Driver Ed FAQ

Seats in each session tend to fill quickly. While we try to be as flexible as possible with payment arrangements, a $200 deposit is required to secure your seat in the course.

The deposit confirms your commitment and allows us to hold a spot for your student while we finalize class rosters. Without a deposit, we unfortunately cannot guarantee that a seat will remain available.

If you have questions about payment options, please feel free to reach out we're always happy to work with families when possible

We offer several payment options to make things convenient for families. Payments can be made online by credit card, by check through the mail, Venmo, or cash.

We also accept grant-funded programs when we are an approved vendor. Currently, we are approved vendors for EFA (Education Freedom Accounts) and Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab).

If you plan to use a grant-funded program, please let us know so we can help guide you through the process

Our tuition is already structured to reflect the base cost of the program. Families who choose to pay online by credit card will see a small service fee added by the payment processor.

Those who pay by cash or check simply pay the listed tuition price without the additional processing fee

Once a course has begun, students are expected to attend regularly and follow all program policies. If a student misses more than 4 hours of class time, they may be dismissed from the course. In addition, any violation of the policies or procedures outlined in the enrollment contract may result in dismissal from the program.

In these situations, no refunds will be issued

Driver Education is required for individuals under the age of 18 who wish to apply for a New Hampshire driver's license. To meet this requirement, anyone under 18 must take an approved driver education program.

All students enrolled in a driver's education course must be at least 15 years and 9 months old by the first day of class. They can't even be a day shy! There is no exception; this is state law!  This is verified through a birth certificate or passport.

No, students are REQUIRED to attend the first day of class.  This is state law and there are no exceptions.

$895 with a $200 deposit to hold a seat in course. 

• Original birth certificate with a raised seal
• Original social security card or passport
• Proof of residence (current school ID or parent who lives at the same address)
• 40-hour log sheet/can print and attach Road Ready App Log just needs to be signed by a legal guardian
• License Fee
• Road Safe Vehicle
• Parental/Guardian permission form if under 18
• Driver's license application

If you do not pass the DMV knowledge test, you must wait 10 business days before you can retake it. 

Road test may have to wait anywhere from 10 days to a year, depending on the reason for failure. Three fails on the road test may result in the applicant being required to complete private driving lessons before being allowed to test again.

• No driving between the hours of one (1:00) am and four (4:00) am until the age of 18
• No more than one (1) non-relative in the car for the first six (6) months unless accompanied by a responsible adult who is twenty-five (25) years of age or older and holds a valid license.

Students cannot begin their behind-the-wheel driving sessions until after they have attended the first class and presented their birth certificate. Typically, driving sessions can begin as soon as the day after the first class.

Each driving lesson includes specific skills and objectives that focus on different aspects of safe driving. Students will progress through these lessons at a pace that ensures they are comfortable and capable before moving on to more advanced skills.

For example, students will not begin practicing highway merging or parking until they have demonstrated the ability to confidently drive in a straight line and safely pull out into traffic.

Per state regulations, students cannot drive more than two (2) hours in one week and no more than one (1) hour in a single day. Students are expected to be committed to driving up to two hours per week in order to complete their required driving hours in a timely manner.

Driving times are scheduled during the first class of each week for the following week's drives. This allows us to coordinate schedules for all students in the session.

Students should come to class prepared with at least two hours of availability for the upcoming week. Providing additional availability is strongly encouraged, as it gives us more flexibility to schedule drives efficiently for everyone.

Because multiple students are scheduled each week, having several possible time options helps ensure that everyone can be accommodated.

Pick-up and drop-off locations vary depending on where students live and the geographic area of each course. We typically serve students in surrounding towns such as Epsom, Loudon, Pittsfield, and some areas of Deerfield, Northwood, Concord, Pembroke, and Allenstown.

If two or more students in the same session attend the same school, we can often arrange pick-up and drop-off at that school. Otherwise, locations are coordinated based on where students live within the session's coverage area.

Because each class group is different, pick-up and drop-off plans are arranged on a case-by-case basis depending on the number and location of students enrolled in that session.

If you have a specific location in mind, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate it when scheduling your drives.

Any scheduled driving time a student misses without a 24-hour notice will result in a $75.00 per hour rescheduling fee. We understand that students are busy with work, sports, and other activities, but driver's education is a commitment, and we will try to be as flexible as possible. Future drives will not be allowed until the fee is paid.

Yes, this is a requirement for there to be an instructor brake on the passenger side and have a 2nd rearview mirror for the instructor.

The course includes at least 30 hours of classroom instruction, along with 10 hours of behind-the-wheel driving and 6 hours of observation with a certified instructor.

On the first night, students will be provided with a textbook (which must be returned at the end of the course), a workbook, and a folder. Students will also receive the materials they need to complete classwork, including pencils, pens, and highlighters.

Registration Forms, if not already turned in.

Payment method if not already paid or arrangements haven't been made.

Original birth certificate or passport; a copy will be made on the first night for records required by the state.

Yes, each student will be provided with a textbook; they must be returned in the same condition they were received in, or a fee of $75.00 to replace them must be paid before a student will receive a driver completion certificate.

They will also be given a workbook that is there to keep and write in...I call it their driver's ed diary!

Homework will include reading assigned chapters before class to be prepared for classroom discussions, activities, or quizzes. Students should also continue working on their at-home behind-the-wheel driving hours toward the required 40 hours.

All assignments, quizzes, and tests must be completed in class as part of class participation.

Students must have a passing grade of 75% to pass the course.  The classroom portion of this course will consist of a variety of instruction, including Discussions/Videos/PowerPoints/Chapter Quizzes, and a Final Exam.  Pretty much come to class ready to participate.

No more than two (2) classes or four (4) hours total may be missed. Missing more than two classes or four hours will result in state-required removal from the program, and no refund will be given.

Per the state regulations, students cannot be late to class, or they are considered absent! Students are expected to be to class on time, with any materials that have been provided that will be used during the course (a packet will be provided on the first night).

No, Cell phones are becoming a big distraction in today's world. Students will not be allowed to use or have cell phones, AirPods, or any electronic devices in use during any portion of the course.

In possession of any weapons of any kind, alcohol, or drugs, internal or external, or suspected to be under the influence, we are required by law to report to the local police and the Department of Safety if we suspect any of the above or Causes harm or threaten to cause any harm to another student or staff member of Martel's Driving Academy.

Tuition not paid in full; Textbook is not returned; Incomplete homework or class assignment; Incomplete drive times (10 hours) and or observation hours (6 hours); Failing grade on chapter quizzes or of final written exam

We strive to help all students feel comfortable and successful during classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. If a student has an IEP or 504 plan or any type of learning disability, it may be beneficial to share with us; we can address and accommodate to the best of our ability. All information shared with us is strictly confidential.