SafeWay Driving FAQ

Answers

Q: How old does my teen have to be to start driver education at SafeWay?
A: They must be within two months of their 15th birthday.

Q: When can my teen get their permit from the Department of Public Safety (DPS)?
A: We administer the permit test on the third day of class. Upon passing this exam the student may go to the DPS to get their permit as long as they are at least 15 years-old. Otherwise, they will have to wait until their 15th birthday. They may begin their in-car driving lessons as soon as they obtain their permit from the DPS and enter the permit number in their online SafeWay Student Portal profile page.

Q: Can they get their permit at a driving school instead of the DPS?
A: No. The State changed the law due to Homeland Security issues and you must go to DPS.

Q: How long do they have to use the learner’s permit before getting their license?
A: They can get their driver license when they turn 16 years-old and have had their permit for at least six months. They must also have completed all 20 hours of additional supervised driving now required by the State of Texas “No Tears, More Years” training program.

Q: Does SafeWay offer advanced driving skills services that comply with the 20 hours?
A: Yes. SafeWay offers two advanced driving skills packages that meet the State of Texas requirements for the “No Tears, More Years” parental supervision program.

Q: What is the 20 Hour “No Tears, More Years” Parent Log and where can we get it?
A: The State of Texas requires all teens, in addition to completing an approved driver education course, to log at least 20 hours of practice (at least ten of which must be at night) with their parent, guardian, or a licensed instructor. The Parent Log lists all of the lesson points that you must practice with your teen. You can find the Parent Log here 20hrbtwInstructionLog.pdf . SafeWay offers advanced packages whereby you may purchase 10 or 20 additional (loggable) hours of advanced driving that satisfy the State requirements.

Q: What do we need to take to DPS to get the permit/license?
A: Click here www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/teenDriver.htm for a list of documents required by DPS.

Q: Where is the nearest DPS and what are their hours of operation?
A: Click here http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/teenDriver.htm for DPS locations and hours of operation.

Q: Can my teen take “parent taught” or online drivers ed and do the in-car at SafeWay?
A: Sorry, but no. We stopped this practice because we were witnessing a significant difference in the driving abilities and knowledge of parent taught/online and SafeWay professionally instructed students. We no longer serve the parent taught or online market for teenagers.

Q: Why does my teen need an extra lesson?
A: Not all students progress at the same rate. Seven hours behind the wheel driving is the absolute minimum required by the State and many students require more time than this to build their skills and confidence. If you purchase the State Minimum package, know that we may require your teen to take extra lessons. We will not pass them until we believe they are ready for today’s roads.

Q: How much does it cost for an extra lesson?
A: An extra lesson is $50.

Q: What if something unexpected comes up within 24 hours of a scheduled drive time and my teen absolutely cannot show up for their driving lesson? (Note: you can always cancel with no penalty outside of the 24 hour deadline)
A: We are sorry, but you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance or pay a $50 no-show/late cancellation fee. There are no exceptions.

Q: How much is the no-show/late cancellation fee?
A: $50 per lesson

Q: How and when do we pay the no-show/late cancellation fee?
A: You must pay the fee prior to booking any additional lessons. The simplest form of payment is by credit/debit card on our convenient online system but you are welcome to come and pay in person or by phone at 713-468-1313.

Q: What are your classroom and in-car attendance policies?
A: By State Law, we cannot allow late entry into a classroom lesson; therefore it will need to be made up at a later date. Students are allowed to be late for an in-car lesson as long as they arrive before the end of the first hour. They will be allowed to drive the second hour and make up the observation at a later date at no charge.

Q: How do we make up a missed class?
A: You have ninety days to make up any missed classes – up to five. Click here “link” for our makeup schedule.

Q: How many classes can be missed? What happens if we go over the limit?
A: By State Law, you are allowed to miss up to five classroom sessions. The classes must be made up within the 90 day classroom deadline. If you miss more than five you must take the course over again from the beginning and pay the full contract price. Sorry, there are no exceptions.

Q: What happens if we miss either of our deadlines through no fault of our own?
A: The 90 day classroom and 180 day in-car deadlines are set by the TEA and must be enforced. The long deadlines are more than enough time for anyone to complete the required work. You may extend a deadline 90 days for $150 if you do so before the deadline date. After that date you will be required to re-contract at the original contract price and start over from the beginning. Again, there are no exceptions.

Q: What if we need to cancel our course?
A: Family situations do arise from time to time. We are always sorry to see any student go and will always try to work with you to help you complete your course. If, however, you must cancel you can do so free of charge outside of seven days before the first class begins. Inside of seven days and within three days of class beginning you will be charged a $50 administration fee. If you must cancel more than three days into class you will be charged for each class attended as well as the $50 administration fee.

Q: Can we take just the classroom portion of your course?
A: You may, but you will pay the full price and not receive the DE-964 State Certificate of Completion as you did not complete the behind the wheel training.

Q: Do you drive in bad weather?
A: Yes, we will drive in the rain and other in-climate weather as we feel this is good practice for the students. If the weather has advanced to a level that we feel it is unsafe to drive, we will notify you that we are canceling any drives or classes. This is our right of decision and notification. If you make the decision your teen is not going to drive but we are driving that day you will be charged a no-show fee. There are no exceptions.

Q: How many students are in the car during the driving lesson?
A: Two students are normally assigned to a car. Sometimes there will be only one, and occasionally there will be three, but the third will be observing only.

Q: We have lost or damaged the original certificate of completion (DE-964). How do we get a new one?
A: We can issue you a duplicate certificate of completion (DE-964) for $25 in two days.

Answers

Q: How do I get my permit if I am over 18?
A: SafeWay teaches a course every Saturday! The State of Texas requires anyone between the ages of 18 and 24 to take a 6 hour course which covers Texas motor law and the rules of the road. Click here for more information or to sign up for this class.

Q: What do I do after I pass the class?
A: You will take your certificate to the DPS to get your permit. You may then take your driving test whenever you are ready. If you are interested in in-car instruction click here for more information or to sign up.

Q: Can I still take the class if I am older than 24?
A: Yes. Anyone 18 or older can take the class.

Q: What do I need to take to DPS to get my permit/license?
A: Click here “link” for a list of documents required by DPS. Click here “link” for DPS locations and hours of operation.

Q: Where is the nearest DPS and what are their hours of operation?
A: Click here for DPS locations and hours of operation.

Q: Can I get a replacement certificate if I have lost or damaged mine?
A: Yes, for a $25.00 fee. There are no exceptions.

Q: Does taking this class qualify me for an insurance discount?
A: No, it doesn’t. You do, however, receive a 10% insurance discount upon completion of our driver safety course. Click here “link” for more information or to sign up and to learn other ways that SafeWay can save you money on your auto insurance.

Q: Does SafeWay train international guests?
A: Yes we do! Many different situations arise when a foreign guest needs training or licensing on Texas roadways. We provide all of the services necessary for foreign clients to receive the best in training and licensing services. Please inquire for details.

Answers

Q: How do I get a ticket dismissed?
A: You may take defensive driving here once you have been given permission from the court to do so. Click here www.safewaydriving.com/adult-driver-education.html for more information or to sign up for this course.

Q: How do I get my driving record?
A: Go to https://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/tolapp/txldrcdr/TXDPSLicenseeManager and order the driving record online.

Q: Can I take a Texas Class for an out of state ticket?
A: Only if the out of state court approves you to take a Texas class.

Q: When will I receive my certificate?
A: All certificates are mailed on the Wednesday following the completion of the class.

Q: Can I get a replacement certificate if I have lost or damaged mine?
A: Yes, for a $10 fee we will issue you a duplicate certificate.