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New driver training programs for every stage

Select from a variety of driver training classes below. All classes meet South Carolina requirements.

OUR CLASSES

Ways to get road ready

Class Details

Refresher Course

5 driving lessons

Road Ready is a clear path for teens who already have permit prep covered and want classroom Driver’s Ed plus the official SCDMV road test with us. After payment we help you get scheduled, walk through what the test day looks like, and keep the focus on finishing licensed without the DMV line.

What is covered

5 driving lessons
Dual-control car
Flexible scheduling

Requirements

Valid eligibility for SC driver training; permit required for behind-the-wheel.

Exclusions

Road test sold separately unless packaged.

Price $249 / package

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Online Course

Self-paced online pathway with driving lessons

S.M.A.R.T. Pathway is our recommended starter package for teens who need the full runway: permit tutoring, Teen Driver’s Ed, and the SCDMV road test. It is built for families who want one clear plan from first classroom session through testing, with certified instructors and third-party testing under one roof.

What is covered

20 driving lessons
Mock test & exam routes
Progress tracking
Test-day support

Requirements

Ages 15–17 need a parent for permit paperwork as applicable.

Exclusions

Additional BTW hours sold separately.

Price $475 / package

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Premium

30 driving lessons with priority scheduling

Smart Confidence Builder adds extra behind-the-wheel hours for teens who need more practice before they sit the road test. You still get permit tutoring, Driver’s Ed, and testing, plus consistent scheduling so skills stick between lessons instead of fading between long gaps.

What is covered

30 driving lessons
Door-to-door pickup
Unlimited mock tests
Priority instructor choice

Requirements

Permit required before behind-the-wheel and road test.

What to bring

Bring the documents listed under requirements. We’ll confirm anything else in your registration email.

Price $749 / package

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Teen Driver’s Ed (In Person)

Class day typically 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Our in-person Teen Driver’s Ed is a full classroom day with SC-aligned instruction, parent check-in for forms, and clear next steps for behind-the-wheel and road testing. Students leave knowing what happens after class day and how to stay on track toward their license.

What is covered

Full classroom day
Parent check-in & forms
Scheduling guidance for BTW and road test

Requirements

Students must bring their permit. Parents/guardians should come inside at start of class.

Exclusions

Remaining balance due on class day if only a deposit was paid.

Price $2 / class

Online deposit $1 Balance due on class day: $1

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Teen Driver’s Ed (Online)

Self-paced online + 6 BTW hours

Prefer to finish classroom work at home? The approved online Teen Driver’s Ed course is self-paced, then we schedule your behind-the-wheel hours once you finish. We send registration guidance so you do not buy a second course code, and we stay involved from online completion through BTW.

What is covered

Online course access code
6 hours behind-the-wheel after completion

Requirements

Email us when the online course is complete to schedule BTW.

Exclusions

Do not purchase another online course code.

Price $1 / class

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Teen Behind-the-Wheel Training

Scheduled after payment

Teen behind-the-wheel training is instructor-led driving with progress tracking toward road-test readiness. Lessons focus on real Greenville-area roads, calm coaching for nervous drivers, and clear feedback so teens and parents know when they are ready to test.

What is covered

Instructor-led drives
Progress tracking toward road-test readiness

Requirements

Valid learner’s permit.

Exclusions

Pickup/drop-off not included by default.

Price Contact for pricing

No online payment - request a spot and we’ll confirm with you.

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Adult Behind-the-Wheel Training

Typically 2-hour sessions

Adult behind-the-wheel training supports beginners, returning drivers, and anyone who needs patient hands-on practice. Sessions build essential skills at a comfortable pace, with progress notes you can use to plan the next lesson or move toward testing when the time is right.

What is covered

Hands-on lessons
Essential skills & progress tracking

Requirements

Bring your permit. Arrange your own transportation.

Exclusions

Pickup and drop-off are not included.

Price Contact for pricing

No online payment - request a spot and we’ll confirm with you.

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Permit Tutoring / Prep

2.5 hours

Permit tutoring is a focused prep session with practice tests, immediate scoring, and targeted review. Students leave knowing where they stand and what to study before the SC permit exam, and families get a clear document checklist for ages 15–17.

What is covered

2.5-hour focused session
Practice tests & review
Immediate scoring & feedback

Requirements

SC State ID or birth certificate + 2 proofs of residence. Ages 15–17 must bring a parent.

What to bring

Bring the documents listed under requirements. We’ll confirm anything else in your registration email.

Price Contact for pricing

No online payment - request a spot and we’ll confirm with you.

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Permit Testing

By appointment

Permit testing support helps students take the next step once they are ready for the exam. We guide documents, timing, and what to expect so the appointment feels organized instead of overwhelming.

What is covered

Permit testing support
Document guidance

Requirements

Required identification and residence documents.

What to bring

Bring the documents listed under requirements. We’ll confirm anything else in your registration email.

Price Contact for pricing

No online payment - request a spot and we’ll confirm with you.

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Road Test / DMV Alternative

Scheduled after payment

As a certified SC DMV third-party tester, we administer the official road test on routes students already know. After payment we schedule your test, run it in our process, and submit results to the SCDMV — no DMV appointment required.

What is covered

Authorized third-party SCDMV road test
Results submitted to SCDMV

Requirements

Valid learner’s permit.

What to bring

Bring the documents listed under requirements. We’ll confirm anything else in your registration email.

Price Contact for pricing

No online payment - request a spot and we’ll confirm with you.

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Refresher Course + Road Test

1 hour refresher + road test

The refresher course pairs a one-hour confidence drive with the official SCDMV road test. It is popular with adults returning after time away from driving and with new residents converting a license who want a calm evaluation before testing.

What is covered

1-hour refresher drive
Pre-test evaluation
SCDMV Road Test

Requirements

Valid learner’s permit.

What to bring

Bring the documents listed under requirements. We’ll confirm anything else in your registration email.

Price Contact for pricing

No online payment - request a spot and we’ll confirm with you.

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Defensive Driving

By package

Defensive driving instruction sharpens awareness, space management, and decision-making beyond the basics. It is a strong fit for licensed drivers who want safer habits for highway, night, or everyday Greenville commuting.

What is covered

Defensive driving instruction

Requirements

Valid permit or license as applicable.

What to bring

Bring the documents listed under requirements. We’ll confirm anything else in your registration email.

Price Contact for pricing

No online payment - request a spot and we’ll confirm with you.

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

Class Details

Senior Driver Education

By package

Senior driver education focuses on confidence, comfort, and practical skills for older drivers. Lessons move at a respectful pace and emphasize the situations that matter most for staying safe and independent on the road.

What is covered

Senior-focused instruction

Requirements

Valid license or permit as applicable.

What to bring

Bring the documents listed under requirements. We’ll confirm anything else in your registration email.

Price Contact for pricing

No online payment - request a spot and we’ll confirm with you.

Next sessions

Scheduled after payment Open

Enroll in this class

WHY WE'RE SUCCESSFUL

Why Parents Choose Drive Smart Academy

Convenient Testing

Skip long DMV waits with certified testing services.

Personalized Instruction

Training tailored to each student’s learning style.

Experienced Instructor

Certified professionals committed to student success.

Proven Curriculum

Structured classroom + behind-the-wheel education aligned with state requirements.

Have More Questions?

Frequently asked questions

What age do I need to start Driver’s Ed in South Carolina?

Most teens begin Driver’s Education around age 15 once they are ready for classroom and permit preparation. Contact us if you are unsure which path fits your student.

Is online Driver’s Ed the same as in-person?

Both meet South Carolina requirements when completed through our approved partners. Online courses are self-paced; in-person includes a full classroom day. Behind-the-wheel hours are scheduled after classroom completion.

How do behind-the-wheel lessons work?

After registration and payment, our team contacts you to assign an instructor and schedule drives. Lessons include progress tracking so you know when you are road-test ready.

What documents do I need for permit tutoring?

Bring an SC State ID, or a copy of a birth certificate plus two proofs of residence. Ages 15–17 must bring a parent to complete paperwork.

Do you offer SCDMV road testing?

Yes. Drive Smart Academy is an authorized third-party tester. After payment, we call to schedule your official SCDMV road test. Bring your valid learner’s permit.

What if I am late, miss a lesson, or need to reschedule?

Please review our Policies page for lateness, no-shows, cancellations, and rescheduling rules. Weather may also require driving session changes for safety.

How do deposits, refunds, and payment plans work?

Many programs allow a deposit with the balance due by class day. Refunds and package expiration are outlined on our Policies page and acknowledged at registration.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are not included with standard behind-the-wheel packages unless stated otherwise.

How far ahead should we book?

We recommend registering as early as possible - especially for teen Driver’s Ed and road tests - so classroom seats and instructor times stay available.

Still have a question?

Call us at (864) 775-7522 or send a message and we will get back within one business day.

Not sure which class fits your needs?

Call us today so our team can help you get road ready!

(864) 775-7522 Send a message