Upon receiving the first 6 hours of instruction in class, students will take the written test for their driving permit. After passing the test, the student will be issued the required forms and information for the parent to take them to DPS for processing to obtain their learner’s permit. Driving with our instructors can begin as soon as students have a valid permit and a zero balance.

Once the student has successfully completed a State-approved driver’s ed course (which GCDA is) the student can expect to receive a 10% discount by most insurances.

No more than five sessions. We do have a make-up program (for no more than five sessions) that the student may do at home to be graded by the instructor and kept with student’s permanent records.

The instructor will hand out a sheet advising that the following items will need to be taken to DPS to obtain their permit after the third day of classes.  They are:  1. Original or certified copy of birth certificate; 2.  Social Security CARD; 3.  VOE-80-day proof of enrollment from their school; 4.  Application (provided by Gulf Coast Driving Academy; 5. Proof of Residency; and 6. DE964-Driver Education Certificate (provided by Gulf Coast Driving Academy).

We have a very strict policy concerning late entry to class. If your child is going to be late for class, the instructor should be notified, and they will be issued make-up work for that hour and counted absent according to the law. Repeated tardiness is not allowed as after 10 hours of absence, they are required to be dismissed from class.

Parents should absolutely allow the student to practice with them; however, if we decide after the third hour of behind the wheel that the student needs extra practice we will issue the student a “Caution Form” which will explain to the parent what type of practice would be most helpful. It may take some students longer to advance so practice is vital to their safety and success.

State law requires that students drive 30 hours with a parent or guardian and log them on the parent log. This is IN ADDITION to the 14 hours required by law as part of our course (7 hours behind-the-wheel and seven hours observation).

Yes, he/she can take Drivers Education. Please make a point to tell us when the student registers that he/she has a learning problem so we can advise the instructor.  It may be necessary for the student to have more study time at home.

(VOE form) This form is obtained from the last school attended.(During school year – proof of school enrollment expires every 30 days. During the summer it expires within 90 days.)  Be sure to obtain your proof of school enrollment before you go to DPS to test for your learner’s permit. You are to take the student’s  social security card, original or certified copy of birth certificate along with the 80-day enrollment and two forms supplied by the school when you appear at DPS for the student’s learner’s permit.

You must submit an application to DPS for a hardship license.  The student must be 15 years of age and must have completed driver education.  For more information, please call DPS.

The student must contact Social Security Office for a new card.

The student must go to DPS for re-issuance.  We cannot drive with the student unless he/she has their permit on their person. If you find that the student has lost their permit and they are scheduled to drive, please contact the school at least 48 hours before the driving time in order for the school to contact another driver for that time slot.