A: At Hawthorn Driving School, we believe the person teaching your teen to drive should be a trained, professional driving instructor — not a rotating part-time worker.
Our instructors are college-educated adults with clean driving and background records, and every lesson is taught by the same professional using a consistent teaching method. We do not place multiple students in the car, and all lessons are conducted in our instructor-equipped vehicle (instructor brake) — never a student’s car.
Each lesson is customized to the student’s ability and comfort level. Our goal is not just to help students pass the test, but to build safe, confident drivers for life.
A: Lesson availability varies by demand and location. We do not guarantee specific days or times (unless you confirm with us that they are avalable BEFORE you sign up). After enrollment, we will contact you to schedule lessons based on instructor availability and geographic routing..
A. After signing up online you need to text us a picture of the first page of your permit - we cannot enter you into our system or find a lesson date without it. We will text you to schedule your first lesson. Following that, you will receive a welcome email to confirm lessons and also provide written feedback via a Student Progress Report emailed after each lesson. Each lesson is 2 hours unless you purchased the 1 hour option.
Keep in mind its important to get lots of practice in between lessons.
It is the students/parents responsibility to contact us in a timely manner to schedule lessons. Don't wait till the last minute. Between lessons, regular practice with a licensed driver is essential. Driving skills develop through repetition and real-world experience..
A Lessons are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. In limited circumstances, extensions may be available for a fee. Extensions are not guaranteed, and lessons expire fully after 12 months.
We strongly encourage families to schedule lessons promptly to avoid expiration issues.
A: Driving schools vary widely in structure, instructor experience, and lesson format. Some schools use lower-paid, rotating instructors, allow multiple students in the vehicle, or limit individualized instruction.
Hawthorn Driving School focuses on one-on-one instruction, professional-level training, and a consistent learning experience. While we may not be the least expensive option, families choose us because they value safety, quality, and long-term results.
We often work with students who come to us after having unsatisfactory experiences elsewhere, and we take pride in helping them succeed.
A: Yes! More than likely its been a while since you had to take a behind the wheel driving test, right? We know what they will expect you to be able to demonstrate during that evaluation in order to keep your independence.
A: Lesson one: The instructor will go over dash instruments, questions and safe operation of a vehicle. Additionally, traffic safety rules, parking, lane changes, following distance, and smooth braking are among the topics covered. At the end
of the first lesson the instructor our goal is that the student has progressed enough to begin practicing with a licensed driver.
Lesson two: Review of lesson one. If the student has made satisfactory progress, they will go on the highway/expressway (this is optional and done if the student/parent requests it), practice park and reverse (will be on the test) and focus more on defensive driving techniques.
Lesson three: A review of lessons one and two with a focus on cleaning up any rough edges or bad habits. We want to make sure the student can not only pass the DMV test, but more importantly, be a safe driver once the parent and instructor get out of the car.
This is a general overview. Some students progress slower and some faster. Each student will be evaluated and instructed based on their own ability. We will not rush a students lesson nor will we hold back a student with prior driving experience or exceptional ability. Each course is tailored to each student. In addition, there is normally a 5-10 min break after the first hour to allow both the student and instructor to refresh. Driving requires extreme focus and its good to just kind of shake if off for a second. In lieu of a break in the middle of the lesson the instructor can choose end the lesson 10 minutes early.
A: Safety always comes first. If weather conditions make driving unsafe, we will reschedule the lesson at no charge.
A: When a lesson is scheduled, both an instructor and a vehicle are reserved specifically for that time and location. Late cancellations prevent us from offering that time to another student.
Less than 24 hours’ notice: $75 fee
Less than 2 hours’ notice or student unable to begin lesson: $125 fee
Students must be ready to begin within 10 minutes of arrival and must have their original permit. We send both text and email reminders as a courtesy.
A: Yes! We specialize in teaching people who need a personalized approach. Not everyone learns the same. Or maybe you were involved in an accident and need a safe re-entry into the drivers seat again.
We simply ask that you tell us in advance about your situation. That way we can make sure you get to most out of your lessons. One of our students had failed 6 times over 1 year (multiple schools) - he passed with us. Parents were amazed. Let us amaze you.
A: Hawthorn Driving School is a great fit for families who value professional instruction, clear expectations, and consistent practice between lessons. Our program works best for students who are committed to learning, follow instructions, and have family support to practice outside of lessons.
Families looking for the lowest possible price, last-minute scheduling, or minimal involvement between lessons may be better served elsewhere.
A: No - We operate remotely using the latest sign-up/scheduling/lesson notification software in the industry. You can sign up 24/7 on our website. Please text us with any questions.
A: Possibly. Driving rules, testing procedures, and expectations vary by state and country, and we regularly help drivers adjust to Missouri standards.
For safety reasons, students must have strong English comprehension, as lessons involve precise verbal instructions in real-time traffic situations. If communication barriers create safety concerns, we may not be able to proceed.
A: No. A parent or spouse is not allowed to tag along on driving lessons. Why? 1) We need to develop a professional, trust based, non judgmental learning environment - we dont need family drama in our car 2) If it were you - would you really want your mom or dad (or spouse) looking over your shoulder for two hours literally being a "back seat driver"? Me either. Learning to drive is mostly fun and sometimes stressful. There is a lot going on and we need their undivided attention. If you (parent or spouse) are nervous and fear based you will pass this on during the lesson. We don't need that. And frankly neither does your student. If you feel you cannot trust your student to learn without you monitoring their every move you may not be ready for lessons.