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: A $25 deposit is required to secure your seat. If the deposit is not paid, your seat will not be saved, and availability will be given to the next student on the waitlist.
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: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
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 refunds and transfers are handled in accordance with TDLR regulations. Deposits are non-refundable unless required by law.
9. Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Tuition must be paid in full before or on the first day of class.
If a payment plan is agreed upon, half of the tuition is due by the first day of class.
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.
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. We will announce once road tests are available.
11. What does each course include?
Teen Driver Education (Full Course)
32 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
32 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 (2-hour minimum per session).
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.
Behind-the-Wheel Lessons (2-hour minimum) 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 (2-hour minimum per session).
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?
📞 Phone / Email:
(979) 488-4549
wcda@whartoncountydrivingacademy.com
📍 Walk-In Office Hours:
Monday–Friday| 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
During this time, someone will be available at the front desk to answer questions, assist with registration, and take phone calls.
⏰ Business Hours:
Monday–Saturday | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Please note: Outside of office hours, 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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