Frequently Asked Questions

Registering your teen:

Visit the registration page at www.putonthebrakes.org and submit your information online. You will create a login upon the day registration opens. You will need your teens permit or drivers license number to register. 

Thank you for being patient as we are currently updating our registration software. 

 

WAITLIST

If classes are FULL, click the “Add to Waitlist” button and you will be notified via email for any opening for that event weekend session. If you do not make it into the event for that weekend. Please register for the next class when it opens, the waitlist does not carry over from previous classes.

 
DEPOSIT
Carefully read the following information to make sure you understand our policy. 

B.R.A.K.E.S. classes are free to all, however, we require a $99 credit card deposit to secure your spot. 

At the completion of the class, you have two options:

1) You can leave your deposit as a donation. This allows us to continue our mission of saving lives.
    A tax donation letter will be emailed to you the following week.


2) Request a Refund. This must be handled on site at the registration table, at the end of class.
    Your card will be refunded by the Tuesday after your weekend class. 

If you have questions please contact us prior to registering.

 

NO SHOWS

No Shows waste valuable charity resources, including the cost of vehicles, professional instructors, and volunteers that B.R.A.K.E.S. assembles for each program to ensure that the experience will exceed all expectations. Worse, NO SHOWS deprive other teens and parents that are waiting for the opportunity to attend the B.R.A.K.E.S. driving experience. If, however, you do not show up for the class, your $99 will be charged.

 

B.R.A.K.E.S. is a 501(c)3 charity organization. Our mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents. 86% of all donated funds go directly to the B.R.A.K.E.S. driving program. Just 6% of funds are used for administration and 8% for fundraising.

 

RESCHEDULING/CANCELLATION POLICY 

If you are rescheduling or canceling a class we must be notified BY EMAIL (register@putonthebrakes.org) BY 12:00 NOON Eastern Time, on the Tuesday before your Saturday or Sunday class, otherwise your deposit will be donated to B.R.A.K.E.S. and a Tax Donation letter will be emailed to you.

 

What are the age and driving requirements for the school?
  • Ages 16-20 (if attending North Carolina classes ONLY) 
  • Ages 15-19 (if attending any other state)
  • Must present a valid permit or driver's license
  • At least 30 hours of driving experience.
  • At least 1 parent or legal guardian is required to attend the entire session with their teen/teens
  • You will choose only (1) three hour session, one day.

 

Why do you require a parent to attend the school with their teen?

The teen’s parent or legal guardian is required to attend the school for several reasons. B.R.A.K.E.S. feels it is important for parents to take an active role in their teen’s driver education. By providing parents the opportunity to experience both the classroom and driving portions of the school, we hope you will be able to guide your teen’s driving long after they leave the school. A second reason the teen’s parent or legal guardian must attend, is to sign liability and legal waivers required for your teen to participate in the school.

 

I’m 18 years old or older; do my parents still need to attend the class with me?

Yes, your parent or legal guardian must attend even if you are 18 years or older.

 

Can a teenager attend more than once?

Due to the high volume of families that are trying to get into the school, we do not allow teenagers to go through more than once. We want to provide this opportunity to as many teenagers as possible and therefore, try to save the spots for teenagers that have not yet had the opportunity.
Please consider volunteering and we will give you the opportunity to have more time behind the wheel.

 

Can I attend with a friend?

You can attend with your friends. However, please know that you will not be in the same car together. This is for your own benefit and to get the most out of your training.

Driver Training Questions

How long is the school?
Each school is three hours long, one day only.
Saturday: 8am-11am, 11:30am-2:30pm or 3pm-6pm. Sunday: 8am-11pm or 12pm-3pm.
What time should I arrive for class?
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of class to sign waivers and check in.
We begin PROMPTLY on time! Every minute of our program includes valuable life-saving information you do not want to miss!
*** If you are late you will not be able to participate. (It’s required that you attend the classroom portion prior to the driving exercises.) ***

 

What do I need to bring the day of school?

Teens MUST bring their driver’s permit or license with them to the school. If you do not have your permit or license, you will not be able to attend the school. As a backup, teens should take a photo of their license with their cell phones.

 

Do we use our own cars at the school?

No, we provide the cars for teens and parents to drive at B.R.A.K.E.S. classes.

 

Do you hold school in the rain or snow?

Yes, schools are held rain or shine. Be sure to dress accordingly for the weather that day.

 

What do I need to wear the day of school?
  • You are here to learn how to be a safer driver, please wear attire appropriate for school.

  • Shoes: wear comfortable shoes with a flat sole, no flip-flops, or sandals.

  • Attire: No bare midriffs, spaghetti straps, see through shirts, tank tops that do not completely cover the shoulders, excessively low necklines (showing any cleavage) and muscle shirts are not acceptable. Shorts, skirts or culottes no more than 3 inches above the knee (height of an ID card).

  • Students will not be permitted to attend the program if inappropriately dressed. Students must cover or change clothing that is deemed inappropriate. 

  • Please dress for outdoor weather.

 

Does the B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driver Training count towards the requirements needed to obtain my permit or license?

No, B.R.A.K.E.S. is an advanced driver training taken after you have received your permit or license. Be sure to check your state’s requirements for obtaining your permit or license.

 
If my teen participates in the B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driver Training, will they receive a discount on their insurance?

Discounts vary from state to state and insurance company to insurance company. We cannot guarantee your insurance company will give you a discount for attending the B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driver Training. At the end of the school, you will receive a certificate you can present to your insurance agent for their review and determination.

 
I lost my B.R.A.K.E.S. graduation certificate, can I get a replacement?

Yes, we are happy to provide a replacement certificate. To request a replacement certificate, please email your request to info@putonthebrakes.org. Please include: Full name of student, birthdate of student and date & location of the class attended. If the class attended was completed 30 days or less prior to your request, we will provide you a free replacement certificate copy. If the class taken was more than 30 days prior to the request, there will be a research, replacement and mailing fee of $30. Payment ($30) must be paid via credit card by calling our office (704-720-3806) to process your payment. Regulations require us to verify completion of the B.R.A.K.E.S. program before a replacement certificate can be mailed. Incomplete requests can not be processed, please allow 10 days processing time for replacement certificate requests.