- Chester County Intermediate Unit
- Driver Education & Testing
Driver Education & Driver Testing Centers
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The road to success begins with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)! The CCIU offers Driver Education and Testing services for both high school students and community members in Chester County and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Behind-the-Wheel
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Who do we serve?
We provide Behind the Wheel instruction to all Chester County residents with a valid permit.
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How long is the wait?
The waitlist for Behind the Wheel instruction varies depending on the school district and time of the year. For example, during the summer our waitlist is shorter than the school year. Feel free to call the office for specific information about your area.
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What's Behind-the-Wheel Training?
Behind-the-Wheel Training consists of six one-hour, on-the-road driving sessions covering a wide variety of road situations, conditions and driving skills. Students will learn from one of our highly experienced driving instructors using a well-maintained vehicle from our fleet. All CCIU vehicles have automatic transmissions and dual braking systems. There are designated local locations to meet the instructor for lessons and lessons can be scheduled at any time during the entire year. Please note there may be a wait list for lessons and training will begin in the order of student sign-up.
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How do I schedule Behind-the-Wheel Training?
Register on our student portal. Click here to get started. Once you are assigned, an instructor will reach out to discuss scheduling with you.
We will match you with an instructor that can accommodate your schedule. We offer lessons during the day, evening and on weekends.
Behind-the-Wheel lessons vary depending on the student’s school district and will be completed based on student sign-up date. There may be a wait list for lessons and training will begin in the order of student sign-up.
A license or learner’s permit is required to enroll in the Behind-the-Wheel Training.
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What are the Behind-the-Wheel Training fees?
$637 Behind-the-Wheel Training (Chester County Teens)
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What if my child cannot attend a lesson?
Please cancel at least 24 hours ahead by using your student portal or notify your instructor. If you do not cancel using your student portal and do not show up for the session, you will be charged a $40 fee before you can receive a certificate of completion. Instructors will wait 15 minutes after the scheduled time of a lesson. After that time, the student has missed the session and will be charged accordingly. Please note: failure to bring along a valid permit will also be considered a missed lesson.
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What car is used, mine or yours?
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What if my child's permit expires before she/he gets scheduled?
The permit can be easily extended for another year by completing a permit extension form from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The student does not need to take another knowledge test.
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Will taking Behind-the-Wheel make me eligible for auto insurance discounts?
With the completion of both the Online Theory and Behind-the-Wheel Courses, some insurance companies will provide a discount off your annual premium, so we recommend that you check with your specific insurance agent. You will typically need to provide a completion certificate stating that the student has fulfilled the course requirements.
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Will taking Behind-the-Wheel enable my child to earn a senior license any earlier?
Students who have taken the theory portion and behind-the-wheel training, have had their license for one year and whose license is violation-free, may be eligible to receive a senior license prior to their 18th birthday. Send us a notarized Junior-to-Senior License DL59 form (the form can be downloaded by going to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Driver and Vehicle Services website) along with proof of course completion (copies of the certificates will do). We will sign the form verifying completion of the courses and send it to Harrisburg.
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How do I register?
To register for any of our Driver Education services, please visit the online registration webpage.
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Who do I contact if I have questions about Behind-the-Wheel Training?
484-593-5945
Driver Testing Center
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Who do we serve?
We administer the road test to anyone in Pennsylvania with a valid PA permit.
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Are the CCIU Driver Testing Centers separate from PennDOT and the Department of Motor Vehicles?
The CCIU Driver Testing Centers are PennDOT approved third-party providers and therefore are required to follow state-specific policies and procedures.
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How quickly can I be scheduled for an appointment?
As long as spots are available, you can be scheduled within two Driver Testing Center business days (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday). If you would like to be scheduled sooner, please contact the office staff and they will be happy to assist.
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Whose car is used for the driver’s testing exam?
Those looking to complete the driver’s test are welcome to utilize their own vehicle as long as it is up to date on inspection and registration and the driver can show proof of insurance. As an alternative, CCIU Driver Education cars are available and can be requested at the time the appointment is scheduled. All CCIU cars are equipped with automatic transmissions and dual breaking systems.
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Can I practice parallel parking at either of the CCIU Driver Testing Centers?
Yes. At the Downingtown location, there are two parallel parking spots. One is in the parking lot in front of the CCIU building and the other is on the right-hand side of the CCIU at the far back of the building. Both parallel parking spots are marked with orange cones. At the West Grove location, there is one marked parallel parking spot, which is located at the entrance of the Driver Testing Center building.
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Can I take my permit test at the Driver Testing Center?
No. You must go to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Center to take your permit test.
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Where can CCIU Driver Education students take their driver’s testing exam to acquire their license?
CCIU Driver Education students can take their driver’s testing exam at one of our CCIU Driver Testing Centers for a discounted rate, if they have taken both components of the driver education course (Online Course and Behind-the-Wheel), have had their permit for six months and have completed 65 hours of driving practice. They can also take their driver’s testing exam at a local DMV location.
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If I pass the road test, will I receive my driver’s license right away?
The driver will receive a stamped permit that acts as a valid license. Photos are not taken at the CCIU Driver Testing Centers. The driver will receive a camera card approximately two to three weeks after a successful road test. They will then take their camera card to a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or state photo center to have their photo taken.
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What are the Driver Testing Center fees?
The standard rate is $100 and the retest rate is $60. There is a 25% discounted rate ($75) for drivers completing the CCIU’s Driver Education Online Course and Behind-the-Wheel Training.
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What do I need to bring with me to take the driver’s testing exam at a CCIU Driver Testing Center?
Please bring the following items:
- Valid permit
- Valid driver’s license of accompanying driver (If the accompanying driver is not the parent/guardian, the accompanying driver must be over the age of 21)
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Proof of current registration
- Parent/guardian certification for DL-180C signed and notarized for applicants under 18 years old (If the parent/guardian is not present at the exam)
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What are the requirements for testing?
For drivers over 18 years of age, you must have a valid learner’s permit in order to test. For drivers under the age of 18 years of age, you must be a minimum of 16 years of age, have held a valid learner’s permit for a minimum of six months and have completed a minimum of 65 hours of adult-supervised driving.
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Will I be charged if I need to cancel or reschedule my driver’s testing exam?
There is no fee if you need to reschedule or cancel up to one week prior to your scheduled appointment. There is a $25 fee if you need to reschedule or cancel within three to six days of your scheduled appointment. You will be required to pay the full cost of the exam if you need to reschedule or cancel within two days of your scheduled appointment.
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If I need to retest, how long do I have to wait to reschedule?
If you are over 18, you can retest after two days. If you are under 18, you can retest after seven days.
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Where are the Driver Testing Centers located?
TCHS Pennock's Bridge Campus
280 Pennock's Bridge Road, West Grove, PA 19390
Chester County Intermediate Unit
455 Boot Road, Downingtown, PA 19335
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What are the Driver Testing Centers' hours of operation?
Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Online Driver's Ed Course
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How long do I have to complete the course?
Students will have one year (12 months) to complete the course.
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How do I register?
To register for any of our Driver Education services, please visit the online registration webpage.
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Who do I contact if I have questions about the Online Driver's Ed Course?
484-237-5189