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  1. How do I register for drivers education classes? To register for class you must go to the schedule and print out an application. Send that completed application form via mail to the address on the application with a $75.00 non refundable deposit. Once the application is received then a confirmation email will be sent with the pertinent class information.
  2. What makes River Parishes Safe Driving School the best place for my child to take driver’s education? To answer that question as easily as possible I will just say that if you are having surgery you would want a surgeon to perform that not someone who has no surgical experience. So why when it comes to one of the most dangerous choices to make in your child’s life which is learning how to drive a vehicle would you allow someone that is not or never has been a TEACHER TO TEACH YOUR CHILD!!! Think about that. RPSDS employees are all either current or retired teachers who specialize in teaching kids how to do something as well as having trained police officers instructing the student drivers into certain laws and things that they see everyday on the streets. RPSDS is a current member of the Driving School of the Americas as well as a member of the Driving School of Louisiana and have been a member of both of them for a number of years. RPSDS also takes part in meetings as well as conventions to compare notes as to how to improve our teaching which results in your child receiving better training. So my question to you is as a parent is why you would want a person who has no significant training in this area to teach your child the most important thing they will ever learn in their lives. KEEP IN MIND THAT VEHICLE RELATED FATALITIES ARE THE LEADING KILLER OF PEOPLE FROM THE AGES OF 15-24.
  3. How can I be assured that my child is getting the best training in Drivers Education Classes? As of January, 2009 instructors that work for RPSDS average over 100 years of teaching experience and 25 years of teaching drivers education classes, so as a result of that most of the instructors are able to teach all levels of kids from varying backgrounds. RPSDS is also a proud member of the Driving School of the Americas as well as the Driving School Association of Louisiana.
  4. How much does the 36 hour driver’s education class cost? As of January, 2009, the cost of the class is $495. 
  5. When is the remaining balance due? The full balance is expected the morning that any student attends the first day of class, but if additional time is needed we can arrange a payment plan if you would like. No driving will be done until the balance is paid in full.
  6. How can I make a payment? You can pay a number of different ways whichever is the easiest for you. You can pay by check, money order, or through Pay pal for the deposit. Then for the remaining balance you can either pay by cash, check or money order on the first day of class. If you elect to pay the remaining balance by credit card that must be done through Pay pal through a computer. We do not have the ability at this moment to accept credit card payments in person.
  7. Where are the classes held? We hold classes at the K.C. Hall in Norco (the corner of 4th and Spruce). The address is 375 Spruce Street next to Sacred Heart Church.
  8. What time the classes start and end each day? As a general rule, classes start promptly for 8:30 each day and end each day by 4:30. Attendance is taken each day by 8:25 so it best to arrive early if possible. On the first day we ask that your child is there by 8:15 to check in and get all the paperwork completed.
  9. What time is lunch each day? Lunch time varies each day depending on when the food is ready. Typically, we try to have lunch ready by 12:00 if not earlier each day. Since businesses are bringing lunch we want the lunches to be hot so when the lunches are ready, the businesses will deliver them and then lunchtime will begin regardless of the time so the kids will be able to eat a hot lunch rather than a cold, soggy one.
  10. What does my child do each day for lunch everyday? What is the cost? We use local businesses that will deliver food to the class such as Mc Donald’s, Domino’s, Raising Cane’s, etc., so your child will not have to leave to get lunch nor will they have to depend on someone to bring them a special lunch. Since we only take a 30 minute lunch break we do not allow the students to leave the premises to go off to get lunch but if someone wants to bring lunch for them they can do that. If they desire they can bring their own lunch as well as any snacks they desire as long as it does not create a mess such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, etc. Typically, we attempt to keep the cost of lunch to a minimum, so most days it is usually about $5.00.
  11. Are snacks and drinks provided? Yes we generally attempt to provide can drinks for the kids so they will have the opportunity to purchase them during the class day. Drinks are available for .50 cents and candy is available usually for under a $1.00.
  12. If I do not have an email address to receive information regarding class information, what can I do? We have found it the easiest way to communicate with everyone is the use of emails, but if no email address is available that you can use such as your work email, fellow class mate, friend, etc., then you will be called about 7 days prior to the class starting giving the details regarding the class. The class information that is sent is very detailed and is about 3 pages in length so it is beneficial to read the information so your child can be prepared for the start of class.
  13. Does my child need the official birth certificate for class? Yes, they will need their birth certificate for class but it may be a copy of the original or a state id since we must verify their LEGAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE NAME AS WELL AS THEIR DATE OF BIRTH. A passport can also be used but unfortunately school ids are not accepted.
  14. What precautions do RPSDS take to assure me my child is safe alone with and instructor? As most of you are well aware driving can be very dangerous and even deadly, so we try to keep our instructors as well trained as possible. We make instructors take refresher courses regularly. As another precaution, we run background checks through the local sheriff’s office as well as the state police before any instructor is hired. At RPSDS safety is most important. Currently, RPSDS is very selective of who is using company vehicles as well as who is going to be around your most valuable possession-your child. So far the benefit of everyone’s peace of mind we will continue to do extensive background checks. 
  15. How many kids are in a car with an instructor at a time? Since we believe that a student should have the instructors undivided attention we have just the student and the instructor in the car at the same time. If you as a parent take issue with that, then we will attempt to make special arrangements to alleviate your concerns such as you riding in the back seat, a fellow student splitting time, etc. can be made but we must know ahead of time so we can rearrange the schedule as needed.
  16. Can my child drive with a fellow classmate? Typically that is not advised since it may be difficult to fit both schedules to coincide with the instructors. Also another factor is that the student who is not driving will typically try to distract the student that is driving by making fun of them if they make a mistake or do something where corrections need to be made. But as a last resort if you would like added protection our best policy is for you as a parent to ride for the time they drive.
  17. How much driving should my child do prior to taking drivers education classes? By law it is illegal for you to do that, but on the other hand the 8 hours of driving with an instructor is not enough especially if your child does not know the basics. What we encourage is for parents to get the kids in areas with little or no traffic areas such as large parking lots of shopping centers to teach them the difference between the gas and brake pedals, blinkers, how to turn the wheel, etc. For some students that may not be comfortable with driving after the 8 hours we also offer additional driving for a charge which is very beneficial for the inexperienced driver who may need more practice. Remember that after the students complete the 8 hours of driving they will have the opportunity to get a learners permit so they will have the opportunity to drive under parental supervision for the next 180 days prior to getting a license.
  18. What class must my child take based upon their age? The law states that anyone applying for a learners permit or license must take a drivers education class prior to even taking the DMV Test. So based upon your age this is what your options are:
    1. 15 and 16 year olds must take the 38 hour class that covers all the aspects of driving, signs, etc. in 30 classroom hours of instruction as well as giving them 8 hours of behind the wheel driving with a licensed instructor.
    2. Anyone that is currently 17 has the choice to take the 38 hour class or they can take the 6 hour. The advice I give parents is to check with your insurance company first prior to making any decisions. Some insurance companies offer discounts for taking the 38 hour class, if that is the case then for monetary reasons you should take the 38 hour class rather than the 6 hour class. The 6 hour class gives that student just an overview with no driving practice, so this class is offered but not the class that is recommended.
  19. Does my child need a copy of the DMV Book? Where can I get one? Yes, each child should bring their own copy of a DMV Book to class each day. If for whatever reason they cannot get one then I have additional copies to let them use but they cannot write in it or take it home to study. You can get a book at any DMV Office for free. The DMV has offices located in Kenner near Zephyr Field, Hahnville Courthouse, Reserve, Gramercy, as well as many others throughout the state. If you still cannot get a copy of the book you can go to the application page and print out the booklet (please be aware that the booklet is about 85 pages in length).
  20. What does my child need for class? Since learning will be taking place each child must come prepared to learn so they will need a notebook/tablet/binder as well as a pen or pencil everyday. Each child will also be issued a workbook that will be used daily in class.
  21. Can a student miss part of the class if they have a valid excuse such as a doctor’s note? No, the state law is very clear on that saying that 30 hours of classroom instruction must take place so that is what we do. Now if we are aware of a potential conflict we will attempt to limit the amount of time missed where it can be made up prior to the class beginning on that day or staying late after the class has ended, but not all time can be made up so in that case the student must make up the missed time at the next available class. By the way no driving will be done until all 30 classroom hours have been completed. But in the rare case where a conflict cannot be avoided, we have a specific policy in place to deal with that so you have to speak with us directly.
  22. What do I do if my child must miss a day of class?  The policy is very simple, if they are going to miss 4 hours of class, they must make up the time by attending the next available class. To make sure they make up that time they will be required to attend the full day not just the 4 hours. If they are going to miss the full day they will be required to make up that full day at the next available class. As a result of this service you will be required to pay an additional $10 fee for this service. 
  23. When does my child drive? Once they have completed the 30 hours of classroom instruction with a grade of an 80% or higher then each child will be scheduled to drive based upon a number of factors ranging from early registers (first ones to register tend to drive first), age, where they live, availability, etc. Driving will be done around your child’s schedule with consideration given to athletics, work, school activities, etc. Driving is typically done after school up to 4 hours, then on weekends and holidays from 6:00 am-8:00 pm. We drive in rainy weather since it tends to rain often as long as the instructor feels that the roads are safe and free of puddles.
  24. Can my child take additional behind the wheel driving? Yes those services are available and they can take as much additional driving as you desire them to take. We offer it in two hour increments for a cost of $50.00 per hour. A two hour minimum is required. Payment must be made for this service in either cash or money order prior to any driving taking place.
  25. What other classes and services does RPSDS offer? RPSDS attempts to be on the cutting edge to provide all your driving needs so we offer a very diverse selection of classes that range from the 38 hour, to Third Party Driving (which is the behind the wheel driving test for the DMV), classes for Ticket Revocation (speeding, reckless driving, DWI’s, court mandated and other court mandated classes). We also offer classes for insurance reduction which can save up to 10% on the cost of insurance. These classes can be taken for personal reason as well as satisfying company business requirements for use of company’s vehicles.
  26. For the behind the wheel driving can I select which instructor drives with my child? Unfortunately that is not possible. We will attempt to allow that to happen but due to scheduling of the instructors as well as working around students schedules it is highly unlikely that we can arrange all the schedules. But for the most part you will typically get at least 2 different instructors if not more over the 8 hours of driving so it tends to work out anyway.
  27. Does my child drive in bad/inclement weather? As a general rule the answer to that is no. But as you know New Orleans weather is very unpredictable so there will be times where your child may be driving when inclement weather hits but we will not allow them to drive on the roads when the instructor considers the conditions to be unsafe. Remember safety is our main goal, but sooner or later living in this region long enough you will have to drive in rain.
  28. How long does it take to complete the 8 hours of behind the wheel driving? When we schedule your child to drive we tend to drive them 2 hours each day over 4 consecutive days. So students get done with the driving portion of the class at various times depending upon where they were on the list, age, etc. As a general rule though we usually get everyone done with all the driving about 4 weeks after completion of the class. There are always factors that delay that time frame that we are not able to work around such as school schedules (whether it is the summer time, holidays, etc.) rain or other bad weather. For the most part we tend to have both cars on the road for the majority of the time everyday that it is possible to drive.
  29. Once my child completes the driving portion of the class what is the next step in the process? After successful completion and passing of the classroom portion of the class with at least an 80%, we will give each student a certificate of completion that they will take to the DMV and another copy which you should give to your insurance company. A third copy will be kept on file with RPSDS so that if you lose it we can make a copy of it for you.
  30. Do all students pass the class? What grade must be made to pass the class? Unfortunately not all students pass the drivers education classes because they are not prepared and ready to learn but that is very rare. To pass the class each student will be tested on General Knowledge/Rules of the Road as well as signs. Each student must pass both final exams with at least an 80% or better as well as having a final average above an 80%. If that student does not pass the final exams they will be allowed to retake a similar exam again after reviewing the material. If they do not pass that exam the second time then the student will have to make arrangements to attend the next session.
  31. Can you meet a student that has special needs? Generally yes we are able to meet any and all of their needs when it comes to testing such as additional time, test read aloud, etc, but as a general rule we ask you notify us when registering. If you do not make arrangements prior to registering then we will not guarantee that we can do that. As far as the driving portion of the class if they have any physical disabilities where they require special adaptations to the car, unfortunately we do not have that equipment on our vehicles at this time.
  32. What age does a child have to be to take drivers education classes? Effective January 2009 any student that is taking the 38 hour class must be 15 years of age prior to the class starting.
  33. Does RPSDS offer discounts on classes? Yes we do offer a variety of them starting with a discount for viewing our website and printing out a coupon for the 38 hour class. We also offer a discount to former students that want to get a discount on insurance by allowing them to take the Defensive Driving Classes for $35 instead of the regular cost of $50. We will also begin to offer sibling discount where a second member of a family that is the brother/sister of a previous student will get a $10 discount only on the 38 hour class.
  34. What is the 38 hour class that I have read about? It is the same exact class that was previously taught exact now it requires 8 hours of driving instead of the 6. Hence that is why it is now 38 and not 36 hour class.