Habesha Driving School is a driving instruction business located in Silver Spring, Maryland
Habesha Driving School operates as a private driving instruction provider in the Silver Spring area. Like other independent driving schools, it offers behind-the-wheel lessons and test preparation to people learning to drive or preparing for their Maryland driving exam. The school is not part of the state Department of Motor Vehicles — it is a separate business that contracts with students directly.
If you are considering lessons there, you will want to understand how private driving schools work, what to expect from instruction, and how to compare options in your area. This guide covers the basics of choosing a driving school and what questions to ask before you sign up.
Key Takeaways
- Private driving schools like Habesha charge by the lesson or package, and prices vary widely depending on the instructor's experience and what the lesson includes.
- Maryland requires you to hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can take the road test, regardless of how many private lessons you take.
- Before booking, ask whether the school provides the car for lessons, whether the instructor is certified by Maryland, and what happens if you need to reschedule.
- You can take private lessons from any certified instructor — you do not have to use a driving school, and some people use a mix of school lessons and practice with a licensed adult.
- Check online reviews and ask for references from past students to get a sense of the instructor's teaching style and reliability.
How private driving schools work in Maryland
A private driving school is a business that hires certified instructors to teach people how to drive. You pay the school directly for lessons, usually by the hour or in packages of multiple lessons. The school may own the cars used for instruction, or the instructor may use their own vehicle — this varies by school and should be confirmed before you book.
Private instruction is separate from the state's licensing process. Taking lessons does not change when you can test, does not waive any waiting periods, and does not may provide you will pass your exam. What it does is give you structured practice time with someone trained to teach driving skills. Many people combine private lessons with practice driving with a family member or friend who holds a valid license.
What Maryland requires before you can take a road test
Maryland has specific rules about when you can take your driving test, and private lessons do not change these timelines. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit (also called a provisional license) for at least six months before you can test for your full license. If you are 18 or older, you can test as soon as you have your learner's permit, but you still need to have held it for at least one day.
You also need to pass a written knowledge test and an eye exam before you can get your learner's permit. Private driving schools do not administer these tests — you take them at your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. Once you have your permit, you can take private lessons, practice with a licensed adult, or both.
Questions to ask before booking lessons
When you contact a driving school, ask these questions to understand what you are paying for and what to expect:
- Is the car provided? Some schools include a car in the lesson price; others expect you to provide one. If a car is provided, ask whether it has dual controls (pedals on both sides) so the instructor can brake if needed.
- What is the instructor's certification? Ask whether the instructor holds a Maryland driving instructor license. This is not the same as having a regular driver's license.
- What does the lesson cover? Some instructors focus on basic car control; others prepare you specifically for the road test route and maneuvers. Ask what the first lesson will include so you know what to expect.
- What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy? If you need to move a lesson, does the school charge a fee? How much notice do you need to give?
- How long are lessons, and what is the total cost? Lessons are typically 60 minutes, but confirm this. Ask whether you can buy single lessons or whether you must buy a package.
How to compare driving schools in your area
Silver Spring has multiple driving schools and independent instructors. To compare them fairly, gather the same information from at least two or three options. Write down the hourly rate, what is included, the instructor's certification status, and the cancellation policy for each. Then read online reviews on Google Maps or Yelp, but remember that reviews reflect one person's experience — look for patterns rather than single complaints.
Ask each school for references from recent students if possible. A reference is someone who has actually taken lessons there and can tell you whether the instructor was patient, showed up on time, and helped them feel more confident driving. This kind of direct feedback is often more useful than a general online review.
Alternatives to a driving school
You do not have to use a formal driving school. Many people learn to drive through a combination of practice with a licensed adult and informal instruction. If you choose this route, make sure the adult is a patient teacher and that you practice in a variety of conditions — residential streets, busier roads, highway driving if possible — before you test.
Some high schools in Maryland offer driver education courses, which may be less expensive than private schools and are taught by certified instructors. Check with your school's guidance office to see whether this option is available to you. You can also combine approaches: take a few lessons from a professional to learn the basics, then practice with a family member to build confidence.
What happens after you book your first lesson
Before your first lesson, the school will likely ask you to bring your learner's permit and proof of insurance. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that let you work the pedals easily. Arrive a few minutes early so the instructor can explain how the car works and what you will practice that day.
The first lesson is often shorter or lighter than later ones — the instructor is getting to know you and assessing your comfort level. Be honest about what you are nervous about. A good instructor will adjust the pace and focus to match your needs. After the lesson, ask what you should practice before the next one, and whether there are specific things to work on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need private lessons to pass my road test?
No. Many people pass their road test after practicing only with a family member or friend. Private lessons can help you feel more confident and learn test-specific skills, but they are not required. The decision depends on your comfort level and how much practice time you have available.
Can I use a private instructor's car for my road test?
No. You must take your road test in a car registered to you, a family member, or someone you know — not a driving school vehicle. The MVA has specific rules about which cars are acceptable. Check the MVA website or call your local office to confirm your car meets the requirements before you schedule your test.
What if I do not feel comfortable with my instructor?
You can stop taking lessons and try someone else. Before you do, consider whether one lesson is enough to judge — some instructors take time to adjust to a new student. But if after two or three lessons you still feel uncomfortable, it is fair to look for a different instructor. A good fit matters.
How many lessons do I need before I am ready to test?
This varies widely depending on your starting point and how much you practice between lessons. Some people are ready after five to ten lessons; others need more. Your instructor can give you feedback on whether you are ready, but ultimately you decide when to schedule your test. Do not rush — it is better to test when you feel genuinely prepared.
What if I fail my road test?
You can retake it. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can test again, and you will pay the test fee each time. Many people find that a few more lessons after a failed test, focused on the specific maneuvers or situations that went wrong, help them pass the second time.