Frequently
Asked Questions
1.
What is Balda
Driving School? We are a commercial driving school
licensed by the Illinois Secretary of State. All of
our programs and curriculum are approved by the
Secretary of State. All of our instructors pass a
background check and are tested and licensed by the
Secretary of State. Licensed since 1959, Balda is
downstate’s oldest driving school.
2.
Why do teens
take at Balda Driving School? Our Teen Program
enables parents and teens to choose when they get
their permit. Eligibility is based on age not grade level
in school. We are not locked into a semester
schedule, we offer classes throughout the year and
students can complete the classroom in only 4 weeks.
We offer flexible evening and week-end scheduling
for Behind-the-Wheel. We also offer Private
Lessons for students who desire individual
instruction or Additional Lessons for added
experience.
3.
At what age can a
teen enroll at Balda Driving School?
The Illinois Secretary of State recommends that
students be 15 before the last day of class so that
their classroom and Behind-the-Wheel experience work
together to enhance their learning experience.
4.
Who can enroll
in Balda Driving School’s Teen Program? Any teen who
is 15 and older can enroll in the classroom
training. To take the behind-the-Wheel portion of
the program a teen must have a permit.
5.
When will a teen
get their Instruction (Learner’s) Permit?
Instruction Permit applications are issued during
the first week of class. The application and a
certified copy of their birth certificate, Social
Security card and proof of residency (postmarked
envelope) and $20.00 can be taken to any Secretary
of State Driving Facility to take a written test at
your convenience.
6.
Can a teen get an
Instruction Permit without taking Driver’s
Education? When you are 17 years 3 months and older
you do not need Driver’s Education to obtain a
permit.
7.
Are absences are
allowed? A student is allowed to be absent 3 times,
however, it must be made up. A fourth absence will
result in being DROPPED from class! NO EXCEPTION!!!
While absences are permitted they are strongly
discouraged! Remember, time spent in classroom is
important. Missed information could affect your
grade or your driving experience!!
8.
Do absences need to be made
up? All missed classes must be made up so
that the student receives 30 hours of classroom
credit.
9.
What do our
students learn? Rules of the Road, Search and Scan
methods, steering, proper backing up and reverse,
turnabouts, expressway driving, highway driving,
parallel parking, handling emergencies, adverse
weather driving, effects of alcohol and drugs, DUI
laws, dangers of distractions and more!!
10.
What will I need to bring
on the first day of class? Bring a
notebook, black ink pen, and a check, cash or money
order for of balance due or first payment. The Rules
of the Road book, textbook and all other classroom
materials will be provided.
11.
When will Behind-The-Wheel
(BTW) lessons be scheduled? BTW lessons
are scheduled following completion of the classroom
session at the parents'/students' convenience. An
instructor will contact you to set up lesson times.
12.
Why is the deposit
non-refundable? We have limited space
available in our class and do not want to turn away
students who want to enroll It can be difficult for
a student who was turned away to find another class
to fit their schedule or for us to fill an opening
due to a late cancellation. A non-refundable deposit
requires a greater commitment to a specific class
without the commitment of total payment.
13.
What happens
when our students finish our Teen Program? They will
receive a Letter of Completion from the Secretary of
State’s office showing they successfully completed
Driver’s Education. They will also receive a
Certificate of Completion from Balda with their
final grade which can be taken to their high school
for proof of completion. The Illinois State Board of
Education recognizes Secretary of State licensed
facilities (23 Il Admin. Code I, S.252.20 a 4).
14.
When does the teen get
their license? When they finish our Teen
Program, complete 50 hours driving time, held the
permit for 9 months and are 16 years old, they are
eligible to take the Driving Test at the Driving
Facility. Be sure to take three forms of
identification, your permit, your 50-hour
certification sheet, the Certificate of Completion
letter from the Secretary of State, the Vehicle
Registration and insurance card.
15.
How do I enroll?
Pick which classroom session you want from the
Schedule page. Print and complete the Teen Driver
Education Program form on the enrollment forms page
and send to our office with a check, cash or money
order for the $100.00 non-refundable deposit
For Additional Information:
Please call us at (309) 688-5631
Other Sources
of Helpful Information...
Secretary of State Website
www.sos.state.il.us
Driver Services Facilities
www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/facilities/home.html
Rules of the Road Book
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a112.pdf
Parent-Teen Driving Guide
www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a217.pdf
Illinois Department of Transportation
www.dot.state.il.us
State of Illinois Home Page
www.illinois.gov
The Driving School Association of the Americas,
Inc.
www.thedsaa.org/
