Learning to drive is an exciting time of anyone's life, so of course, you'll have questions. Mr. D's Driving Center has answers. Find answers to our most common questions below, or give us a call at 903-984-3843. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
How old does my teen have to be to start a driver education course?
Our teen driver education course is for 14-17 year olds.
If the student is 14, they may take the course but must wait until their 15th birthday to apply for a permit.
When can I obtain my Learner's License (permit)?
My teen is ready to get a permit, what documents do I need?
The DPS will ask for the following documents when a teen applies for a learner license (permit):
How old do I need to be to take behind-the-wheel (laboratory portion of driver education) lessons?
You must be at least 15 years old to take behind-the-wheel lessons.
My teen did the classroom portion of driver education online, but I want you to drive with him. Do you offer just the behind-the-wheel service?
Yes! In order to transfer your teen's driver education to Mr. D's Driver Center, we will need your teen to complete all 32 hours of coursework with the online company. After this is done, contact the online company and have them transfer the driver education to us. We will need a copy of this transfer certficate. Give us a call, and we will explain the process to you.
My teen has completed driver education, but I'd like to have them practice more with an instructor. Do you offer that service?
Yes! We offer tutorials for teens. We recommend that your teen starts with a one-hour tutorial with one of our licensed instructors. The instructor will provide feedback regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your teen and discuss whether or not your teen should have more tutorials.
We also offer a road test tutorial that will prepare your teen for their road test.
What documents do I bring for my road test?
There are several documents you will need for both Mr. D's Driving Center and the DPS when taking your road test.
For Minors (teens ages 16 -17) please refer to "Driving Test (DPS Road Test) Instructions - Minors" in our Resource section.
For Adults (ages 18 and up) please refer to "Driving Test (DPS Road Test) Instructions - Adults" in our Resource section.
Does the student's name need to be on the vehicle's insurance policy?
The car must be insured, but the studen't name does not need to be on the policy.
We just purchased a vehicle, and it still has dealer's plates (temporary, paper license plate) on it. Will this meet the vehicle requirements?
As long as the dealer's plates are not expired, it is acceptable.
Will you still administer the road test if it is raining?
Yes, we still give road tests in the rain. We will only cancel if we are under severe weather alerts.
What do I do after I pass my road test?
When you pass the road test, you will be given a sealed envelope containing your original driver education documents and the test results. The envelope must be submitted to the DPS for your restrictions to be dropped and a new license to be issued. The envelope is not a substitute for the license.
What if my permit expires before I take the road test?
You must have a valid permit to take the road test. If your permit has expired, please stop by the DPS and renew your permit.
Do I need to provide a vehicle for a road test?
You have two vehicle options for your road test. Most people provide their own vehicle. This vehicle must be insured and have properly displayed plates on the front and back, functioning horn and lights, and a valid registration sticker. You may also use a Mr. D's Driving Center car for an additional fee of $25.
I'm an adult. How do I get a permit?
All adults 18 to 24 who are applying for a learner's license (permit) are required to take a 6 hour adult driver education course.
Adults 25 and older are not required to take the adult driver education course but may if they choose. They must take the DPS written exams.
Everyone applying for a learner's license (permit) regardless of age must watch the IMPACT video (https://impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov/ITYD/).
Please see the document "Applying for a Learner's License- Adults" in our resource section for a list of documents needed to apply for a permit.
When are the adult driver ed classes?
We offer adult driver education twice a month.
Our Kilgore location offers a class on the 2nd Saturday of the month in English and a class on the 4th Saturday in Spanish.
Our Tyler location offers classes in English on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays each month.
Where do I find my course completion certificate if I took an online course?
For online courses, you should be able to access your certificate through your online account or app with the online company. The course completion certificate will not be issued if all 32 hours of online work are not completed.
Which vehicle will I use for a tutorial?
All tutorials will be in one of Mr. D's Driving Center's fleet cars.
May I use my temporary (paper) permit?
Yes, a temporary (paper) permit is acceptable for Road Tests and Behind-the-Wheel sessions. This document does have an expiration date so it is important to verify if the document is still valid.
What is a Verification of Enrollment?
A Verification of Enrollment (VOE) is a document issued by the school that the student attends. The VOE is used to verify a teen's enrollment status in a high school or homeschool program and that they are in good standing with their attendence. Students with excessive absences or tardies will not be issued a VOE.
For students who have graduated early, a high school diploma may be substitued for the VOE.
Can I pay over the phone?
Yes, we accept credit card payments over the phone.
What is your refund policy?
REFUND POLICY
What if I miss my drive time?
If you are absent (or cancel within less that 24-hours) for a scheduled driving lesson (either for a tutorial or a behind-the-wheel session), your account will automatically be charged a no-show fee.