Register at First Gear
Learning to drive can feel overwhelming, for both teens and parents. At First Gear Driving School, we make the process clear, comfortable, and confidence-building every step of the way.
Our ODOT-approved courses combine classroom learning with hands-on driving instruction, giving students the skills they need to stay safe on the road.
What’s Included in a Teen Driver Course
16 Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., covering all essential driving knowledge at the Juanita Pohl Center in Tualatin.
6 Behind-the-Wheel Lessons: Weekly sessions with an instructor include 60 minutes of driving and 60 minutes of observation. Students select their driving times during registration; these times are fixed and cannot be changed.
ODOT Certification: Completing our approved driver education course reduces the required supervised practice hours from 100 to 50.
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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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 six behind-the-wheel lessons, each lasting 2 hours - one hour of driving and one hour of observation. Altogether the program includes sixteen hours of structured learning time, six hours of behind-the-wheel time, and six hours of observation time across the eight weeks.
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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.
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Unfortunately, drive times can’t be adjusted once selected. When you register, you’ll choose your behind-the-wheel sessions, and those times will remain fixed throughout the course.
How to Get Your Oregon Driver’s License
1. Turn 15
You become eligible to begin the process toward your Oregon driver’s license.
2. Get Your Instruction Permit
Apply for your Provisional Instruction Permit and hold it for at least six months while gaining driving experience.
3. Complete Driver’s Education
Take an approved Driver’s Ed course, like First Gear Driving School, with 16 hours of class, 6 hours driving, and 12 hours observation.
4. Practice With a Parent or Guardian
Log 50 hours of supervised driving outside of Driver’s Ed to strengthen your skills and confidence.
5. Pass the Written Exams
Achieve an 80% or higher on the model written exams to demonstrate your knowledge of road rules and safety.
6. Visit the DMV
Take your vision test, submit your application and fees, and have your photo taken.
7. Receive Your Provisional License
Completing Driver’s Ed means you don’t need the DMV drive test, you’ll leave with your Provisional License in hand!