*IMPORTANT UPDATE*
At this time, Peninsula Driving School will only be offering courses in partnership with the Ocean Beach School District. We will offer one course in the fall semester, and one in the spring. These course are open to OBOA and IHS students only. To inquire about enrolling, please email peninsuladrivered@gmail.com
Why should I choose Peninsula Driving School?
Peninsula Driving School holds a high standard for education. Our aim is to teach students techniques and skills to cultivate confident, competent, and safe drivers. With more than 20 years experience working with students and parents, we understand the need for a clear and reliable instruction. Our aim is to be detailed and responsive to the needs of our students and their parents.
When will your next course be starting?
We will have one course in the fall, beginning the first week of September, and one course in Spring, beginning the first week of February.
Do you administer driver license exams?
At this time, we do not administer knowledge or skills exams.
What are your course fees?
Our teen driving course, including 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind-the-wheel instruction, costs $500. Students of the Ocean Beach School District who take our course at Ilwaco High School will pay a discounted tuition of only $375. Scholarships are available, which can reduce or eliminate fees for eligible families. Instructions on applying for fee waiver scholarships are discussed at our parent orientation meeting.
How old does a student need to be to register?
A student MUST be at least 15 years of age by the start of the course.
Do students need to take a test or get their permit before enrolling?
Students must have a permit to take our course, but they do not need to get it before starting. At the beginning of each course, we help students pre-apply to get their permits. Students & parents will then need to go to the Department of Licensing (DOL) office to get the permit. There is a $25 fee, payable to the DOL, for the instruction permit. As long as they are enrolled in a licensed driver education course, students will not need to take the knowledge exam prior to getting a permit.
What is your refund policy?
Course fees may be refunded only if requested prior to the third classroom session or the first behind-the-wheel session; after this, no refund will be provided. In the case of extenuating circumstances, course fees may be applied to a future class session.
What methods of payment are accepted?
We accept personal/cashier’s checks only. We do not accept cash or credit cards.
What is your missed drive fee?
If a student misses a drive, is more than 10 minutes late, or arrives without a permit or appropriate footwear, the session will be rescheduled. There is a $75 fee for any rescheduled sessions. Fees for missed drives must be paid before the make-up will be scheduled.
How long does it take to complete driver's education classes?
Our course will take a few hours per week for about 15 weeks. Students will have classroom sessions during the school day, and one behind the wheel lessons about every two weeks. Once the course is complete, students will take exams with a licensed testing agency. Remember, students need to have their permit for at least 6 months and be at least 16 years old before getting a driver license.
What does the state of Washington require for driver training?
The Washington Department of Licensing requires a minimum 30 hours of classroom instruction, and 7 hours of in-car sessions (6 hours behind-the-wheel instruction and 1 hour supervised observation). Students must attend the full duration of all class sessions to complete the course.
Are your instructors licensed?
Of course! Both of our instructors are fully licensed by the DOL. You can view copies of our licenses in our business office.
Do classrooms have to be completed to start drives/behind-the-wheel?
No. Classroom sessions and behind-the-wheel sessions are designed to be completed concurrently, as the skills we practice in the car build on the concepts taught in class. Ideally, you will complete both parts of the course at about the same time. We highly encourage students to get as much practice behind the wheel as they can in between lessons with our instructors. Skillful driving requires practice!
What materials do I need to bring for drives? What should I wear?
You MUST bring your permit. Wear clothes that are comfortable for sitting, and shoes that fit your feet securely. Please do not wear sandals, slides, or heels.
What materials do I need to bring to class?
You will need to bring a pencil/pen and a notebook, along with any books or handouts that you have been provided.
What are the steps to getting a driver's license?
Sign up for a course with Peninsula Driving School.
Get an instruction permit (we will help you with this!).
Complete the course: 30 hours classroom instruction (includes a knowledge final), 6 hours behind the wheel lessons (includes a skills final), 1-5 hours observation.
Complete knowledge and skills testing with a licensed testing agency.
Have your permit and be at least 16 years old (this may require some waiting...). It may be a good idea to make an appointment with the DOL during this time; they are extremely busy.
Go to the DOL office and get your license!