Explore Topsail Driving Academy
Safe Driving is our BUSINESS!
Specializing in Teens & Adults
Class schedule released through August 2024. Click the BOOK ONLINE tab to register.
Now hiring qualified part time instructors.
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Learn About Us
Committed to Excellence
The trans-formative learning experiences at Topsail Driving Academy is designed to help our students grow both in and out of the classroom. The classes are scheduled to fit a busy teens schedule, homeschoolers and adults. The school has certified instructors that are passionate about what they do. The school is DMV certified and the classes are designed for interactive learning while the laws and regulations of the roadways are taught. Part of keeping teens as well as others on the road safe is to understand the complete rules and laws of the roadway and how drugs and alcohol effect the body. In the course we use the "Drunk Buster Googles" to show the effects of impairment, including reduced alertness, slowed reaction time, poor judgment and decision making, and lack of muscular coordination. The course is designed to help drivers develop a positive attitude towards driving, learn to deal with distractions so they can be a defensive driver and collision free.
The school is conveniently located in Hampstead diagonally across from the Lowes Food shopping center and walking distance from Topsail High School. When choosing a driving school we know you have options. Topsail Driving Academy is dedicated to teaching each students that walks through our door for class the importance of defensive safe driving.
We are here to help our students gain the confidence to drive safe on our roadways. Are you ready to reach your potential?
What’s Coming Up
Stay up-to-date with our classes.​​​​​​
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​DUE TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS WE ARE OFFERING VIRTUAL LIVE CLASSES THROUGH ZOOM. THIS WILL ONLY BE OFFERED UNTIL THE DMV TELL US OTHERWISE, AFTERWARDS WE WILL RESUME IN-PERSON CLASSES.
FOR THE VIRTUAL CLASS YOU MUST REGISTER ONLINE AND THEN BEFORE THE CLASS STARTS YOU WILL RECEIVE THE LINK TO JOIN THE CLASS. THIS IS A LIVE VIRTUAL CLASS WITH THE INSTRUCTOR. IT'S NOT RECORDED AND THE TEEN MUST BE LOGGED ON WHILE THE INSTRUCTOR IS TEACHING. LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.
If you need us to work with you on a payment plan, please ask.)
For the latest dates please check the "Book Online Tab"
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If you reside in any county in North Carolina you can take Driving Education with us.
We understand things come up. If a teen needs to transfer from one class to another once they have booked, please notify us ASAP. As long as seats are available you can transfer to another class.
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Driving time is scheduled outside of classroom instructional time. It typically can take up to 4-7 weeks depending on the size of the class, students age and students availability. Students can take the class at 14 1/2 so plan early if you are trying to meet a deadline. Driving time is done six days a week. Kindly give a 24 hour notice to cancel driving appointments to avoid a $50 broken appointment fee.
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To register for a class click on the tab on the top left "Book Online". The participate must be 14 1/2 the first day of class!
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The class size is kept small, limiting the number of participates to 18. If the class doesn't have a minimum number of participates we reserve the right to cancel the class.
Pricing
Complete Teen class consist of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind the wheel training. The class is approved and certified by the Department of Transportation. The 6 hours of behind the wheel training is scheduled outside of the classroom instruction time. Driving time is scheduled individually with each teen. It is done one-on-one with time given to each skill being taught.
Completed Teen course is $500. A $100 deposit is required to hold your teens seat in the class.
Additional drive time can be scheduled for $75 per hour. This is offered to teens that took drivers education through our school or another school. If 6 hours is scheduled a discount is given. $400 for 6 hours. Classroom 30hr for class instruction with no driving is $325.
-Deposit is non-refundable.
-You may transfer to another class if seats are available.
-The remaining balance should be paid at the beginning of class or if special arrangements have been made.
-Driving time may be schedueld 4-7 weeks afterclass. If a 24 hours notice isn't given to rescheude driving time then we charge a $50 boken appointmnet fee.
-Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, Venmo, PayPal, Check & Cash excepted.
Melanie Smades
Owner, Instructor, Schedule Coordinator
My name is Melanie Smades and I'm the owner and one of the instructors at Topsail Driving Academy. I grew up in Sampson County and graduated from Clinton High School. I continued my education in the lovely city of Wilmington and graduated from UNCW in 1998. I have four wonderful children that all attend Topsail Schools.
I know how important it is to keep our roadways safe and I am committed to train each student to feel safe and confident when they walk out of the class. I look forward to working with our community.