Drivers Ed FAQ

The owner of Open Roads Driving School, John Walejewski, is a police officer and has much experience with the importance of traffic safety. This experience was gained through first-hand knowledge of driver errors, crashes, and the aftermath. John also has training in traffic accident reconstruction and has over five yrs driving instruction experience.

In the event we receive payment and the check is returned due to non sufficient funds,closed account or other reason payment did not process by check we charge a $25 fee to recover the cost our finanacial institution charges.

 It is best to call before coming in as we are regularly on the road driving with students. We do not have normal office hours .

A deposit of $100 or full payment will secure a roster spot for any class listed at the time of enrollment.  All fees must be paid prior to the end of the classroom if enrolled in package plan unless other arrangements are arranged prior to that date. Non paid fees will result in no BTW lessons until the balance is paid in full.Any payment by check that is returned for non sufficient funds will be charged  $25 in addition to the amount of check.

Student pickup for behind the wheel will take place at Mukwonago HS between doors 1 and 2, or at home or work within the Mukwonago School district. Other locations may be allowed dependent upon location of students scheduled in specific time periods by calling John 262-975-0031.

Muskego pickup locations will be at home, school, or work within the Muskego school diastrict only. Muskego HS pickup area is by the main office entrance.

Be sure to select region for BTW lessons closest to your students school district.

You can take the BTW program once you receive a valid Wisconsin Instruction Permit from the DMV. After obtaining permit at age 15 or older,students are to log into their account and schedule a BTW lesson within 60 days of obtaining their instructional permit. Students are expected to signup for lessons at every 3 weeks if they wish to finish in 6 months. Any student under 18 MUST hold the temporary license for 6 months prior to the road test.  If a student does not schedule driving lessons as described above their road test may be delayed as a result of them finishing their lessons late. Driving is a major responsibility. Scheduling you BTW lessons is also a responsibility. It is YOUR responsibility to schedule these  lessons. Lack of planning on YOUR part does not constitute an emergency on our part.

Remember that the D.M.V. requires students to record a minimum of 50 hrs of driving practice with their parents and driving instructor. 10 hrs of this are required to be night operation.

You need to go to the behind-the-wheel driving calendar page. Log in with the username and password you received upon registering and click "Make changes to driving schedule." As long as you do this within eight hours of your scheduled drive, you will not incur the cancellation fee of $40. Or under white itinerary box, click red circle with white  "x". then follow prompts to cancel the lesson.

Learning to check traffic when moving right or left is crucial to safe driving and passing a road test.

One of the teaching methods we utilize is SMOG, which helps students learn to effectively and safely switch lanes. This implementation of driver education could prevent potential accidents, and it promotes a safer road environment overall.

SMOG breaks down into the following four easy tips:

•S - Signal: When you decide to switch lanes, it's important to immediately signal which direction you want to go. Your blinker should be on for at least three seconds before completing your lane transition so the cars around you are aware of your intentions.
•M - Mirrors: Once you've turned on your signal, check the mirror to make sure there is no car in the lane you're looking to transfer over to. Wait until you don't see any oncoming traffic before proceeding to the next step.
•O - Over The Shoulder: Looking in your rear view mirror isn't enough to give yourself a full view of your future lane - looking over your shoulder will ensure you see your entire blind spot, in case there are any hidden vehicles that might hinder your lane change.
•G - Go: Once you've completed the three previous steps, it's safe to go and direct your vehicle into the new lane. A good driver school promotes all of these steps to reduce the risk of accidents.

You will receive reminder messages of upcoming lessons ONLY if the parent and student sign up to receive them. We strongly encourage EVERYONE to sign up for the reminders by logging into the student account, click "my account" and check the text and email boxes to receive both text and reminder emails. Please do this for each student and both parents to avoid missed appointment fees.

You can take the 30-hour classroom instruction at 14-1/2. You must be 15  to obtain an instructional permit. A student must attain a valid instruction permit within 13 months of completing the 30-hour state approved classroom session.

The 30 hr online course must extend over a minimum of 21 days. Students are credited for two hours a day maximum for work done. The course is 30 units designed for students to spend one hour on each. The course must be completed in 90 days from the date it is started.

The hybrid cousre consists of 10 hrs of classroom and another 20hrs in an online format similar to the 30 hr online course.The online portion of this course also MUST be completed within 90 days of the date the first lesson is started.

You must obtain the MV3001 form in order to apply for an instructional permit. It is highly recommended that students schedule their 1st behind-the-wheel lesson the day they get their instructional permit to comply with state requirement of starting behind the wheel within 60 days of the date the MV3001 is signed. We normally book solid 2-3 weeks in advance.

You are ready for the behind the wheel portion of our curriculum. To enroll for drive times, view our behind the wheel driving calendar.  All students must have one driving lesson within the first 60 days of receiving the instruction permit per state regulations. *Students who fail to start lessons within 60 days of obtaining the instruction permit application will be placed on a "inactive status" and the instructional permit cancelled if issued. The instruction permit will need to be re-issued at the DMV. It is also possible these students will not receive all 6 lessons within the 6 month wait period for roadtest, thus delaying their ability to get their probationary license. A total of 6 lessons must be scheduled(2hrs each-1hr driving/1hr observation)

Students who have taken online driver education classroom through another school must  provide proof of completion (DEC form from the online school), sign a contract for BTW only, and obtain the MV3001 form from us in order to take instructional permit test at the DMV. 

It is the student and parents responsibility to schedule and keep the required driving lessons in order to complete behind-the-wheel training within the 6 month period. Lessons can be scheduled every 21 days. We suggest at least once a month after obtaining an instructional permit (6 lessons over 6 month waiting period).

You are eligible for your Instruction Permit when you meet all the following requirements:

• 15 years of age
• Completion of 30 hours classroom instruction AND/OR currently attending a classroom session
• Completion of the MV3001 form
• MV3001 forms can not be issued prior to a student attending or in the process of attending a classroom session
• All fees must be paid in full before receiving the signed MV3001 form.

The MV3001 form is the document that verifies a student has fulfilled the classroom requirements and is 15 years  of age or older. The MV3001 form must be signed by an Open Roads Driving School representative before going to the local DMV.  Students may NOT get the signed MV 3001 form prior to the start of their classroom session per state statutes.

*ONLINE STUDENTS ONLY*

If taking behind the wheel at Open Roads Driving School, students at least 15 years old should contact us to either pickup the MV3001 form or have it mailed to them in order to get their instruction permit approx. 10 days before the date the student turns 15 years old. Students not taking BTW with Open Road Driving School must wait until the course is completed and have the school providing BTW instruction sign the MV3001 form. The MV3001 form allows students to obtain their instruction permit.

All students - The 1st BTW lesson must occur within 60 days of the date the MV3001 is signed. This is a DOT rule, not ours, so plan accordingly as we are fully booked most dates 2-3 weeks out.

Students need a certified copy of their birth certificate, social security card, and a completed MV3001 form signed by the driving school. If you do not have a social security card, you will need your social security number and the second form of ID.  The DMV will charge you $35 for the Instruction Permit.

You will be armed with all the information you need by taking our 30 hour classroom course. If you would like to obtain an Instruction Permit prior to the classroom course, we highly recommend reading the Wisconsin Motorists Handbook. This handbook contains the information needed to successfully pass the Instruction Permit exam. The Wisconsin Motorist Handbook is available online to read or you may download the e-handbook from the DMV website.

here is a video to help-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnRaRaDEssc

You can take your road test with the DMV when you have reached the following requirements:

• Successful completion of 50 required classroom hours
• Successful completion of 12 hours of instructed BTW
• You have held your permit for a minimum of 6 months
• Be 16 years old
• You can schedule your test eleven weeks prior to the date you are eligible to take road test (6 Months from date you obtained instruction permit). All lessons and course work must be completed in order for us to file the completion certificate(DEC) with DMV. Failure to complete all work will keep you from being able to obtain a probationary license until the work is completed or you are 18 whichever comes first.

Visit any Wisconsin DMV office, call 1-888-368-9556, or go online to:  http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/schedule.htm .  You can schedule your test eleven weeks prior to the date you are eligible to take road test (6 Months from date you obtained instruction permit). All lessons and course work must be completed in order for us to file the completion certificate(DEC) with DMV. Failure to complete all work will keep you from being able to obtain a probationary license until the work is completed or you are 18 whichever comes first.

You need your Social Security number, the drive log indicating that you have completed a minimum of 30 BTW hours, and the MV3192 form. The MV3192 form is electronically sent to DMV after your final drive by your instructor (if you have no balance due). Students no longer receive a copy of this form as a result of this new procedure. DMV will have a copy of this form when you take the test