What is your refund policy?

We understand things come up, so we will offer a full refund if you cancel at least 60 days before class starts. Cancellations less than 60 days before the class will be refunded the total amount minus the $100 deposit and processing fee.

Does the classroom have to be completed to start behind-the-wheel?

Behind-the-wheel can begin after the fourth completed class, provided the student's permit is valid, their balance is paid in full, and all paperwork has been completed and turned in.  

What happens if I miss a class?

Any missed class must be made up. If a class is missed, the student must make arrangements with the instructor to make up for the missed class time and work.

Do I need a permit to start classes?

You do not need a permit to begin the classroom portion of any course. A permit is required for any behind-the-wheel session.  

What is your cancelation policy for driving lessons?

All drives must be canceled or rescheduled through the website a minimum of 24 hours before the start of a drive. Any drive that is canceled less than 24 hours prior to the start of the driving session will be assessed a $25 fee. Failure to show up for a drive will result in a $50 fee. 

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my driving lesson?

All drives must be canceled or rescheduled through the website a minimum of 24 hours before the start of a drive. Any drive that is canceled less than 24 hours prior to the start of the driving session will be assessed a $25 fee. Failure to show up for a drive will result in a $50 fee.  

Will I have other students in the car with me?

Unless you purchase private lessons, two students are in the car for our basic teen lessons. The state requires six hours of behind-the-wheel time and six hours of observation, and the only way to accomplish that is with another student in the car. If you purchase private lessons, the state allows you to drive two extra hours to compensate for not observing others. 

Adult lessons are private, with only one student in the car. 

Will I have the same instructor for every lesson?

If you choose to do so, yes. Students have the ability to search for lessons with a specific instructor. Otherwise, you'll have a variety of different instructors if you choose to search for the first available openings. 

Can I request a specific driving instructor?

Our scheduling software allows you to pick the day, time, and instructor that works best for your schedule.

Do you offer home pick-up and drop-off?

We offer home pick-up and drop-off on a case-by-case basis for adult drivers only. Our teen drives begin and end at our East Peoria location.

When can I start the behind the wheel lessons?

For students enrolled in the Basic Teen Course, behind-the-wheel lessons can be scheduled after the fourth day of class as long as they have their learner's permit and a zero balance. Students who have completed the classroom portion anywhere other than Burgess Driving School can begin driving once the classroom completion form is received and any balance is paid.  

Do I need a temporary license to take driving lessons?

All students starting behind-the-wheel lessons must have a learner's permit or driver's license. If you took the classroom portion of driver education anywhere other than Burgess Driving School and are under 18, proof of completion must be submitted before the start of the first lesson.  

What safety equipment are your cars equipped with?

Our vehicles have passenger-side brakes and cameras that record both inside and outside the vehicle.  

When can I get my permit?​

As soon as you turn 15, you can apply for your instruction permit provided you are enrolled in a certified driver's education course or are within 30 days of beginning a certified course.

Do I need to take a class to obtain my driver's license?​

You MUST take the 6-Hour Adult Driver Education Course to obtain an Illinois driver’s license if all three of the following points are accurate:

• You are 18, 19, or 20 years old
• You are applying for an Illinois driver’s license for the first time
• You have never taken any driver education course in high school or through a commercial driving school

When can I start driver ed?

Each student must be enrolled in high school and receive a passing grade in at least eight courses during the previous two semesters before enrolling in a driver education course. If a pupil is a freshman, school districts may count passing grades from the last semester of the student’s eighth-grade school year. Statutory Citation: 105 ILCS 5/27-24.2 Administrative Rule: 23 Ill. Admin. Code Part 252.25(a)(1)

Are teens required to drive a certain number of hours with an adult before they can get their license? ​

Yes. A student younger than 18 must complete 50 hours of practice driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving. This practice time must be with a responsible adult over 21 who has held their driver’s license for over a year. The law requires a parent, legal guardian, or another responsible adult to provide written consent at the time of the application for a driver's license, verifying that the applicant is sufficiently prepared and able to operate a motor vehicle safely. Statutory Citation: 625 ILCS 5/6-107(b)(3)

What is observation time and how much is required? ​

Observation time refers to when a student is riding in the back seat of a dual-control vehicle observing instructions of the driver education instructor and procedures and techniques of the student driver participating in behind-the-wheel instruction. At least one (but not more than three) student observers must be in the car during behind-the-wheel instruction. At least one hour of observation time is required for each hour of behind-the-wheel instruction (a total of six hours). Administrative Rule: 23 Ill. Admin. Code Part 252.20(c)(3)

How much classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction is required?​

The course of instruction required of each eligible student at the high school level shall consist of a minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in a dual-control car on public roadways taught by a certified driving instructor. Statutory Citation: 105 ILCS 5/27-24.2