The most-asked questions about driving lessons with 1st Class Driving School (Apka Desi) in Philadelphia, Bensalem, Reading, and 25+ nearby PA communities. Call (215) 740-2841 if you don’t see your question below.
Pricing & Packages
How much do driving lessons cost with 1st Class Driving School?
Driving lessons are $75 per hour with a 2-hour minimum per session. Every lesson includes patient, PennDOT-certified instruction, a dual-controlled instructor car, and free door-to-door pickup and drop-off across our service area.
Do you offer package pricing?
Yes. We offer four discounted packages: 2-hour Introductory Lesson at $150, 4-hour Confidence Package at $290, 6-hour Road Test Prep Package at $420, and 10-hour Full Course at $650. Packages must be booked and paid in advance.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, credit and debit cards, Zelle, and Venmo. Payment is due at the start of each lesson unless you have purchased a package in advance.
Is there a cancellation fee?
Cancellations made at least 24 hours before your scheduled lesson are free. Cancellations within 24 hours may be charged a $50 cancellation fee to cover the instructor's reserved time.
Service Area
Which areas do you serve?
We serve Philadelphia and 25+ nearby communities across Greater Philadelphia and eastern Pennsylvania, including Bensalem, Upper Darby, King of Prussia, Norristown, West Chester, Willow Grove, Huntingdon Valley, Quakertown, Yardley, Exton, Malvern, Doylestown, Reading, Levittown, Bristol, Lansdale, Ambler, Blue Bell, Horsham, Conshohocken, Plymouth Meeting, and more.
Do you offer free pickup and drop-off?
Yes. We provide free door-to-door pickup and drop-off at any home, work, or school address within our service area. Your lesson time begins when we start driving, not from when the instructor arrives.
Do you teach outside of Pennsylvania?
We primarily serve Pennsylvania residents but also work with drivers preparing for tests in nearby New Jersey towns like Hamilton and Trenton. Call (215) 740-2841 to confirm coverage of your specific address.
Instructors
Are your instructors certified?
Yes. Every lesson is taught by a patient, PennDOT-certified instructor with years of experience helping new, nervous, teen, and adult learners pass the Pennsylvania road test. All instructors are background-checked and insured.
Can I request a male or female instructor?
Yes. We have both male and female instructors and will match you based on your preference and instructor availability. Please mention your preference when booking.
Do you offer lessons in languages other than English?
Yes. We offer driving instruction in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Bangla. Spanish-speaking students are supported via bilingual coordination. Mention your preferred language when booking so we can match you appropriately.
Driving Lessons
How many hours of driving lessons do I need?
Most new drivers need 10 to 20 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction before their PA road test. Adults with some prior driving experience often need 6 to 10 hours. International license holders converting to PA typically need 4 to 6 hours. Book a 2-hour diagnostic lesson first and your instructor will give an honest recommendation.
Do you teach teens?
Yes. We teach teens age 16 and up who hold a valid PA learner's permit. Parents are welcome to observe from the back seat during the first lesson.
Do you teach adults and first-time drivers?
Absolutely. A significant portion of our students are adults learning to drive later in life — including parents, professionals, and recent immigrants. Our instructors specialize in patient, non-judgemental instruction at whatever pace suits you.
Do you help nervous drivers?
Yes. Nervous-driver coaching is one of our specialties. We start with quiet residential streets and progressively introduce higher-speed roads, complex intersections, and highways as your confidence builds. There is no rush and no judgement.
Do you offer manual (stick-shift) driving lessons?
Manual driving lessons are available on request. Because our standard vehicle is automatic, please call (215) 740-2841 in advance to check instructor and vehicle availability for stick-shift lessons.
Can I use my own car for lessons?
Yes, if your car has valid registration and insurance and is safe to drive. However, most students prefer to use our dual-controlled instructor car, which is included in the $75/hour rate and gives the instructor an emergency brake.
PA Road Test
Can you help me prepare for the PA road test?
Yes. Road-test preparation is our core service. We practice on the exact routes used by examiners at the Bensalem, Norristown, Reading, and Philadelphia driver license centers. We cover parallel parking to PennDOT dimensions (24 ft × 8 ft), lane changes, three-point turns, and everything the examiner scores.
Do you provide the car for my PA road test?
Yes. Test-day car rental is available for $150 which includes the vehicle, insurance, and a warm-up lesson right before your test. Reserve at least a week in advance by calling (215) 740-2841.
What happens if I do not pass my road test?
You can retake the PA road test after a mandatory waiting period. Most students who take at least 4 hours of prep with us pass on the first try. If you do not pass, we offer discounted follow-up lessons focused specifically on the maneuvers you missed.
Do you offer lessons for the PennDOT written knowledge test?
We focus on behind-the-wheel lessons, not classroom instruction. For the written knowledge test, we recommend the free PennDOT online practice tests and the official PA Driver's Manual. Once you have your learner's permit, we handle the road side.
Still have questions?
Call (215) 740-2841 or message us online. We usually reply within a few hours during business hours (7 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week).