How old do I need to be to take driver’s education in the State of Maine?

The State of Maine requires that you reach your fifteenth birthday by the first day of class. No exceptions.

How many hours do I have to drive?

The State of Maine requires each student to drive ten hours to qualify for their permit.

When does the driving portion of the course start?

The State of Maine requires that you complete classes two and three before being allowed behind the wheel of a car.

What happens if I cannot attend my driving hours?

If you cannot keep your driving time, you must notify Felicia Lizotte at 207.990.6099 at least twenty-four hours in advance. It’s important to our business that students keep their appointments, so if no notice is given, there is a $50.00 per hour missed-appointment fee. If there is less than twenty-four hours before your scheduled time, you may try to find a replacement from your class, but you will be responsible if they don’t show in your place.

My parents are concerned for my safety, but I don’t want to be bored.

Don’t worry, you won’t be. Although your safety is our number one concern, we understand that if our students don’t stay engaged, they will not retain all of the important knowledge we have to impart. So although driving is a serious subject, we are very skilled at creating an exciting and fun class atmosphere.

I’m nervous because I don’t even know how to put the key in the ignition.

The instructors don’t expect you to know anything about driving or taking care of a car. You will learn driving from the ground up and no one student will have an advantage over another one. We are here to help you build and grow your confidence behind the wheel.

What are the class rules?

Beal Driving Academy rules will be covered by our instructor the first day of class, however there are three rules that encompass most everything you’ll need to know:

• Listen and respect your driving instructor at all times
• Treat your fellow classmates with respect
• Respect the school’s equipment & property

What do I need to bring to class?

For your first class, please bring a copy of your original birth certificate (passports are now accepted by the State of Maine in lieu of a birth certificate), any payment owed, plus a pen and a pad of paper to take notes. In addition, there is a basic dress code (no flip-flops or tank tops).

Do I have to use my parents’ car, or does the school provide one?

We provide the automobiles for the duration of the course. Our fleet of vehicles are both clean and safe.

What happens if I crash the car?

First of all, this is very rare.  And secondly, our school is insured for every driver and it is the responsibility of the driving instructor to keep each student safe. Driving is something that requires your full attention, practice and maturity. During your training, you will be put into increasingly challenging scenarios when the instructor feels you’ve developed the necessary skills.

Do I have to pay to take the class again if I fail the written exam?

No, you do not! The instructor will be able to work with you on scheduling a time for you to come back in and re-test.

Parents FAQ

How long is the driver’s education course?

The minimum course length is mandated by the State of Maine and it is currently three and a half weeks long. Some of our customers are are unable to attend 3 days per week and prefer a longer educational experience so we also offer a class that runs 2 days per week  for 5 ½ weeks.

How long is the driving portion of the course?

Students will have 10 hours behind the wheel, one-on-one with their instructor.

What happens if my child schedules a driving time without consulting me?

We encourage students to first call their parents before confirming drive times in class with the instructor. This prevents most of the conflicts that arise

What happens if my child misses a class?

We prefer that you register your teen for a class that they will have maximum availability for the duration of the class however, we know that things come up unexpectedly.  If your son or daughter has to miss a class, they will be able to make that class up in another class if there is one currently scheduled on opposite days of the class they are currently enrolled in or attending.