FAQs
General
Q: Where are you located?
A: Go to our LOCATIONS page on our website and clicking the BLUE BUTTON is the best way to find a location closest to you. There you can search your Zip code and a mile radius around it for your ideal OFFICIAL Driving School location.
Q: When Can I Start Driver Ed?
A: You can start Driver Education when you are at least 14 years and 8 months old. For Segment 2, you must meet the requirements of having your Level One License for a minimum 3 months, as well as 30 hours of driving logged with 2 of the hours being night driving. You must be under the age of 18 to take Segment 1 or 2.
Q: How do I sign my contract? Does it have to be in person by a parent or on test day?
A: No, you do not need to sign your contract in person. We have it located on your student portal. It will be the first thing that pops up when you log into your portal after registering. You must virtually sign this before using other functions of your portal. You can find a copy of the contract to view or print on the home page under Sign Documents.
Q: I am not seeing any available slots for drive times, why?
A: Each segment 1 student will be able to view the available appointments for their location within their account. We cannot guarantee any specific drive schedule or specific driving partners. Our instructors upload almost a month’s worth of availability at a time. You should constantly check the portal for available times and dates until you have scheduled your 6 driving hours and minimal 4 observation hours.
Q: What happens if I fail the final written test?
A: You have 3 chances to pass the written test . You’ll need to schedule a make-up day for the testing session. If the test is taken 3 times without a passing score, then you will need to retake the course with a re-enrollment charge. Students who require accommodations such as extended time, an interpreter, or having the test read out loud to them should call 248.548.8000 to ensure that the student has proper testing accommodations.
Q: What if I miss a day of class in segment 1?
A: Day 1 is mandatory. If a student misses the first class they will have to re-enroll into a different segment 1 with an re-enrollment fee. If a different class is missed there are makeup classes available, HOWEVER they do cost extra and may extend the completion time of the class and when a certificate can be given.
Q: Can I miss a class in segment 2?
A: No. Every class is mandatory, there are NO makeup days! Students must be in all 3 classes to complete, if a class is missed the student will have to re-enroll into a new segment 2 class with a re-enrollment fee and restart completely over. Segment 2 is only 3 classes (6 hours total) and no drives.
Q: Do I have to pay upfront when registering for a class?
A: Yes, full payment is required at the time of registration for a Segment 1 or Segment 2 Class.
Q: Can you give me my instructor’s phone number?
A: We do not give out any instructor’s personal information, we can give your information to the instructor and request that they contact you.
Q: Can I drive out of state with my Level 1 License?
A: Yes, as long as you are with a Licensed Driver over the age of 21.
Q: What if I am not able to complete my course?
A: If you are not able to finish your course, you can let us know and we will re-enroll you at a later date (as long as you meet requirements). However there is a re-enrollment fee.
Q: Are there classes for students with special needs?
A: We do have a special needs division for students that need learning accommodations. We will align you with the office coordinator in this division to determine the student’s needs and what we can help provide. You can call them at 248.548.8000 and request special services or email them at specialservices@officialdrivingschool.com
Q: What resources are provided to my student(s)?
A: All of our students will use and be provided a digital copy of the Secretary of State “What Every Driver Must Know” booklet for Segment 1 and the “Road Skills Test Study Guide” for Segment 2, a guided study guide to take notes on that will help prepare them for their written test, and a review session prior to the test.
Q: What if I forget my Student Login Username/Password?
A: If you go to OfficialDrivingSchool.com, click the STUDENT LOGIN button in the top right corner, and then click “Forgot your login credentials?” you will be prompted to enter your email. You will receive an email from us that contains instructions on how to update this information.
Certificates
Q: How do I request my certificate?
A:
Segment 1 students do need to go on their student portal to request a certificate. This is located in the quick links box of the home page. There is a blue box at the bottom that says “REQUEST CERTIFICATE“
Segment 2 students who entered their Level One License number and birth date correctly, in the student portal, will receive their certificate automatically within 3-5 business days.
Q: I’m in Segment 2, what information needs to be in my account in order to issue my certificate?
A: We must have your Level One License number and issue date. There is a spot in your profile to input this information. Your birthday must also be correct there. The Level One License number will start with the first letter of your last name followed by 12 numbers (Example: A 900 123 456 789).
Q: How long does it take to receive my certificate?
A: Between 3 and 5 business days after requesting for segment 1. Segment 2 certificates are sent 3 to 5 business days after test day.
Q: What if I don’t see my certificate either in my e-mail or in my student portal in 3-5 business days?
A: Please contact certificates@officialdrivingschool.com with your full legal name and the class you attended.
Q: Do I have to print the online certificate of completion for my road test or Secretary of State appointment?
A: Yes, whether you are in Segment 1 or Segment 2, you will need to print a copy of your certificate of completion.
Livestream
Q: Are there any In-Person classes?
A: We offer both in person and virtual classes to offer as many options to students as possible. Please read through the class description when selecting a class to be sure you are choosing the proper format you want to take.
Q: When will I get my Zoom link for my class?
A: You will be sent the zoom link information for your class 3 days before your class as well as daily reminders of this information. So be sure to check the inbox of the email you provided upon registration as well as the phone number you provided for text message updates. Also, don’t forget to check your spam folder, just in case.
Q: How will I receive my class materials for my Zoom sessions?
A: You will be emailed the Booklet and Study Guide needed for your Class Sessions. This can also be found in your student portal on the left hand side under resources.
Q: What if my Zoom class has begun and I cannot be let in?
A: First, you can try to contact us at 248.548.8000, we have heavy call volume and if you do not reach us by the State of Michigan guidelines you will need to schedule a makeup session for that session. This is done through your student portal.
Q: My student was marked absent for their session, but they were present?
A: Depending on the workload and schedule of the instructor it can take 24-48 hours for the attendance to reflect the class. Please be patient with us and our instructors while we ensure the accuracy of your students’ attendance. If this is still inaccurate after this timeline, please contact us so we can confirm the attendance with the instructor or zoom link and edit it.
Q: What are the “Class Rules”?
A:
- Must have a camera on at all times with the student sitting close enough for the instructor to easily see all facial features.
- Must have a working microphone.
- Display full legal name on Zoom screen.
- Entire face must be visible at all times.
- Room in which the student sits must be well lit.
- Hats and hoods are not to be worn during class.
- Student’s attention must be on the class at all times.
- Texting and other non-class related activities on the phone are not allowed.
- Students can not have a TV on or be talking to other people in the room in which they sit or have conversations with other students in the virtual classroom.
- Student’s must be sitting in a chair and sitting at a table or desk with a pen/pencil and paper to take notes.
- Students cannot be in a vehicle, sitting on a bed, sitting on the floor, or walking around.
Segment 1
Q: What if I don’t finish all of my drives before class ends?
A: You have 3 weeks after the last class session you attend to complete all of your drives.
Q: What if the drives do not fall into my availability?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee any specific schedule for your drives, our instructor put in their schedule and it does require flexibility to make sure these get completed.
Q: How do I schedule my In-Car Lesson ( Behind the Wheel )?
A: Your drives can be scheduled through your student portal; you received an email at the beginning of your registration with a username and password to access on the website into your student portal. Through the calendar view you will be able to access the drives that work for your schedule.
Q: I need to cancel/reschedule a drive, how do I do this?
A: You can go into your student portal and within the drive on your schedule you can cancel the drive, if you cancel within 48 hours of the scheduled drive time there will be a $30 fee. Once you have canceled the drive you will be able to reschedule into open slots.
Q: Can my cancellation fee be waived?
A: No, unfortunately our cancellation fee is to make sure your instructor receives their compensation for the drive that you canceled since they then do not receive this time.
*any specific situations will be reviewed by a manger
Q: What if I am late to a drive?
A: If you know prior to a drive that you are going to be late please reach out to our hotline at 248.548.8000 and let us know so we can tell your instructor what to expect. If they are not aware and you are more than 5 minutes late, the instructor will leave without you and you will need to reschedule a new drive and pay the $30 no show fee.
Q: Can I drive at a different location than my class is signed up for?
A: We encourage that you sign up at the location nearest to you. If you need to drive at another location from your class, you will need to call us prior to the class for these arrangements.
Q: My drive was canceled, what happened?
A: Our instructors do their best to uphold all scheduled appointments. It is only in the case of an emergency or car issue that drives would be canceled, if so, you will receive a call from your instructor, and they will assist in rescheduling.
Q: Can we delay our students’ Behind the Wheel Lessons?
A: You can delay your students’ drive, by doing this your student will also need to delay the finishing of their class sessions. If a student must delay Behind the Wheel Lessons, we must push one of the class sessions. This is due to students needing a minimum of 3 Behind the Wheel Drives by the last class session they attend and needing to finish all 6 drives within 3 weeks of the last class session that they attend.
Q: What type of car do the students drive in?
A: We have several different makes and models of vehicles in our fleet. Most are 4 door sedans including: Chevy Malibu, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, Kia Soul, Kia Rio. We also offer select small SUVs such as Chevy Encore as well as minivans. Car availability and options dependent on inventory and location.
Segment 2
Q: What is Segment 2?
A: Segment 2 is part of the state mandated teen driver education process. It is a short 3 day course that covers defensive driving, accident prevention and responsible decision making. Students are not eligible to take this course until they have had a Level 1 license for a minimum of 3 months and completed 30 hours of driving (2 of them at night) with any licensed driver, 21 years and older.
Q: When can I sign up for Segment 2?
A: The start date of your Segment 2 must be a minimum of 3 months from the day you receive your Level 1 License from The Secretary of State. If your permit information and/or birthday is not correct in the profile, students may be removed from the class before it begins. Only way we can add a student into a class for a certificate is with the permit information and the birthday. If not correct, or in there it will cause issues. Please make sure it is the students information entered in and also correct!
Q: Can I sign up for Segment 2 Through my Student Portal?
A: If you already have an account with us, you can register for Segment 2 course in your existing Student Portal. If you forgot your Username/password, it will allow for a reset under the login!
Q: Does Segment 2 include the road test?
A: No. The road test is not included as part of Segment 2. The road test can be booked with any 3rd party agency approved by the state. Students must have their segment 2 certificate of completion, have 6 months from the issue date of their Level 1 License, and have logged 50 hours into the drive log with 10 hours being at nighttime.
Q: What if I turn 18 before I finish Segment 1/Segment 2?
A: Once 18 there is no certificate to be given. The state considers the student an adult. The requirements for 18 and older do not require you to do Segment 1 or 2. You will need to go to the SOS to get an Adult Temporary Instruction Permit which after having had for 30 days makes you eligible to take your Road Test.
Q: I completed my 6 hours of in classroom time in segment 2 and passed the test with a score of at least 70% or higher. Have verified permit number and birthday is correct in the student portal. How can I get my certificate of completion?
A: You will receive your certificate of completion for Segment 2 via email and it will be uploaded to your student portal within 3 to 5 business days of completing your last day of class.
Adult Lessons
Q: Can I take Drivers Ed if I’m 18 or older?
A: If you are over the age of 18, you must go to the Secretary of State and take your written test to get your adult permit.
We have a new program starting soon. This will be teaching everything you need to know in order to pass the test. Keep an eye out for a new Adult Online Course that contains 30 hours of material coming out soon! This course will include instructional videos as well as practice quizzes to help prepare you for the written test at the Michigan Secretary of State office.
Q: I took the upcoming online course and passed the written test at the Secretary of State… now what?
A: Congratulations! You will get your Adult Temporary Instruction Permit. Once you have your Driver’s Permit, we do offer In-Car Lessons, which is behind-the-wheel training for adults with our awesome driving instructors to help you practice and prepare for the Road Test.
Road Test
Q: Do I have to wait a certain amount of time after Segment 2 to take the Road Test?
A: You must have had your Level 1 License for 6 months and 50 hours of driving (10 hours being at night) and your certificate of completion for Segment 2 in order to take the Road Test. If you have all of this there is no wait needed following Segment 2.
Q: What are the requirements before I can take my road test?
A: If you are under 18 years old, then you must have your level 1 license/permit, segment 2 certificate, all 50 hours of your drive log complete with 10 of those hours being night drives, and a minimum of 6 months from the issue date on the Level 1 License. If you are 18 or older, you must have an adult TIP (Temporary Instruction Permit) issued from the Secretary of State. You are eligible to take a road test after you have driven for 30 days on your TIP.
