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.

This is a Verification of Enrollment (VOE form) required by DPS in order for students to get a permit for driving. This form is from the public/private school that they attend. It is only good for 30 days so you would request it the week before your student is to begin class. Do NOT sign your student up for the course until you have verified they are eligible to receive this form! If your student has missed too many days and/or failing one or more classes and/or in credit recovery then they may not be able to get a VOE. This means they cannot get a permit so they will have to wait to take this course when they can get one. This is a State of Texas rule.

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.