View BTWDS’ Frequently Asked Questions
Dedicated to ensuring the satisfaction of our students in the St. John’s area, Behind the Wheel Driving School has taken the time to answer some of our most frequently asked questions. Should you not find the answer to your specific question on this page, please feel free to contact us directly!
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Q. How do I register at BTWDS?
A. Call Bud Thorne at Behind the Wheel Driving School at 709-727-5536 (mobile) or 709-579-4999 (after 8:00 PM.) Registration can be completed over the telephone, and a letter of confirmation will then be mailed to the student providing class dates and other necessary information.
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Q. What are my payment options?
A. Payment is normally processed on the first day of in-class instruction either in cash, personal cheque, Visa or MasterCard. Debit is not available. For your convenience or as a gift to a prospective student, BTWDS gift certificates can also be purchased in any denomination.
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Q. How do we set up the road test?
A. Road tests are arranged by Bud and the student involved – no need for parents/guardians to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles. The fee for the road test is paid directly to the provincial government before the road test date. Students receive instruction on how to arrange this.
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Q. How does your program work?
A. Behind the Wheel Driving School’s program adheres to all policies of the Graduated Licence Program as outlined by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. This program provides for 10.5 hours of in-car lessons (one-on-one with Bud), 25 hours of in-class instruction (completed over four days on specific dates on the calendar). An insurance discount certificate is issued to students upon successful completion of the provincial road test.
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Q. How much practice do I need?
A. The government program provides enough hours for most students to learn basic driving techniques. However, some students progress faster and have more confidence than others. A good rule of thumb for parents/guardians and/or adult students is to plan on 2-3 hours of extra practice for every in-car hour with Bud. Practice makes perfect!
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Q. What if I need extra lessons with my instructor?
A. Normally, 10 hours of in-car, one-on-one instruction with Bud, along with the additional personal practice, are enough to get the student comfortably through the road test. However, every student is different, and some require a little extra help – BTWDS is committed to the success of every student and will provide a certain amount of extra help at no extra cost. Students will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by Bud in such instances.
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Q. What happens if I miss a lesson?
A. Lessons are individually arranged by the student and Bud. A missed lesson without advance notice (no show) may result in a forfeit of that lesson, as the BTWDS program emphasizes responsibility for one’s actions. Should a student need to cancel/reschedule a lesson, a phone call to Bud will suffice and no penalty will be incurred.
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Q. What happens if I fail my road test?
A. Hopefully, this will not happen! However, nervousness/anxiety on test day sometimes happens, and occasionally, a student will fail because of this human factor – not through lack of driving/parking skills. Subsequent road tests will be arranged by the student and Bud. The student will still have to pay the appropriate fee to the government for any additional road tests, BUT …the use of Bud’s car for the test, as well as an extra practice/review lesson, will be FREE.
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A. Students’ personal information will never be shared with a third party. Please review our privacy policy for further information.
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We are currently accepting new students of all ages.
