About CDS Automobile School (formerly Commercial Driving School)
CDS Automobile School, LLC (formerly known as Commercial Driving School, and also called CDS Auto School) is a private driver education school based in Concord, New Hampshire. Established on January 9, 2009, we have committed ourselves to helping New Hampshire residents acquire driver's licenses. Since our founding, we have successfully trained several thousand students through our comprehensive driver education programs.
We take pride in our small student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring every student receives the personalized attention and assistance they need to become safe, confident drivers. Our professional staff brings dedication, expertise, and years of experience to every class. All of our instructors hold state-required certifications and maintain clean driving and criminal records, along with proof of college completion as mandated by New Hampshire law.
CDS provides both teen and adult driver education with in-classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training for passenger vehicles.
Important Note: Our CDL (Commercial Driver's License) theory courses and professional CDL training programs officially retired on August 1, 2026. CDS Automobile School now focuses exclusively on automobile driver's education for teens and adults, along with our driver improvement and habitual offender programs. If you need CDL training assistance, you can reach out to the FMCSA at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Teen Driver's Education Program
What is included in the Driver's Education course?
CDS Automobile School's comprehensive Driver's Education program includes 30 hours of classroom education (15 class sessions, 2 hours each), 10 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified instructor, and 6 hours of observation (watching a classmate during their scheduled drive time). This meets all New Hampshire state requirements for teen driver education and prepares students thoroughly for their road test.
Driver's Education Course Details
Who can take Driver's Education? Teens must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to enroll in our Driver's Education course. This is a NH state requirement. Students must be New Hampshire residents to take Driver's Ed at our school.
What does the course include?
- 30 Hours Classroom Education: In-person classroom instruction covering traffic laws, safe driving practices, defensive driving techniques, and road rules as required by NH law. Classes meet for 15 sessions of 2 hours each, in the evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- 10 Hours Behind-the-Wheel Instruction: One-on-one driving instruction with a certified instructor in our vehicles. Students learn practical driving skills, maneuvering, parking, highway driving, and more.
- 6 Hours Observation: Students observe their classmates during driving lessons, learning from watching others and understanding instructor feedback.
- NH DMV Driving Log: Provided via email upon enrollment
- NH Driver's Manual: Provided (hard copies available free at DMV)
Important: All classroom instruction is in-person as required by New Hampshire law. NH does not allow online Driver Education courses.
Driver's Education Pricing:
- Total Tuition: $875 per student
- Non-Refundable Deposit: $300 (required to reserve your spot)
- Remaining Balance: $575 (must be paid in full two weeks before course starts)
Note: The $300 deposit is non-refundable. Remaining tuition balances are refundable prior to the start of your chosen course. Tuition must be paid in full before starting - no late payments accepted.
Course Schedules
How long is the Driver's Ed course? We offer two scheduling options to accommodate different needs:
- 6-Week Course: Meets three evenings per week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- 8-Week Course: Meets two evenings per week (Monday, Tuesday) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Both courses cover the same material and provide the same quality instruction - you can choose the schedule that works best for your family.
Prerequisites and Requirements
What do students need before starting Driver's Ed?
- Must be at least 15 years and 9 months old
- Must show driving log with at least 12 hours of varied practice recorded with a legal parent/guardian (required before starting)
- Must bring birth certificate or passport to verify age and date of birth
- Read and sign the driver education contract (with a legal parent/guardian)
- If student has an IEP or 504 plan, please inform us so we can provide appropriate accommodations
What Happens After Driver's Ed?
What do students need to do to get their license? After completing Driver's Education at CDS, students must:
- Turn in all required paperwork to the DMV
- Pass the DMV written knowledge test
- Schedule and pass the DMV road test (students must provide their own vehicle - NH requires this)
We can assist students with scheduling DMV tests if requested. Students must score 80% or higher to pass our course requirements, but our real success rate as a school is much higher: 96%+ of our Driver's Education students go on to successfully complete the program and earn their license. Failures are rare at CDS Automobile School.
Adult Driving Lessons
Do you offer driving lessons for adults?
Yes! CDS Automobile School welcomes adults of any age who want to learn to drive or improve their driving skills. Adults can choose to take the entire Driver's Education course (same as teens) or schedule private driving-only lessons based on their needs.
What are private driving lessons?
Private driving lessons are one-on-one behind-the-wheel instruction sessions with our certified instructors. These lessons are ideal for:
- Adults learning to drive for the first time
- Drivers who want to refresh their skills
- People preparing for their road test
- Individuals who want focused practice on specific skills (highway driving, parallel parking, etc.)
- New residents who need to familiarize themselves with NH roads and driving conditions
Private lessons are scheduled at times that work for your schedule. Call us at (603) 715-2559 to discuss your needs and schedule private lessons.
Driver Improvement and Court-Ordered Programs
Driver Improvement Program - $50
What is the Driver Improvement Program? This program is designed for drivers who have accumulated demerit points on their driving record and wish to have those points forgiven. The course can be taken voluntarily to improve your driving record or may be ordered by a prosecutor as part of a court agreement.
Who should take this course?
- Drivers who have accumulated demerit points and want to reduce them
- Drivers ordered by a prosecutor or court to complete driver improvement
- Anyone wanting to refresh their knowledge of safe driving practices
Schedule: Held every other Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at our Concord location.
Cost: $50 per person
Habitual Offender Program - $75
What is the Habitual Offender Program? This is an 8-hour course required for drivers who have been classified as habitual offenders by the state. This course can ONLY be taken if ordered by a prosecutor or judge - it is not voluntary.
Requirements:
- Must have a court or prosecutor order to take this course
- Must complete all 8 hours of instruction
Cost: $75 per person
Schedule: Contact us to schedule after receiving your court order.
Driver Attitude Course
We also offer Driver Attitude courses which are typically court-ordered. These courses address safe driving attitudes and decision-making. Contact us for availability and pricing if you have been ordered by a court to complete this course.
Complete Pricing and Course Duration Information
Driver's Education
- Teen Driver's Ed (15+ yrs, 9 months): $875 total ($300 non-refundable deposit + $575 balance)
- Adult Driver's Ed: $875 (same as teen program)
- Private Adult Lessons: Contact for pricing
- Duration: 6 weeks (W/TH/F) or 8 weeks (M/Tu), classes 6-8pm
- Includes: 30 hrs classroom + 10 hrs behind-the-wheel + 6 hrs observation
Driver Improvement & Court-Ordered Programs
- Driver Improvement Program: $50 per person (every other Saturday, 8:30am-3pm)
- Habitual Offender Program: $75 per person (8 hours, court-ordered only)
- Driver Attitude Course: Contact for pricing (court-ordered)
Payment Policies
- Accepted Methods: Cash, check (to CDS Automobile School), credit card, PayPal (with processing fees)
- Driver's Ed Deposit: $300 non-refundable deposit required to reserve spot
- Payment Timing: Full tuition must be paid 2 weeks before course starts - no late payments
- Refunds: Deposits are non-refundable; remaining balances refundable before course starts
- Payment Plans: Not available
- Scholarships: Available through State of NH and private organizations
How to Enroll
Enrolling in Driver's Education
What is the enrollment process?
- Complete Registration Form: Fill out the online registration form on our website (preferred first step)
- Schedule In-Person Appointment: After submitting your form, schedule an appointment to bring required documentation
- Bring Required Documents:
- Student's birth certificate or passport (to verify age and date of birth)
- Completed driving log showing at least 12 hours of practice with parent/guardian
- IEP or 504 plan documentation (if applicable)
- Pay Deposit: $300 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot
- Provide Student Information:
- Student's full name (as on birth certificate, including middle name)
- Whether student has IEP/504 and any accommodations needed
- Student's phone number and personal email (school emails block communication)
- Parent/Guardian name, phone, and email
- Pay Remaining Balance: Full tuition ($875 total) must be paid two weeks before your course starts
- Receive Confirmation: We'll email confirmation and course details
Important Notes:
- We cannot hold spots without the $300 deposit
- Students must have 12 hours of practice logged before starting the course
- No payments accepted on first day of class - everything must be paid beforehand
- Waiting list available for future courses (but does not guarantee enrollment)
Enrolling in Other Programs
For Driver Improvement or Habitual Offender courses, call (603) 715-2559 to check availability and schedule. Some courses require court orders or specific documentation.
Service Area
What areas does CDS Automobile School serve?
For Driver's Education (teen and adult), we serve the entire state of New Hampshire. Students must be New Hampshire residents to enroll in Driver's Ed. Our services extend as far as parents and guardians are willing to commute to our Concord location for classes.
We are centrally located in Concord, making us accessible from communities throughout New Hampshire including:
- Concord area (Concord, Pembroke, Canterbury, Loudon, Chichester, Epsom)
- Lakes Region (Laconia, Meredith, Gilford, Belmont, Franklin, Tilton, Northfield)
- Capital Region (Bow, Hooksett, Allenstown)
- Merrimack Valley (Boscawen, Webster, Salisbury, Franklin)
- Greater Manchester area (willing to commute)
- Seacoast area (willing to commute)
Can I take courses online from anywhere in NH?
No, unfortunately New Hampshire law does not allow online Driver Education courses. All classroom instruction must be in-person. This is a state requirement, not our policy.
Do you serve students from other states?
No, Driver's Education requires students to be New Hampshire residents.
Success Rates and Student Outcomes
What is your success rate?
Students must score 80% or higher to pass our Driver's Education course requirements. That's a minimum passing threshold, not our overall success rate - our actual success rate as a school is much higher. 96%+ of our Driver's Education students successfully complete the program. Failures are rare at CDS Automobile School, and our instructors work closely with every student to make sure they're ready.
How many students have you trained?
Since opening our doors on January 9, 2009, CDS Automobile School has successfully trained several thousand students throughout New Hampshire. Our graduates include teen drivers and adult learners.
What do students say about CDS?
We maintain a 4.5-star rating based on 40 reviews. Students and parents appreciate:
- Small student-to-instructor ratios ensuring personalized attention
- Friendly, communicative, and knowledgeable staff
- Comprehensive training that builds confidence
- Professional instructors with clean records and certifications
- Preparation that helps students pass DMV tests
Are your instructors certified?
Yes, all instructors at CDS Automobile School hold state-required instructor certifications. As mandated by New Hampshire law, our instructors must:
- Hold valid instructor certifications
- Maintain clean motor vehicle records
- Maintain clean criminal records
- Provide proof of college completion
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Driver's Ed cost?
Driver's Education costs $875 per student total. This includes a $300 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot, plus a $575 balance that must be paid two weeks before your course starts. This covers 30 hours of classroom instruction (15 sessions, 2 hours each), 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 6 hours of observation, all materials, and certification upon completion.
How long does Driver's Ed take?
We offer two schedule options: a 6-week course meeting three evenings per week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday), or an 8-week course meeting two evenings per week (Monday, Tuesday). Both courses run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and cover identical material.
What is the minimum age for Driver's Ed?
Students must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to enroll in Driver's Education in New Hampshire. This is a state requirement.
Do you offer Driver's Ed online?
No, New Hampshire law requires all Driver's Education classroom instruction to be conducted in person. We cannot offer online Driver's Ed courses - this is a state regulation, not our choice.
Can adults take Driver's Ed?
Yes! Adults of any age are welcome to take the entire Driver's Education course or schedule private driving-only lessons. Many adults choose our services if they're learning to drive for the first time, need to refresh their skills, or want practice before taking the road test.
What happened to your CDL program?
Our CDL (Commercial Driver's License) theory courses and professional CDL training programs officially retired on August 1, 2026. CDS Automobile School (formerly Commercial Driving School) now focuses exclusively on automobile driver's education for teens and adults, along with our Driver Improvement and Habitual Offender programs. If you need CDL training, you can reach out to the FMCSA at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov for assistance finding a provider.
What is the Driver Improvement Program?
The Driver Improvement Program is a course for drivers who have accumulated demerit points and wish to have them forgiven. It can be taken voluntarily or as ordered by a prosecutor. The course costs $50 and is held every other Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Do you accept walk-ins?
No, we prefer scheduled appointments due to staff availability. Please call ahead at (603) 715-2559 or email cdsofnhowner@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
Are there payment plans available?
We do not offer payment plans. However, scholarships are available through the State of New Hampshire and various private organizations for students who qualify.
What if my student has an IEP or 504 plan?
We accommodate many students with IEPs and 504 plans. Please inform us when enrolling so we can discuss what accommodations we can provide to ensure your student's success.
Do you help students schedule their DMV road test?
Yes, we can assist students with scheduling DMV tests if requested. We're here to support you through the entire process of getting your license.
Do you provide a car for the road test?
No, the State of New Hampshire requires people taking road tests to provide their own vehicle. This is a DMV requirement we cannot change.
What are your refund policies?
The $300 deposit for Driver's Education is non-refundable once paid. Remaining tuition balances are refundable if you cancel prior to the start of your chosen course. No refunds after the course has begun.
How quickly do you respond to inquiries?
We typically respond to phone calls and emails within one business day. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Are you affiliated with any organizations?
Yes, CDS Automobile School is a member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce, the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, the New Hampshire Driver Education Teachers Association, and the New England Traffic Safety Education Association. We maintain all required state and federal certifications for driver education.
What makes CDS different from other driving schools?
CDS Automobile School has been a trusted private driver education provider in New Hampshire since 2009. Our small student-to-instructor ratio ensures personalized attention, and our 96%+ student success rate speaks to the quality of our instruction. We've been serving New Hampshire since 2009 with thousands of successful graduates.
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