Driver Manual, passing the knowledge and vision tests, and having a parent or guardian sign off on your application. 

  • You’ll need to log either 100 hours of supervised driving, but only 50 hours if you complete an ODOT-approved driver education course like ours. 

  • No, it’s optional, but it's a smart move.

    • Completing an ODOT-approved driver education course means you only need 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (instead of 100).

    • You may see reduced rates on your car insurance.

    • Data show that students who complete a driver’s education course are significantly less likely to be involved in a motor vehicle collision.

  • You must hold your Provisional Instruction Permit for at least six months before applying for a provisional license.

Parent or Guardian Questions & Answers

  • Your encouragement and involvement make all the difference. Here are a few simple but effective ways to help support your student:

    • Practice together: Spend time driving with your teen outside of class and use the at-home driving log to track progress and reinforce the skills they’re learning.

    • Stay encouraging: Celebrate progress, even in small steps. Driving is both exciting and intimidating, and your steady encouragement matters.

    • Talk it through: Ask your teen about what they’re learning each week. Conversation helps reinforce classroom lessons.

    • Model safe habits: Teens notice how you drive. Buckling up, avoiding distractions, and following traffic laws set the best example.

  • Safety is always our top priority. Our vehicles are equipped with both inward and outward facing dash cams, instructors have dual brake access to step in when needed, and lessons are tailored to each student’s comfort level so they’re never pushed beyond what they’re ready for.

  • Yes. Oregon requires teens to complete 100 hours of supervised driving with a parent or other qualified driver, or 50 hours if the student completes an ODOT-approved driver education course (like ours). Practice outside of class is a vital part of building skill and confidence.

  • Each week, students complete progress assessments to measure their learning. We encourage parents and guardians to check in with their teen about class discussions and practice sessions. It’s normal for teens to feel some stress as they take on something so new, your encouragement helps turn that nervousness into confidence.

  • Not at this time. Having a parent in the back seat can create extra pressure for students. We’ve found that students do best when they can focus on one-on-one guidance with our instructors, free from “back seat driving.” Thank you for understanding!

  • Everyone learns at a different pace. Our classes use a variety of teaching methods, not just lectures, to support different learning styles. If we notice a student isn’t progressing as expected, we’ll let you know and suggest options for additional practice or supplemental lessons.

  • Yes, we do! Please contact us to arrange for private lessons and/or behind-the-wheel instruction. Costs may vary. 

  • Our teen driver course runs for eight weeks, meeting Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Juanita Pohl Center. Alongside classroom instruction, students complete 6 behind-the-wheel sessions, each lasting 2 hours - 1 hour of driving and 1 hour of observing. Altogether, the program includes 34 hours of structured learning time. The cost is $595, with scholarships available for qualifying families.

Student Questions & Answers

  • Bring your Provisional Instruction Permit, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. We’ll provide you with a student handbook that lays out everything you need to know, so you’ll always have a guide to follow along the way.

  • Yes, you’ll need to have your permit in hand before your cohort begins. That way, you can participate in both the classroom and behind-the-wheel portions of the course right from the start.

  • Because our program runs on a structured 8-week schedule, we don’t offer makeup classes. If you miss one, the best thing to do is to contact your instructor right away. We’ll walk through the next steps with you. 

  • Our teen program is designed to be completed in eight weeks. During that time, you'll attend class twice a week in the evenings, plus complete weekly behind-the-wheel sessions. By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation of both classroom knowledge and real-world driving experience. 

    • Once you complete our ODOT-approved course, we’ll electronically submit your completion record directly to the DMV.

    • From there, you’ll visit a DMV office to take a vision test, submit your application and fees, and have your photo taken.

    • Because you completed driver’s education, you won’t need to take the DMV drive test. You’ll leave the DMV with your provisional license in hand! Congratulations!

  • If a student turns 18 during the duration of the course, there will be a $200 surcharge. Additionally, the student will need to schedule a drive test with a third-party testing center or the DMV office. Students over the age of 18 in the teen driving program will not receive a driver's license until that additional test is performed. If a student's birthday will occur during the course, we recommend they register for an earlier session.