Driver's Education

Driver's Education Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I receive driver’s education information?
  • Submit contact information by:
    • Submitting the information through our online form
    • Call 800.243.9482, option 4.
•  How old do students have to be to take driver education?
  • Age requirements for each class are:
    • Theory classroom – student must be 14 ½ and older
    • Behind-the-Wheel – student must be 15 years old or older (and successfully completed theory class)
• How much does it cost?
  • The cost of each class is:
    • Theory classroom - $125
    • Theory online - $125
    • Behind-the-Wheel - $275
•  Where are the classes held?
  • Classes are held at the school district high school
• How do students get their permit?
  • There are several steps/requirements:
    • Students must be 15 years old or older, have completed their theory class and are scheduled to start behind-the-wheel training within 60 days of the date they wish to obtain their permit.
    • Behind-the-wheel fee must be paid to Northwood Tech before the MV3001 form will be released to the student.
    • An original MV3001 form signed and dated by the Traffic Safety Manager showing successful completion of theory. 
    • A certified copy of son/daughter’s birth certificate or passport
    • Son/Daughter’s Social security card (or know the social security number)
    • Parent/guardian must accompany son/daughter and sign the permit application
    • Pay the DMV permit fee
• How many hours is the theory class?
  • Theory class is 30 hours. Students may only miss one session and must attend the make-up session (if offered). If no make-up session is offered, students cannot miss any sessions. Students missing two or more classes will be dropped from the class with no refund.
• How many hours do students have to drive with an instructor? What if I miss my drive time?
  • Please note these important requirements for behind-the-wheel drive times:
    • Students are required to drive 6 hours and observe 6 hours with an instructor.
    • Each student is paired with another student at all times to allow one student to drive an hour and the other to observe before switching and doing the same with the other student.
    • If a student misses a scheduled drive time without notifying the instructor prior to the drive time, an additional $100 fee will be assessed to the student. This fee must be paid before Northwood Tech will report the student’s behind-the-wheel completion to the DMV.
    • If a student needs to postpone or cancel their entire driving schedule, student must give Northwood Tech at least a 4-week notice. If student does not adhere to the 4-week notification requirement, a $100 rescheduling fee will be charged and must be paid before Northwood Tech will submit your child’s completion information electronically to the DMV.
• How do students sign up for driving times?
  • Northwood Tech has a master schedule for each instructor with several driving schedules. After a student has successfully completed and  passed the theory class they will receive a “Next step email” with the information they need to obtain their permit.  They should complete the registration form attached to the email and return to the college with payment. The college will contact the parent to set up their student's behind-the-wheel schedule. Once theses steps are completed, the college will send the student's permit application (MV3001) form) which is required to obtain the permit from the DMV.
• How many hours do parents/guardians have to drive with their son/daughter?
  • Parent requirements include:
    • Parents are required to drive at least 50 hours, with at least 10 hours at night. The more time a student is able to drive, the better prepared they will be for their road test and future driving experience.
    • Parents are also required to keep track of this time in a Driving Log, which can be downloaded from the Wisconsin DOT website or kept on a separate sheet of paper.
• How do students get their driver’s license?
  • There are several steps to obtain a license:
    • Students must be at least 16 years old with no suspensions or revocations on their permit.
    • Students must have held their permit for at least six months.
    • Successfully completed the driver education theory classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction (6 hours of driving and 6 hours of observation).
    • Driver’s education completion submitted electronically by Northwood Tech to the DMV. Completions will not be submitted until all outstanding fees on the student’s account are paid.
    • A road test appointment scheduled through the DOT website: www.dot.wisconsin.gov
    • Permit and sponsor (parent/guardian)
    • Pass the required driver license test
    • Pay required DMV fee