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BEHIND THE WHEEL
 

How Does it Work?

*It is highly recommended that you take the time to carefully read through the information provided on this page to fully understand how behind-the-wheel works at Green Light Driving Academy. While it is explained in orientation, as well as distributed with the student forms, we consistently have students/parents who do not understand next steps. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

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Behind the Wheel is a required part of the 36 hours of formal driver education in the state of Maryland. It is included in the price you paid for the course--unless you chose classroom only at the time of registration. In that case, you are required to complete behind the wheel with another driving school. Please do not go to the MVA attempting the Road Skills test and you have not completed behind the wheel--you will NOT be permitted to test.

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Our Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) program follows a step-by-step process designed for skill development and safety — not just “checking off” six hours.

 

  1. Permit First – Students must have their learner’s permit in hand before scheduling any driving lessons.

  2. Lessons Are Spaced Out – The six hours are completed in three separate 2-hour lessons, with time between each lesson for at-home practice with a parent/guardian.

  3. Building Skills Gradually – Each lesson focuses on specific skills. We will not move a student forward to advanced driving until they are ready and safe to do so.

  4. Parent Practice Is Required – Practice between lessons is essential. We require at least 2 weeks of consistent driving for students who are at or above 60 hours at the time of their lessons or see the requirements below for students who start immediately after getting their permit.

  5. Scheduling – Lessons are scheduled online only.

  6. Final Lesson & Completion – The final lesson is only scheduled after the student has demonstrated readiness in the earlier lessons and has logged a minimum of 60 hours.

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Why this matters: Driving is a life skill that requires real practice and gradual progression — doing all six hours in a week does not create a safe, confident driver. Our goal is not just to complete hours, but to prepare the student for a lifetime of safe driving.

When Do I Drive?

Students should use the timeframe below to book behind the wheel lessons: 

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Lesson 1: a minimum of 10 hours logged in the Road Ready app (preferred) or the rookie driving book. 

We require the 10-hour minimum to get the most out of the lesson 1. When students have less and we are "meeting them where they are" sometimes that means that the lesson will not progress past the parking lot.

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Lesson 2: 40 hours logged in the Road Ready app (preferred) or the rookie driving book (Instructor will specify after lesson 1 where they would like you to be for this lesson); and a minimum of 2 weeks since lesson 1

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Lesson 3: a minimum of 60 hours should be logged in the Road Ready app (preferred) or the rookie driving book; and a minimum of 2 weeks since lesson 2. Best if booked shortly before the road skills test but not required. After successful completion of lesson 3, we will upload your passing scores to the MVA. Lesson 3 is the FINAL EVALUATION. Student must pass with at least an 80% or better, 

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Failure to do so will require student to retest at a fee of $100. This is why sufficient practice is crucial.

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**if you begin driver's education/behind the wheel and have already logged the bulk of your  minimum required hours, it does not automatically mean the skills will be sufficient to progress to the next lesson. You may be required to practice any skills identified by the instructor for approximately 2 weeks/20 hours before the next lesson. When booking your lesson, allow time for practice in between lessons. We will not confirm lessons booked with less than a minimum of 7 days between them.​

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You must bring and SHOW your unexpired learner's permit before the start of each lesson.

 

Wear enclosed shoes (flats or sneakers) No slides, crocs, or flip flops.

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If your permit states you must wear corrective lenses, you must wear them for the lesson.

 

There is a 10-minute grace period. After 10 minutes, the appointment must be rescheduled.

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Missed appointments and appointments with 2 hours or less notice will be charged a $75 missed appointment fee. The next lesson will not be confirmed until the missed appointment fee is paid.

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The Behind the Wheel calendar opens monthly on the 15th at 9:00 AM. Appointments book FAST. Check the calendar regularly--cancellations happen, and availability opens occasionally. If the calendar says we are booked for 6 months--we are NOT. It means that the appointments for the current available session are booked, and the new calendar has not opened yet. You may also email info@greenlightda.com to be put on a waitlist in the event that we have a last-minute cancellation.

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Book behind the wheel here IF you completed the classroom portion at Green Light Driving Academy: 

I took the classroom portion somewhere else..

If you took the classroom portion at another driving school, we are happy to allow you to complete behind the wheel with one of our instructors..

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Book behind the wheel HERE if you completed the classroom portion at another driving school: 

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© 2021 by Green Light Driving Academy. 

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MDOT MVA  CERTIFIED AND LICENSED

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