Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our practice driving companion services.
About Drive Time Co-Pilot
Is this a driving school? Do you provide instruction?
No. We're not certified driving instructors and we don't operate a driving school. We provide a calm, licensed adult CoPilot during your practice driving sessions. Our role is to be present, not to teach.
What's the difference between a CoPilot and an instructor?
An instructor actively teaches techniques and corrects driving. A CoPilot is a qualified adult presence—we're there for safety, confidence, and to help log your required hours. Your family provides the learning; we provide the calm supervision.
Is this for teens only?
No. We work with all different types of drivers: permit holders (teens), adult learners (people learning to drive for the first time), and drivers returning after a long break or major event. Our services are designed to support anyone who wants a calm, licensed adult presence during practice driving sessions.
Who are your CoPilots?
Our co-pilots are licensed adults with clean driving records, experience working with nervous drivers, and a passion for helping new drivers gain confidence. We carefully vet and train our team to ensure a supportive, safe experience for all our clients.
Booking & Sessions
How do I book a session?
Go to our "Book a Session" page, select your starting city, choose a premade route or custom option, and pick your date/time in our booking calendar. You'll get a confirmation email immediately.
Can I pick my own route?
Absolutely. Our premade routes are suggestions. You can request a custom route—just let us know your starting point and what you want to practice.
How long are sessions?
Most sessions are 1–2 hours. But you can pick the length when booking. We also offer extended sessions for more intensive practice.
Can I reschedule?
Yes. Reschedule up to 48 hours before with no charge. Within 48 hours: $20 fee. See our Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy for full details.
Do I have to use my own vehicle?
Yes, for now. We require you to use your own car so you're familiar and comfortable with the vehicle you'll drive for testing.
What if my vehicle breaks down or I can't reschedule in time?
Contact us immediately. We'll work with you on a case-by-case basis.
Requirements & Safety
Do I need a permit or license?
Yes, you must have a valid instruction permit or driver's license to book a session. We require proof of your permit or license before your first session for safety and legal compliance.
What do I need to bring?
Valid instruction permit or license, proof of vehicle insurance, and your vehicle registration. See "What to Bring" for details.
Do I need liability insurance?
Yes. Your vehicle must be covered by a current auto insurance policy. We require proof of insurance before every session. Our CoPilots are covered by our business liability insurance, but your vehicle's insurance is primary for any incidents.
What if my insurance doesn't cover a practice driver?
Most standard auto policies cover anyone with your permission driving your car. Check with your insurer if you're unsure. We require proof of active coverage before every session.
What if we get in an accident?
Your vehicle's insurance covers the vehicle and its occupants. We carry business liability insurance for our role as a supervising CoPilot. We'll cooperate fully with any claims.
Is this safe?
Yes. Our CoPilots are experienced, patient, and trained to work with nervous drivers. You control the vehicle; we provide guidance and emergency support. Sessions are voluntary and you can pause anytime.
Can a parent/guardian sit in the car too?
Yes, if desired. But it's not usually recommended. The presence of a parent/guardian during the session can add distraction and anxiety for the learner.
Are the sessions recorded?
Yes, a mobile dash camera records each entire session for safety and quality assurance. Recordings are securely stored and only accessed if there's an incident or for training purposes. We do not share recordings.
Hours & Oregon DMV Requirements
Do these sessions count toward Oregon's 50-hour requirement?
Yes. Your CoPilot meets all Oregon legal requirements to supervise a permit holder. We'll offer proof of hours logged for DMV reporting.
How do I know my hours are being logged correctly?
After each session, we send a summary email to you (and your parent/guardian if you're under 18). You can use this to track your progress toward 50 or 100 hours.
Can I log hours from multiple sessions?
Yes. We'll offer proof of hours logged for DMV reporting. You can use our session summaries to track your progress toward the 50 or 100 hours required for testing.
Pricing & Cancellation
How much does this cost?
We have a range of session prices depending on duration and route. See "Pricing & Cancellation" for details.
What's included in the price?
The CoPilot's time, flexible scheduling, route planning, post-session summary discussion, and logged hours statement.
Do I pay upfront?
Yes. Payment is collected when you book via our calendar system.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations more than 48 hours before the session: full refund. Late cancellations (under 48 hours) incur a 50% fee. No-shows are charged at full price. See full policy on the "Pricing & Cancellation" page.
Can I use a package later?
Yes. You have 1 year to use your package sessions. Use your 5 or 10 sessions over weeks or months—whenever you're ready.
Specific Concerns
My teen is really anxious about driving. Can you help?
Absolutely. We are experienced in working with nervous drivers. Low pressure, your pace, your route, is our approach. We also ask about anxiety during booking so we can match the right CoPilot.
I'm an adult who never learned to drive. Can I use this?
Yes. We work with adult learners of all ages and backgrounds. No judgment, flexible scheduling, patient CoPilots.
Contact & Support
How do I contact you?
Contact us through email or phone. See our "Contact Us" page for details.
Do you have a physical office?
We're mobile—we meet at your location, or a designated meeting spot. No office visits needed.
What's your refund policy?
See "Pricing & Cancellation" for full details. In short: More than 48 hours notice = full refund, less notice = partial refund, no notice = forfeited.