Skokie Location
NORTHWESTERN DRIVING SCHOOL • SKOKIE
Confident driving starts here.
Teen instruction • Ages 15–17
View class schedule ↓Which program does your teen need?
Starting driver education for the first time? Choose the complete teen program. Already taking classroom instruction at school or completed it elsewhere? Our driving-only option may be the right fit.
CLASSROOM + DRIVING
Complete Teen Driver Education
For teens ages 15–17 who need both classroom instruction and driving lessons. Learn the rules of the road in class, then put those skills into practice with an instructor.
Choose a teen classDRIVING LESSONS ONLY
Behind-the-Wheel Driving Only
For teens who are completing classroom instruction through a high school or have already completed it through another driver education program. This option covers driving instruction and does not include classroom classes.
Register for driving onlyTeen program packages & pricing
Choose the complete teen driver education package that fits your teen. Each package fulfills the Secretary of State driver education requirement.
Basic
$495
- 30 hours of classroom instruction
- 6 hours behind the wheel
- 6 hours of observation
- Permit test preparation
- Pickup & drop-off included
Intermediate
$650
- 30 hours of classroom instruction
- 8 hours behind the wheel
- No observation required
- Permit test preparation
- Pickup & drop-off included
Advanced
$795
- 30 hours of classroom instruction
- 10 hours behind the wheel
- No observation required
- Additional focus on highways & advanced driving
- Pickup & drop-off included
- Free online permit course ($70 value)
Basic includes 6 hours of observation. Observation is optional with the Intermediate and Advanced packages.
Choose your class
These dates are for the complete teen program’s classroom sessions. For driving-only lessons, use the separate registration link above.
October 26 – November 19, 2026
In-Person Class • Skokie
No class Veterans Day (11/11)
7:00pm–9:00pm
Monday–Thursday
November 23 – December 17, 2026
In-Person Class • Skokie
No class Thanksgiving Day (11/26)
7:00pm–9:00pm
Monday–Thursday
December 21, 2026 – January 19, 2027
In-Person Class • Skokie
Winter Break Class • No class: 12/24, 12/31, 01/18
4:30pm–6:30pm
Monday–Thursday
January 4 – January 28, 2027
In-Person Class • Skokie
No class: 01/18 MLK Day
7:00pm–9:00pm
Monday–Thursday
What’s included in the complete teen program?
Classroom instruction
The program includes 30 hours of classroom instruction covering traffic laws, road signs, safe driving habits, and the decisions new drivers face on the road. Students attend the in-person class they select below. Driving appointments are scheduled separately from classroom sessions.
Behind-the-wheel instruction
Choose the driving package that fits your teen’s needs. Packages offer different amounts of time behind the wheel, including 8-hour and 10-hour options for more practice. Your teen works with an instructor to build skills and confidence, with pickup available from home or school. Additional lessons can be arranged if your teen needs more practice.
Observation
The Basic package includes 6 hours of observation, where students watch and learn while another student drives. Observation is optional with the Intermediate (8-hour) and Advanced (10-hour) packages. Let us know your preference when registering.
From the classroom to the road
Choose your program
Select a class and driving package.
Learn & get your permit
Begin classroom learning and the permit process.
Practice driving
Schedule lessons once you have your permit.
Complete your program
Finish classroom and driving requirements.
Permits & attendance
Getting your instruction permit
Students can begin the permit process after ten days of classroom instruction. If your teen would like to start sooner, ask about our online permit course, which is included with the advanced program. We’ll explain the next steps and paperwork. The Secretary of State charges a $20 permit fee.
Missed classes
Up to four classroom absences are allowed. Every missed class must be made up so your teen completes the full classroom requirement. Students are responsible for arranging their make-up classes; contact us for available times.
Before getting a license
Completing driver education is one part of getting a license. Students under 18 must also hold their instruction permit for at least nine months before getting their license.
Already have classroom instruction covered?
Our driving-only program lets your teen take behind-the-wheel lessons with Northwestern while completing classroom instruction through a high school, or after finishing classroom instruction elsewhere. You do not need to enroll in one of the classroom dates below for driving-only lessons.
Register using the driving-only link, then contact us to discuss your teen’s classroom status, permit, driving package, and scheduling.
Register for driving onlyCommon questions
Do driving lessons take place during classroom hours?
No. Driving lessons are scheduled separately, so your teen can attend class and arrange driving appointments around their schedule.
Can we skip observation?
Basic includes 6 hours of observation. Observation is optional with Intermediate (8 hours of driving) and Advanced (10 hours of driving); it is not required for those packages.
My teen takes driver education at high school. Which option should we choose?
Choose driving only if your teen needs behind-the-wheel instruction from us. Contact us so we can review their classroom status and explain the next steps.
What if we need help choosing?
Call 773-465-3430. We’ll help you choose a program and explain how registration, permits, and driving appointments work.
Helpful resources for families
- Guide for parents and their teen driver / 50-Hour Log Sheet
- Parent/Teen driving contract.
- Illinois Rules of the Road (2026)
Our $70 online permit practice course helps students prepare for the Illinois written permit exam at home. It is for extra practice and does not replace driver education or any state-required course. Parents are welcome to contact us about their teen’s practice results.
