Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is WCDA licensed?

Yes. Wharton County Driving Academy is fully licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

2. What courses do you offer?

We provide both in-person and online driver education options:

In-Person Courses

  • Teen Driver Education (24-hour classroom + 7 hours driving + 7 hours observation)

  • Teen Classroom-Only

  • Teen Driving-Only (Behind-the-Wheel)

  • Adult 6-Hour Course (Ages 18–24, or anyone needing an ADE-1317 certificate)

Online Courses

  • Defensive Driving (Ticket Dismissal/Insurance Discount)

  • Additional online driver education options are available through our website. (Same courses listed above)

3. How do I register?

You can register online through our website. Once you complete registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

⚠️ Please note: Students are required to make an initial payment of 50% of the total payment at the time of registration. This initial payment secures the student spot in the class.

Please make sure your registration and deposit are complete prior to coming to class so we can begin instruction right away.

4. When are classes held?

  • Teen Classes: Vary

  • Adult 6-Hour Course: Scheduled on Saturdays throughout the month. Dates are based on demand and availability.

  • Behind-the-Wheel Lessons: Scheduled individually — Once you register, our office will contact you within 24–48 hours (business days) to coordinate your driving times.

  • Defensive Driving (Online): Available 24/7 through our online portal.

5. What do I need to bring to class?

  • Payment (deposit or full tuition balance)

  • Completed online registration (confirmation email must be received before class)

  • Parent/Guardian signature for minors

  • Required identification documents (Birth Certificate or Passport, Social Security Card)

6. When can my teen get a learner’s permit?

After completing 6 classroom hours and passing the written exam at WCDA, your teen can apply for a learner’s permit at DPS.

7. What if I miss a class?

Students are allowed make-up sessions as required by TDLR. Please notify us in advance if you cannot attend.

8. What is your refund policy?

All payments made to Wharton County Driving Academy are non refundable. This includes class registration, behind the wheel services, and any initial payments.

Behind the Wheel

Students must provide at least 24 hours notice if they are unable to attend a scheduled behind the wheel or observation session.

  • Cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance will not be charged.

  • Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance, or no shows, will result in a $15 missed session fee per occurrence. Fee must be paid before rescheduling.

9. Do you offer payment plans?

Payment plans are available for Teen courses only.

  • If a payment plan is agreed upon, half of the tuition is due when booking.

  • The remaining balance must be paid by the last day of class.
    ⚠️ Students will not be eligible for testing, paperwork, or behind-the-wheel instruction until their tuition is paid in full.

    Teen Behind the Wheel Only

  • Students must make an initial payment of 50%. The initial payment covers 7 sessions total, once the final payment is made students will continue lessons until completion.

10. Do you offer road tests at your school?

Not yet. WCDA is in the process of becoming an approved Third-Party Skills Testing location through TDLR. However, we partner with a driving school in Rosenberg. Contact us for more information.

11. What does each course include?

Teen Driver Education (Full Course)

  • 24 hours of classroom instruction (meets Texas TDLR requirements)

  • 7 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor

  • 7 hours of in-car observation

  • DE-964 certificate upon completion (needed for learner permit & license)

Teen Driver Education – Classroom Only

  • 24 hours of classroom instruction

  • Certificate of Completion for classroom portion

  • Behind-the-Wheel training must be completed separately

Teen Driver Education – Behind-the-Wheel Only

  • 7 hours of behind-the-wheel training

  • 7 hours of in-car observation

  • For students who already completed the classroom portion elsewhere

Adult 6-Hour Course (ADE-1317)

  • 6 hours of state-required classroom instruction

  • Required for adults ages 18–24 who have not completed driver education

  • Optional for ages 25+ who want extra preparation before taking the DPS test

  • ADE-1317 certificate issued upon completion (needed for DPS road test if 18–24)

Behind-the-Wheel Lessons (Teens & Adults)

  • One-on-one lessons with a licensed instructor

  • Available in 1-hour blocks

  • Focused on real driving skills: parking, highway driving, turns, parallel parking, etc.

  • Flexible scheduling Monday–Saturday

Defensive Driving (Optional)

  • State-approved 6-hour course

  • May be used for ticket dismissal or insurance discount

12. Which course do I need?

If you are 15–17 years old

  • You must complete Teen Driver Education.

  • Options:

    • Full Course (classroom + behind-the-wheel)

    • Classroom Only (driving portion must be completed separately)

    • Behind-the-Wheel Only (for students who completed classroom elsewhere)

If you are 18–24 years old

  • You must complete the Adult 6-Hour Course (ADE-1317) before the DPS road test.

  • You may also add Behind-the-Wheel Lessons for extra practice.

If you are 25 years or older

  • The Adult 6-Hour Course is optional but highly recommended for preparation.

  • You are only required to pass the DPS written knowledge test and road test. (Must be taken at the DPS unless enrolled in our course.)

  • Behind-the-Wheel Lessons are available for adults who want professional instruction before testing.

If you already completed a driver education course elsewhere

  • You may enroll in Behind-the-Wheel Lessons only.

13. How many students are in each class?

Each classroom course has a maximum of 16 students to ensure quality instruction and individual attention.

Once a class reaches capacity, registration will automatically roll over to the next available course date. Students who register after the class is full will receive a notification with their new start date.

14. How do I contact WCDA?

WCDA is appointment only the quickest way to reach us is by

📞 Phone / Email:

  • (979) 488-4549

  • wcda@whartoncountydrivingacademy.com

  • Please note: Our staff and instructors are actively teaching classes and lessons, so responses may be delayed.

📍 104 W Caney St, Suite A, Wharton, TX
📧 wcda@whartoncountydrivingacademy.com
📞 (979) 488-4549
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