Terms and Conditions 

Last Updated: November 2025

Welcome to the First Gear Driving School. Be assured that this will not be the “Easy School of Driving.” Success in our courses will require discipline, a willingness to learn new things, perhaps change old habits, and time. Our program would be incomplete without your active participation and your positive desire to learn. Please carefully review these terms and conditions to ensure that you receive the best value from our program by following the terms and conditions. We highly value the time that you will devote to this task and believe that without that commitment, our efforts would be greatly diminished. We want to thank you for your willingness to learn, practice, and maintain safe habits that are designed to produce exceptional drivers.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Course Completion Certificate

  • A student passes the course with a minimum score of 80% on all classroom tests and a minimum score of 80% on the final drive assessment. First Gear Driving School will issue to all students who pass the course (which includes classroom time and all behind-the-wheel lessons) prior to turning 18 years old a Course Completion Certificate, which can be used to waive the Class C drive test at the DMV. Students will still need to visit DMV to complete the licensing process. Mailing of the Course Completion Certificate may take up to two weeks. Please be aware of this timeline when making a DMV appointment. Students who are 18 years old prior to completion of this program do not qualify for the DMV completion card and must complete the licensing process as adults.

Required Supervised Practice

  • The Department of Motor Vehicles requires new teen drivers who complete a driver education course to have at least 50 hours of supervised practice before they are eligible to apply for a Provisional License. The Oregon Parent Guide to Teen Driving includes a driving log to keep track of practice time and provides information and tips for parents guiding their teen through this program. The guide is available online through ODOT or DMV. Per Oregon Administrative Rule, a driver education course must take at least 35 days but no longer than 180 days.

1. Refund Policy

1.1 General Policy

  • If a student drops the course, notice must be received five business days prior to the course start date to receive a full refund.

1.2 Additional Fee

  • Pursuant to the revised reimbursement rules by the Oregon Attorney General, as an Approved Provider, First Gear Driving School no longer receives state reimbursement for students who (i) turn 18 years old, (ii) obtain licenses prior to course completion, or (iii) drop the course or do not complete all course requirements (classroom and behind-the-wheel lessons). For such students, First Gear Driving School will assess and bill an additional $210 fee.

1.3 Repeat Course

  • If a student chooses to repeat the driver education course for any reason, they are not eligible for a second reimbursement and will be subject to the full tuition rate.

2. Course Requirements

To receive a Course Completion Certificate, students must successfully complete a minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction (our courses include 33 hours to allow for breaks, which do not count toward the 30-hour requirement) and 12 hours of in-vehicle training (6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and 6 hours of observation). Students must earn at least 80% on classroom exams, demonstrate mastery of safe driving skills in the vehicle by passing the final drive exam, maintain a positive attitude, and be present and on time for every class and in-vehicle lesson. A student who does not complete these requirements will not receive a Course Completion Certificate.

2.1 Student Textbook

  • Required text is The Playbook. It will be provided and must be brought to every class.

2.2 Behind-the-Wheel Lessons

  • Prerequisite for behind-the-wheel lessons is a minimum of 15 hours of driving experience. Behind-the-wheel lessons often continue and conclude after the final classroom session.

2.2.1 Students should attend Behind-the-Wheel lessons by following these rules:

  • Bring a valid driving permit to all lessons. Without a valid permit, the student will not be allowed to attend and will be deemed absent.

  • Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. No sandals, flip-flops, or heels. First Gear Driving School recommends comfortable, securely fitted shoes.

  • Corrective lenses are required if normally worn. Sunglasses are recommended.

  • No food or beverages in the training vehicle. Keep the vehicle clean.

  • Lessons begin promptly. Notify First Gear Driving School at least 24 hours prior to a scheduling conflict. Vehicles leave promptly 5 minutes past the scheduled time. Students who miss their lesson are considered a no-show and will be charged a $100 reinstatement fee, which must be paid before rescheduling. Two no-shows result in removal from the course.

  • Students must attend all classroom sessions. Missed classes must be made up and will incur a $100 make-up fee.

  • Students who do not pass the written test or final drive assessment will have one opportunity to retake the test with a $100 retake fee.

  • Required behind-the-wheel lessons may extend beyond the final classroom date.

2.2.2 Parent-Supervised Practice Requirement

  • Per Oregon Administrative Rule 737-015-0030 5(d), parents must provide at least 5 hours of supervised home practice and document it before course completion. Documentation must show that this requirement has been met. After sessions one through five, instructors will complete evaluation forms noting practice hours to be completed at home. Parents must sign and return these forms before each subsequent lesson. Students will not receive a Course Completion Certificate without signed documentation.

2.3 Group/Private Behind-the-Wheel Lessons

  • Lessons are designed for two students per instructor. Occasionally, a student’s partner may be absent, resulting in a private session. These private sessions are continued at the instructor’s discretion.

3. Removal of Student from Course

Students will be removed from the course with a “Fail” grade for any of the following reasons:

  • Two no-shows (see section 2.2.1e)

  • Failure to complete assignments or participate in classroom activities (including inappropriate cell phone use)

  • Cheating (sharing or receiving answers)

  • Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription drugs affecting driving ability)

  • Attending lessons while sleep-deprived

  • Misuse of the Driver Education Vehicle

  • Repeated and willful violation of traffic laws

  • Use of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, or vape pens during instruction