Driving Lesson Policies
Safety and Instructor Discretion
Cancellations
Driving lesson cancellations must be made via the Student Portal. Cancellation windows are measured from the scheduled lesson start time:
- More than 48 hours before: Cancellation is free. The lesson returns to your account and may be rescheduled.
- Between 48 hours and 2 hours before: A $100 late-cancellation fee applies. The lesson returns to your account and may be rescheduled.
- Less than 2 hours before, or after the lesson has started: The lesson can no longer be filled by another student and is forfeited in full, with no credit or refund. Forfeiture of required time may delay your license testing eligibility.
The applicable fee or forfeiture is displayed at the time of cancellation in the Student Portal.
Tardiness & Makeups
Students must arrive on time. A 30-minute grace period applies after the scheduled lesson start time. If you arrive late, end the lesson early, or experience a disruption, you receive credit only for the portion completed.
Failure to arrive within 30 minutes results in full lesson forfeiture, with no credit or refund. For lessons involving observers, the grace period is 15 minutes; failure to arrive within that period also results in forfeiture with no credit or refund. Forfeiture of required time may delay your license testing eligibility.
The Next Street does not offer partial driving lessons; all appointments are two hours. If you need to make up time to meet state requirements, you must purchase and complete a full two-hour lesson to remain eligible for course completion and certification.
No-Show or Non-Compliant
Missing a scheduled lesson or arriving unprepared, including without a permit, required footwear, or corrective lenses, results in lesson forfeiture with no credit or refund. If forfeiture compromises your eligibility to test within a required timeframe, you must purchase a new lesson to restore eligibility. Forfeiture may also affect testing eligibility in other ways.
Required Items
Students must bring the following items to each lesson. Arriving without required items results in full lesson forfeiture, with no credit or refund:
- A physical permit or driver’s license – photocopies or electronic versions are prohibited.
- Glasses or contacts if required by a B restriction on the permit.
- Proper footwear as outlined in the Footwear Policy.
Footwear Policy for Novice Drivers
Safety is our top priority for both our students and other drivers. To ensure the safe and effective operation of a vehicle, novice drivers are required to wear appropriate footwear during driving lessons. Improper footwear can hinder a driver’s ability to operate pedals safely, increasing the risk of accidents. Fully enclosed, sneaker-like shoes are mandatory for all lessons. By adhering to these guidelines, students will be better equipped to focus on mastering driving techniques safely and confidently. Thank you for prioritizing safety during your learning journey at The Next Street.
Required Footwear Guidelines
1. Full Closure: Shoes must fully enclose the foot, providing proper support and stability.
2. Well-Fitting: Footwear should fit snugly, without being too tight or too loose, to ensure complete control over pedal movements.
3. Closed Toe and Closed Heel: Open-toe or open-heel footwear (e.g., sandals, flip-flops, or high heels) is strictly prohibited, as it can interfere with safe pedal operation.
4. Flat Sole: Shoes must have a flat, non-slip sole for consistent contact with the pedals. High heels or excessively thick soles compromise pedal control and are not permitted.
Examples of Suitable Footwear
- Athletic sneakers
- Flat, closed-toe casual shoes
- Low-profile, sturdy boots
Examples of Footwear to Avoid
- Sandals, flip-flops, or slippers
- High heels or platform shoes
- Loose, oversized, or ill-fitting shoes
Support Devices
Individuals wearing orthopedic support devices, such as casts, splints, or braces, will be prohibited from all driving lessons and road tests. These devices pose a safety risk during operation of a vehicle, impairing mobility and reaction time.
Driving Log
- The Connecticut DMV requires new teen drivers (16 and 17 years old) to record 40 hours of time behind the wheel with a trainer. This time can be done with any person that has held their license in the US for at least 4 years with no suspensions as your trainer.
- Any time done with The Next Street counts towards the 40 hours. As an example, if you register for the Full Driver Education Program that comes with 8 hours of driving, 32 hours would have to be completed on your own time for a total of 40 hours.
- Adult Students (18 and older) do not have a behind the wheel training requirement, though we still recommend an adult log at least 40 hours of practice before going it alone.
To keep track of your driving download our Parent/Student Driving Log
Record every time that you are behind the wheel, and once you hit 40 hours between driving with us and at home, you will be ready to take your test!
Driving Lesson Waitlist
Not seeing driving lessons that fit into your schedule or location? Join our driving waitlist, and allow us to assist you in getting scheduled. Fill out the form below to get started!