FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain my instruction permit?
Students between the ages of 15-17 must bring the following:
- (1) Date of Birth (e.g., birth certificate*, passport, State ID)
- (1) Proof of Address (e.g., report card, bank statement, transcript) Can also use your parent’s ID to prove your address
- Social Security Card (Not required if you’re under 18)
- White Application Form (Issued by the driving school)
Students ages 18 and up must bring the following:
- (1) Date of Birth (e.g., birth certificate*, passport, State ID)
- (2) Proof of Address (e.g., bank statement, transcript, lease, utility bill)
- Social Security Card
What do I need to bring to the DMV to obtain my driver’s license?
Students between the ages of 15-17 must bring the following:
- Certificate of Completion (Mailed from the IL SEC OF STATE) If you don’t have this document, please check this link Completion Check. If it shows “congratulations,” you may go to the DMV without the document. If you’re not in the system, please call us or email your permit photo to northwesterndriving@hotmail.com (Subject Line: Completion Certificate). Please check this (7) days before your anticipated visit to the DMV.
- Social Security Card
- Date of Birth (e.g., birth certificate, passport, state id)
- Instruction Permit
- A vehicle with insurance. (Car must be insured, it does not have to be under your name)
Students ages 18 and up must bring the following:
- Social Security Card
- Date of Birth (e.g., birth certificate, passport, state id)
- Instruction Permit
- A vehicle with insurance. (Car must be insured, it does not have to be under your name)
- If you’re between the ages of 18-20 and have not taken driver’s ed in high school or a driving school, you must complete an online 6-hour course and obtain your certificate (www.nwdsonline.com)
- Date of Birth (e.g., birth certificate, passport, state id)
- (2) Proof of Address (e.g., bank statement, transcript, lease, utility bill)
- A vehicle with insurance. (Car must be insured, it does not have to be under your name)
When can I schedule my driving appointments?
Driving lessons can be scheduled (7) days a week as early as 6 am-9 pm. We provide pick-up and drop-off from home, school, and work, depending on your location.
What will they test me on during my road test at the DMV?
- Uphill and Downhill parking (Since many parts of Illinois are mostly flat, it’s common for examiners to ask you to tell them how to uphill and downhill park (rather than doing it), so be sure you know.
- Backing: You must back for about 100 feet in a straight line and go so smoothly. Again, remember actually to turn and look.
- Stopping
- Three-Point Turns
- Yielding the right of way
- Turning (Make sure you signal at least 100 feet before turning)
- Passing (Passing at a safe distance)
**You will not be tested on parallel parking or Highway/expressway driving on the road test**
How many days am I allowed to miss in class? (Teen Program)
You’re allowed to miss up to (4) days of class. You can call us on how to make up your missed classes on a different date.
I cannot attend my scheduled driving appointment; what do I do?
Please contact your instructor right away. We require a 24-hour notice for any appointments that must be canceled or rescheduled. Failure to notify us within the time frame will result in a $25 fee. This fee must be paid before their next lessons. Exceptions include last-minute emergencies i.e, illness, and corresponding documentation must be provided.
How do I schedule my driving lessons (Teen Program)
We will be sending students/parents a link via email after class is over to sign-up for driving. Students will be added to our “queue,” and we will have an instructor contact the parent directly for driving lessons. Please note: due to covid-19, our school and many driving schools/high schools are catching up to students from 2020-2021 who postponed their driving till now. Driving will not happen right after class is over. Students have 9 months from class end to complete their driving lessons with us. When students obtain their permits, it’s highly encouraged to start driving with their guardians and start accumulating the 50 hours required of driving time.
I lost my permit. Can I drive with a picture or photo-copied version of my permit?
Unfortunately, the State of IL requires you to have your original permit when you’re behind the wheel. You must go to the DMV and have them reprint a new permit for you. We always encourage students to take a photo of their permit just in case they lose it.
Do you offer just behind-the-wheel driving for teenagers who have completed the classroom already?
Yes, we do! We offer students an option to complete the driving with us. Once the student is complete, we will process their certificate of completion. We need a copy of the student permit and report card proving they have taken driver’s ed at school. If you’re looking for more driving or the required driving practice, please register below
(Behind-the-wheel driving only)
Are your instructors qualified?
All our instructors must pass extensive background checks administered by the IL SEC OF STATE. They also must pass a certified instructor training course.
Are you hiring?
We’re always looking for new instructors. We offer paid training. Please call us for details!