Fall 2026 Teen Driver Course
Our 8-week teen driver education course is designed to build safe, confident drivers. Students will combine classroom instruction with personalized behind-the-wheel training to develop skills that last a lifetime.
Course Details:
Start Date: September 21, 2026
Classroom Sessions: Monday and Wedneday Evenings, 6:30 to 8:30 PM held in a Virtual Classroom with the exception of the first and last session (September 21 and November 11) in person at Juanita Pohl Center in Tualatin.
Duration: 8 weeks (last class: November 11)
Behind-the-Wheel Training: Each session is 2 hours and takes place on Saturdays or Sundays from October 3 through November 15. Each session includes 60 minutes of driving and 60 minutes of observation. Please select your section when registering.
Cost: $695 (scholarships are available, contact us to learn more)
July Teen Driver Course
Our 8-week teen driver education course is designed to build safe, confident drivers. Students will combine classroom instruction with personalized behind-the-wheel training to develop skills that last a lifetime.
Course Details:
Start Date: July 6, 2026
Classroom Sessions: Monday and Tuesday Evenings, 6:00 to 8:00 PM held in a Virtual Classroom with the exception of the first and last session (July 6 and August 25th)
Duration: 8 weeks (last class: August 25th)
Behind-the-Wheel Training: Each session is 2 hours and takes place on Sundays from July18 through August 29. Each session includes 60 minutes of driving and 60 minutes of observation. Please select your section when registering.
Cost: $695 (scholarships are available, contact us to learn more)
What’s Included in the Teen Driver Course
16 Sessions: Saturday and Sundays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., covering all essential driving knowledge.
6 Behind-the-Wheel Lessons: Each session is 2 hours and takes place on Sundays from May 17 through June 21. Each session includes 60 minutes of driving and 60 minutes of observation. Please select your section when registering.
ODOT Certification: Completing our approved driver education course reduces required supervised practice hours from 100 to 50 and may waive the DMV drive test.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you’ll need to have your Provisional Instructional 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. Please bring your permit to each class and behind-the-wheel 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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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.
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.