Frequently asked questions

You can book online through our website using our booking system, or call us at (301) 578-8667. Online booking shows live availability and allows you to pay securely.

We recommend booking at least 1 week in advance for classes as spots fill quickly. For individual lessons, 3–5 days notice is usually sufficient.

Yes. Please give us at least 48 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice may forfeit the booking fee.

Pickup is available in select Silver Spring areas for behind-the-wheel lessons. Call us at (301) 578-8667 to confirm if your location is covered.

All three class programs (Evening Online, Morning In-Person, Weekend) include 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice — everything required by Maryland MVA.

The first day of class is mandatory — missing it requires you to re-enroll in the next available session. Other absences must be made up before you can receive your completion certificate.

Our Evening Online Classes are fully live and interactive — not pre-recorded. Mr. Mekonnen teaches each session in real time and students must have their cameras on.

The DIP is an MVA-approved program for drivers with traffic violations or accumulated points. It is also accepted by courts. Completing the DIP can help reduce points and avoid license suspension.

The 3-hour Roadway Safety Alcohol & Drug Education Program (RSEP) is required by Maryland MVA for international license holders converting to a Maryland driver's license. It covers Maryland drug and alcohol traffic laws.

Individual lessons start at $65 for 1 hour. Package options: 2hrs $120, 4hrs $240, 6hrs $360, 10hrs $550. Full driver education programs are $400 and include 6 hours BTW practice.

No. The price listed is the total cost for our programs and lessons. Maryland MVA learner's permit fees and road test fees are paid separately and directly to the MVA.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, cash, and check.

We offer 5% off your first lesson — use code CIRCLE5 when booking online. Referral discounts are also available. Call us for details.

Yes. We offer road test packages at White Oak MVA that include a licensed, insured, dual-control vehicle and a certified instructor. Packages start at $150.

White Oak MVA is located at 12301 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Our instructors are very familiar with the test routes in that area.

It varies by student. Most new drivers benefit from at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice before testing. Our instructors will honestly advise you when they feel you're ready.

We're proud of our high first-attempt pass rate. Our instructors focus on road test readiness — we won't send you to test until you're prepared.

If you have a valid foreign license authenticated by your country's embassy, you may qualify to skip the 30-hour classroom program. You only need our 3-hour RSEP course and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice before taking the Maryland road test.

Maryland MVA accepts authenticated foreign licenses from most countries. Contact us or check with the MVA directly to confirm your specific license qualifies.

Call us at (301) 578-8667 to ask about language availability. We serve a diverse community in the Silver Spring area.

Yes. Circle Driving School and all our instructors are licensed and certified by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Circle Driving School was founded in 2016 and has trained over 1,000 students across Silver Spring, Montgomery County, and the DC metro area.

Maryland requires students to be at least 15 years and 9 months old to begin behind-the-wheel instruction. Students must also have a valid Maryland learner's permit.

Absolutely. Mr. Mekonnen and our instructors specialize in working with nervous drivers. We are patient, calm, and experienced at helping anxious students build real confidence behind the wheel.