Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do you cover during the in-class session?

We cover 19 chapters of AAA’s How to Drive curriculum, including TN laws, traffic rules, vehicle handling, impaired driving, safety tech, and much more. Classes include discussion, review, and daily homework.

Q: How does the driving portion work?

Students complete six drive sessions after completing the in-class study. Each drive begins and ends at our classroom with a certified instructor.

Q: Do I bring my own car for my student to drive?

No, we use one of our TN Department of Safety inspected and approved vehicles. Our vehicles have instructor gas and/or brake pedals that allow the instructor to maintain control of the vehicle if necessary.

Q: Can we just take the driving part and skip the classroom?

No, TN regulations require a minimum of 30 in-class hours before you are allowed behind-the-wheel.

Q: What does the day-to-day schedule look like?

In class instruction Mon–Fri, three-hour block (summer classes are structured differently). Students drive during a scheduled time of their choice.

Summer schedules are consolidated into 4 weeks, compared to our 6 weeks courses during the rest of the year.

Q: What if we need to miss a class?

Students must attend all in-class sessions before driving, per TN state regulations. We try to be flexible - if the schedule allows we will try to accommodate a missed drive if it is a verifiable emergency or a weather related closure; however, a missed in-class session cannot be made-up during the course. A last-minute missed drive may incur a "Missed Drive Fee”.

Q: Does my student need a permit?

No, they do not need a permit to drive with a certified driving school in TN. It is highly recommended that your student obtain their permit prior to beginning the behind the wheel portion of the course because, they DO need a permit to be on the road with anyone else (parent, guardian, family friends, etc.).

Q: What ages do you teach?

We accept ALL ages from 15 years old and beyond. If applying for Tennessee’s Hardship License, we accept students as young as 14 years old!

*** Once a student has completed our course, and is 15 1/2 years of age, they may be road tested by one of our instructors. Pursuant to T.C.A., no student may receive their license prior to their 16th birthday unless they have applied for and been granted a Hardship License by TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security. ***

Q: Is it okay if I have a permit from another state?

Absolutely! However, your Testing Certification is only valid within the State of Tennessee. You will also need to satisfy any document requirements the Driver Service Center requests to obtain your license in TN.

Q: What if we don’t speak English as our native language?

English is the only language spoken in class, during behind-the-wheel time, and during the road skills test pursuant to TN law. Students must be able to clearly communicate in the English language in order for instructions to be comprehended.

All students must demonstrate sufficient English comprehension to safely participate in instruction and complete state-required testing.

Q: Can we make payments while our student takes classes?

A flexible payment plan may be an option on our enrollment form; however, the entire tuition must be received in-full before your student can begin attending classes. A separate Payment Plan Agreement must be entered into by both the parent/guardian and Steer Clear.

Q: My student is neurodivergent; can you teach them to drive?

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to gain their independence and practice their driving skills. Please review Steer Clear’s official position on instructing neurodivergent students here.