Policies
What if I misplace or damage my certificate?
Students are given one printed copy of their certificate of completion upon completing the course. If a Certificate of Completion is lost or destroyed, a fee of $30 is required to receive another. The certificate will be emailed within 24 - 48 hours of receiving payment. It can only be emailed to the email addresses listed at the time of enrollment.
What is your cancelation policy?
Enrollments can be transferred to another class or a different location by paying a course transfer fee of 50 dollars.
Customers can request a refund within 48 hours of enrollment. Refund: After 48 hours, all sales are final. A processing fee of 50 dollars is applied to all refunds.
What is your refund policy?
Refunds/Cancelations: Customers can request a refund within 48-hour of enrollment. Refund: After 48 hours, all sales are final. Payments/enrollments can be transferred to another class or a different location by paying a re-enrollment/course transfer fee of 50 dollars. A processing fee of 50 dollars is applied to all refunds.
What is your privacy policy?
Michigan Driving Schools Privacy Policy Effective Date: September 6, 2024
Welcome to Michigan Driving Schools, where we prioritize our clients and website visitors' privacy and security. Our Privacy Policy is committed to safeguarding your personal information and providing transparency on how we collect, use, and protect it. We value your trust in us and want to ensure your data is handled responsibly. By outlining the types of personal information we gather, the purposes for which we utilize it, and the measures we implement to safeguard it, we aim to maintain a secure and trustworthy relationship with you. Rest assured that your privacy is of utmost importance to us, and we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and data protection.
- Understanding the information that may be collected during the process is essential. Several types of information may be gathered, including personal information, payment information, website usage information, and communication history. Personal information typically includes your name, address, email address, phone number, date of birth, and driver's license details. This information is crucial for identifying you and ensuring all necessary documentation is in order. Payment information may involve collecting credit/debit card details, billing address, and transaction history to process any fees related to our services.
- Website usage information like your IP address, browser type, device information, and cookies are often utilized to enhance user experience and improve the functionality of the online platform used for scheduling. Additionally, communication history records such as emails, phone calls, and messages may be stored to track interactions between you and our instructors and administration staff throughout the process.
- When you provide us with your information, rest assured that we have specific purposes for the data we collect. Firstly, we use this information to offer you driving lessons and any related services you may require. This includes tailoring our instruction to your individual needs and preferences, ultimately creating a more personalized learning experience. For example, if you inform us that you have prior experience with driving manual cars, we can focus more on advanced techniques rather than starting from the basics.
- When sharing your personal information, it's essential to know that we take your privacy seriously. We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. This includes all categories of data except for text messaging originator opt-in data and consent, which will never be shared with third parties. Additionally, your SMS consent and phone numbers are kept confidential and will not be shared with any third parties or affiliates under any circumstances. Rest assured that your information is safe with us, and we prioritize protecting your privacy above all else.
- In some instances, legal requirements may compel us to disclose our information to authorities if mandated by law or to safeguard our rights. We strive to uphold the law while ensuring that your data is handled with the utmost care and in compliance with all legal obligations.
- It is essential to understand that your personal information, such as phone numbers and SMS consent, is highly valued and protected by our organization. We have strict policies to ensure that we will never share, trade, or sell your personal information to third parties under any circumstances. This commitment to privacy and security is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with our clients, as we prioritize the confidentiality and protection of your data above all else. Rest assured that your trust in us is well-placed, and we take the responsibility of safeguarding your information very seriously.
- Understanding the strict guidelines and regulations surrounding mobile information sharing is crucial. No mobile information will ever be disclosed to third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. This includes all categories except text messaging originator opt-in data and consent, which remains confidential and will not be shared with external parties.
- Similarly, SMS consent and phone numbers are safeguarded and will never be shared with third parties. It is important to note that SMS consent is not passed on to any third parties or affiliates for marketing endeavors. Legal requirements mandate that in certain situations, such as when demanded by law or to safeguard our rights, we may need to divulge our information to authorities. Adhering to these stringent guidelines is essential to maintain the privacy and security of mobile information.
- Regarding data security, safeguarding your personal information is of utmost importance. At our institution, we go to great lengths to protect your data. This includes implementing robust encryption measures, strict access controls, regular security audits, and continuous monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized access or breaches. By adhering to industry best practices and staying up to date with the latest security protocols, we prioritize the confidentiality and integrity of your personal information above all else. Rest assured that your data is in our safe hands.
- It is essential to know your rights regarding your personal information and how it is used. At Michigan Driving Schools, we believe in transparency and respect for your privacy. You have the right to access, update, or delete the personal information we hold about you. If you want to know what information we have, make changes to it, or even have it removed from our records, you can reach out to us. For example, if you have changed your address or phone number, you can update this information via your student portal to ensure we have the correct details. Segment 1 students are advised to add their level 1 learner license information after being issued.
- In addition to accessing and updating your personal information, you also have the right to opt out of receiving marketing communications from us. If you no longer wish to receive promotional emails or newsletters from Michigan Driving Schools, you can request removal from our marketing list. By exercising this right, you can control the communications you receive from us and only receive relevant information that is important to you.
- If you want a copy of our information about you, contact us at info@michigandrivingschools.com. We are committed to providing you with transparency and ensuring that you are informed about the data we hold. You can review our data and verify its accuracy by requesting a copy of your information. If you have any questions or concerns about your personal information or how it is being used, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- As you navigate through our website, it's essential to understand how we use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device containing specific data. They help improve website functionality by remembering your preferences, such as language settings or items in your shopping cart. However, it's essential to be aware that disabling cookies may impact how the website functions and limit your overall experience. In addition, our website may feature links to third-party websites. It's crucial to note that we do not control these sites' privacy practices, so we recommend that you carefully review their privacy policies before sharing any personal information to ensure your data is handled securely.
- Privacy policies are essential documents that outline how a company collects, uses, and protects the personal information of its users. It is important to note that these policies are not set in stone and may require updates from time to time. Companies must adapt their privacy practices as technology evolves and regulations change. This is why we occasionally update our Privacy Policy to remain compliant and transparent. Reviewing this policy periodically keeps you informed about changes impacting your data privacy.
- When we update our Privacy Policy, we will post these changes on our website with an updated effective date. This allows you to easily access the most recent version of the policy and understand any modifications made. We want to encourage you to take the time to read through these updates carefully to familiarize yourself with any new terms or provisions. By staying informed about our privacy practices, you can make informed decisions about how your personal information is being handled.
- Recognizing that privacy policies protect the company and its users is essential. These policies establish trust and transparency between a company and its customers by clearly outlining how personal data is collected, used, and shared. As a user, reviewing and understanding these policies can help you make informed choices about sharing your information online. Remember, your privacy matters, and by staying engaged with our Privacy Policy updates, you can play an active role in safeguarding your data.
Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy. Contact us at info@michigandrivingschools.com.
Ultimately, our priority is your success and satisfaction as you work towards obtaining your driver's license. We understand the importance of adequate preparation and want to work with you to achieve your goals. By being flexible and accommodating, we strive to create a positive and productive learning experience for every student. Remember, your journey to becoming a safe and skilled driver is a partnership, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Do you offer payment plans?
Students wanting to participate in Michigan Driving Schools payment plan program must request a payment plan contract from their instructor at the start of their first classroom period. The signed and completed contract and the student's deposit of $200 must be given to the instructor at the beginning of the student's second classroom session.
Payment plan schedule: Weekly payments are due at the start of each class period in which the weekly payment is due. Students failing to adhere to the payment plan will have their enrollment terminated.
- If the student's enrollment is terminated, no refund will be given. This policy applies in various situations, including but not limited to failing outstanding fees, not scheduling behind-the-wheel lessons within the contract period, missing classes within the contract period, or not making up missed lessons/classes, and testing within the specified timeframe, facing expulsion, or simply changing your mind.
- Students must fully commit to driving times, canceling, and rescheduling, which will result in the student being pushed to the following course. Students without engagement after 90 days are dropped from the course and marked incomplete by the state of Michigan and dropped from the course.
Termination of enrollment
- Michigan Driving Schools LLC will terminate the student's enrollment if the student is uncooperative or displays unsafe driving. Examples are ignoring instructions given by the driving instructor, being rude or aggressive towards the instructor, making no effort to become a safe driver, failing to adhere to traffic signals and signs, or causing an accident due to unsafe driving. The student will immediately receive a warning, and the parent or guardian will also be notified. If the student's enrollment is terminated, no refund will be given. This policy applies in various situations, including but not limited to failing outstanding fees, not scheduling behind-the-wheel lessons within the contract period, missing classes within the contract period, or not making up missed lessons/classes, and testing within the specified timeframe, facing expulsion, or simply changing your mind.
- Students must fully commit to driving times, canceling, and rescheduling, which will result in the student being pushed to the following course. Students without engagement after 90 days are dropped from the course and marked incomplete by the state of Michigan and dropped from the course.
Driver Ed
What is Segment 1?
A Segment 1 course consists of 24 hours of classroom instruction, six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and four hours of observation. Students are given an exam on their last day of segment one and must get 70% or better on the exam to finish the course
For students under 18, this is the first step taken to obtain their license. Students must also take a Segment 2 course and a road test to get their license.
For students 18 or older, Segments 1 and 2 are not required by the state. You can still take the courses to learn to drive, but you will not receive a certificate of completion for each course.
All students must go to the Secretary of State and obtain a permit (TIP) before beginning any behind-the-wheel driving lessons. The permit requires you to pass a written exam. If you are taking Segment 1 to prepare for the written exam to obtain your permit, you will only be allowed to complete the classroom portion of Segment 1 until you feel prepared enough to pass the exam and issue your TIP. By law, we cannot drive any student over 18 without this legal document.
When will I get my zoom link for class?
The Zoom link will be emailed to you on day 1 of class for Segment 2 Courses. Segment 1 students will receive their Zoom link on Day 2. Every email sent can also be viewed from the student transcript section of your student portal.
What are the classroom rules for virtual sessions via zoom?
- Students must have a camera on with the student sitting close enough for the instructor to see all facial features quickly.
- You must have a working microphone.
- Display full legal name for Zoom Account.
- The entire face must be visible at all times.
- The room in which the student sits must be well-lit.
- Hats and hoods are not to be worn during class.
- Student's attention must be on the class at all times.
- Texting and other non-class-related phone activities are not allowed. Students' attention must be directed to the instructor.
- Students can not have a TV on or talk to other people in the room where they sit or converse with other students in the virtual classroom.
- Students must sit in a chair at a table or desk and take notes with a pen/pencil and paper.
- Students cannot be in a vehicle, on a bed, on the floor, or walking around.
- Students who do not follow the classroom rules will be removed from the course without warning. No refunds will be given to students who are removed from class.
- All Zoom sessions are required in Michigan. Students and parents agree to these conditions upon enrolling the student into a virtual classroom.
- Students absent for in-person sessions on Day 1 and Day 12 will be removed from the course. A 30-dollar fee for the course makeup will be applied to the student's account. The student must wait for the next Zoom class to attend make-up days.
What type of documentation do I need to bring to class with me?
SEGMENT 1 STUDENTS need to provide verification of their age. This can be a birth certificate, shot record, state of Michigan ID, or any legal document that has the student’s full name and date of birth will be considered valid. These documents are used for age verification purposes and are not kept or stored.
SEGMENT 2 STUDENTS need to bring their Level 1 Learner's License and driving log or application they use to record their supervised driving hours. If the student is bringing their own handwritten log, please follow the state's format. View the state of Michigan Driving Log.
Are your instructors licensed?
Instructors are state-certified. Instructors must pass a background check by providing the state of Michigan with their fingerprints. Upon their state license renewal, instructors must attend continuing education courses every two years.
Do I need a permit (TIP)?
If you are over 18, you must have a permit (Temporary Instruction Permit) to begin driving lessons. If you do not currently have one, please visit the Secretary of State before enrolling. Your permit must be current and not expired. If you register with an expired permit, you must pay a no-show fee of $45 before scheduling any future lessons.
Teens enrolling in private lessons must have a current Graduated Driver's License to begin driving lessons.
What do I do if I lose my certificate?
If your certificate gets lost or damaged, another can be issued by contacting our main office. There is a $30 fee for this service. Michigan Driving Schools can only reissue certificates for students who took courses at our locations. If you took it from another driving school, you would have to contact them for them to reissue your certificate. After payment is received, the certificate will be emailed to the addresses on file with the student's enrollment information, and the processing time will be 24 - 48 hours after payment is received.
What happens if I miss a class period?
Michigan requires students to attend every classroom session; make-up days will only be accepted for unexpected circumstances. A fee of 30 dollars will be charged to the student's account. Students must make up the same day missed of the next available class.
Do you offer parent meetings?
Parent(s) are encouraged to attend the first day of class with their student. Please watch the student portal demo under our rules and resource page before the course date. The student demo will be used throughout the student's segment. The classroom session schedule, including dates, times, and locations, will be displayed in the student center.
Segment 1 students will receive a paper contract and the What Every Driver Must Know booklet. The contract must be completed, signed, and returned the next day. Students who have not turned in this document cannot schedule any behind-the-wheel lessons. This booklet has essential and helpful information. Parents interested in learning more about the GDL process and requirements must read pages 2-9. We recommended keeping the booklet to refer back to while your teen progresses through the GDL process.
Segment 2 students will receive a paper contract on the first day of class. The contract must be filled out, signed by the parent and student, and returned to class. Students missing this document will not be able to take the final exam. Parents and students must read the Driving Skills Test Study Guide before their road exam. This booklet has valuable and essential information. The booklet explains in depth everything about the road exam process and requirements. We are no longer able to hand these booklets out in class.
Parents needing additional information, email us at info@michigandrivingschools.com or text us anytime at (810)-300-9124.
What is Segment 2?
Segment 2 is a three-day course, two hours each day for a total of six hours of classroom instruction.
To take Segment 2, you must have held your level one license (permit) for three months or longer and completed 30 hours of driving (two hours must have been done at night) in your driving log or on an app. You must bring your driving log and permit on the first day of class.
When can I start Segment 1?
Students must be at least 14 years and 8 months of age and have their parent's or guardian's permission to start a segment one course.
Behind-the-Wheel Lessons
Does classroom have to be completed to start behind-the-wheel?
No. The student must attend two full class sessions prior to all behind-the-wheel scheduling. Students who have not attended two full classroom sessions will not be allowed to schedule. Their scheduling options will not be permitted until they have been marked present for the first two sessions of the course. Segment 1 courses are intended for the classroom session and the behind-the-wheel lessons to coincide with each other. All Segment 1 courses are six weeks long in total. The classroom session will be finished within the first three weeks; the student will still have behind-the-wheel driving lessons to finish upon completion of the classroom session.
How long can I drive with an instructor?
Each lesson is one hour long.
Adults enrolling in a package of more than one lesson can have two lessons done in a day if they would like to make the lesson 2 hours long. This will count for two of the lessons they have purchased.
You are not allowed any more than two hours of driving lessons per day.
Teens are not allowed to do more than one hour of driving lessons per day.
How do I schedule a behind-the-wheel lesson?
You can schedule your driving lessons by logging into our student account on our website. Please note: Students must attend the first two days of classroom sessions before these options appear in the student portal.
Do I need to have my own vehicle insurance for behind-the-wheel?
No. Our driving school training vehicles are licensed and insured. After completing a Segment 1 course, your parents should contact their vehicle insurance and have you added to their vehicle insurance.
Can I use my own vehicle?
No, all lessons are performed in our company vehicles that are state-licensed, insured, and have a dual brake installed.
What will I learn in a private driving lesson?
The first lesson will be an evaluation lesson; this will let the instructor gain knowledge of the student's current abilities. Students needing practice for parking are encouraged to enroll in the parking package. Adult and teen private lessons will only be performed at the student's current skill levels. Students wanting advanced levels such as expressway driving must be able to perform the ability safely; the instructor's and student's safety will be taken seriously. Students enrolled in private lessons must master each ability to move on to more advanced driving lessons, such as freeways or multilane roads.
What will I learn during my behind-the-wheel lessons?
Segment 1 course consists of six total behind-the-wheel driving lessons. The lessons listed below are examples only. Depending on the student's abilities, the lessons will be altered to meet each student’s needs. Some students will be more advanced than others. Students must perform each lesson safely to proceed to the next set of skills. Instructors will fill out an evaluation after each behind-the-wheel lesson.
Drive 1: Developing Basic Driver Actions. Students are expected to demonstrate vehicle familiarization by identifying communication, comfort, safety, occupant protection, convenience, control devices, and pre-start procedures.
Drive 2: Residential Neighborhoods. Students are expected to demonstrate how to enter a travel lane from the roadside or a parking lane, identify and maintain a straight-line path of travel, move the vehicle forward (turning left and right), and approach and negotiate uncontrolled intersections.
Drive 3: Suburban Streets. Students are expected to demonstrate how to manage and adjust speed and position the vehicle in response to other road users, when passing drivers, when navigating railroad crossings, and when encountering controlled/uncontrolled intersections. Students must also demonstrate reversed, angled, parallel, and perpendicular parking.
Drive 4: Country and Rural Roads. Students are expected to understand that rural roads, hills, curves, vegetation, and crops can limit line of sight. Students must adjust speed and properly position the vehicle to reduce risk when entering and negotiating curves.
Drive 5: In-town and Downtown Driving. Students are expected to demonstrate lawful and appropriate speed control, determine and apply appropriate following intervals, navigate simple and complex controlled intersections, navigate shared left-turn lanes, and change lanes to the right and left.
Drive 6: Expressway and Freeway Driving. Students are expected to determine and apply appropriate following intervals, recognize and negotiate the main components of freeway travel, enter the dedicated acceleration lane, weave lanes, select lanes, change lanes, and exit the dedicated deceleration lane.
Can I request to have lessons with a friend?
Yes, if your friend and you can have the same available for every lesson. Segment 1 courses must be completed within six weeks. The first 2-3 behind-the-wheel lessons must coincide with your classroom session. The outstanding lessons will be finished upon completing your classroom session no longer than three weeks from your last classroom session.
Will I have other students in the car with me?
Yes, unless the student is an adult over 18, you will have a partner in the car with you for all six of your driving lessons. The state requires observation and behind-the-wheel driving hours to pass your Segment 1 course. If you do not know anyone in the class, you will be randomly scheduled with someone for all six of your behind-the-wheel lessons.
Will I have the same instructor for every lesson?
This depends on the location. At some locations, there will be a few different driving instructors. Students are scheduled randomly with instructors.
Do you offer home pick-up and drop-off?
No, all students must get to and from the location they have enrolled for. If we offered home pick-up, we would not be able to commit to a full 60-minute behind-the-wheel lesson. Instructors have students before and/or after your lesson. This type of service would not be possible without cutting the student's lesson short. For this reason and the safety of our staff and students, this is not something our company is willing to offer, unfortunately. If transportation is an issue, please reach out to us and see if we have other times available to fit your needs better.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my driving lesson?
If you are more than five minutes late or fail to provide 24-hour notice, you will be charged a late fee of $55, which must be paid before you can schedule your next lesson.
We understand that changes and life happen. We kindly ask that you take the driving schedules seriously because your instructor’s time is essential.
Canceling and rescheduling lessons can be done by logging into the student's account on our website.
When can I start the behind-the-wheel lessons?
In Michigan, you must be 14 years and 8 months old before the first day of class. You must attend two days of classroom sessions before you can begin any of your behind-the-wheel driving lessons per the state of Michigan.