Business Details
20 Years
experience
Trusted Driving School in Amherst, NH
1st Gear Driving is a New Hampshire certified driving school that has prioritized driver education since its establishment in February 2006. Our family-run business employs fully certified driving instructors and maintains two 5-star safety-rated vehicles, ensuring students receive high-quality training. We serve Amherst and the broader Southern New Hampshire region, offering flexible scheduling options with classes available in the mornings, evenings, and on weekends. Our classroom instruction is complemented by in-car training, and we utilize online registration and scheduling tools to enhance convenience for students and families.Every instructor on our team has undergone rigorous background checks, holds DMV certification, and adheres to a standardized in-car curriculum. We are deeply committed to student success, safety, and satisfaction, with a structured program that includes parent orientations and mandatory observation hours. Our reputation as a trustworthy and reliable driving school has been built through consistent adherence to professional standards and a focus on preparing students for lifelong safe driving practices.
Services
Teen Drivers Ed
Point Reduction Classes
Private Driving Lessons
Parent Orientation
In-Car Instruction
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Certified DMV instructors with thorough background checks
- Flexible scheduling available six days a week
- State-approved point reduction curriculum
- Family-run business with 5-star safety-rated vehicles
- Online registration and automated appointment reminders
Associations and certifications
- Department of Safety (New Hampshire)
Services
Teen Drivers Ed
30 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of in-car training for students aged 15.75-21 years. Our curriculum prepares teens for NH DMV written and driving tests while emphasizing safety principles. Students must complete 40 hours of parent-supervised driving, including 10 night hours.
Point Reduction Classes
6-hour NH state-approved course that reduces license points by three upon completion. Designed for drivers needing DMV compliance or skill refreshers, with flexible weekend scheduling and DMV-certified instruction to address safety violations.
Private Driving Lessons
Customized one-on-one driving instruction in specific skill areas like parking, city driving, or test preparation. Offered in 2-10 hour packages with certified instructors to address individual needs or DMV requirements.
Parent Orientation
Mandatory 2-hour session for parents/guardians covering curriculum requirements, observation protocols, and DMV testing processes. Held before each classroom session to ensure family alignment with program expectations.
Observation Hours
Required 6+ hours of supervised observation during instructor-led driving sessions. Provides practical exposure to road rules, vehicle control demonstrations, and safety protocols for student passengers.
People
Carl Ellis
Owner and Driving Instructor
As owner and lead instructor, Carl Ellis oversees all driving operations and curriculum standards. With extensive DMV-certified experience, he ensures program compliance and maintains the school's 5-star safety vehicle fleet.
Amber Ellis
Classroom & Driving Instructor
Amber Ellis delivers classroom instruction and in-car training with DMV-certified expertise. She manages scheduling logistics and maintains student communication while providing hands-on driving instruction.
Questions
What are the age requirements for teen driver education?
Students must be at least 15 years and 9 months old by the first day of class. The program is designed for students 21 and under.
How do I register for a point reduction class?
Register through our website and select an available session. Classes run 12-6:30 PM on Saturdays at our Amherst location.
Do you offer adult driving lessons?
We provide private driving lessons for adults, but do not currently offer full adult classroom driver education courses.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payments accepted include cash, checks made payable to 1st Gear Driving, and credit cards (with 2.5% processing fee).
Are online classes available?
All classroom instruction is conducted in-person at this time. Observation hours must be completed with our instructors.
Where is your driving school located?
Our physical address is 141 Rte 101A, Unit M7, Amherst, NH 03031 in the Heritage Place plaza.
Reviews (5)
Anna Lanciani
Feb 21, 2022
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Passed my road test on the first time thanks to AMBER at first gear! Amber was so easy to drive with, and made me feel completely comfortable at the wheel. Highly recommend this school!
Sonya Friar
Jan 13, 2022
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This is the best place I've ever worked at as an employee in the driver's education field. I'm very fortunate to be able to work with our amazing families every day.
Luke Malone
Dec 21, 2021
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The teachers did a good job informing us how to drive and be good members of the road, but some the cars were not very clean and smelled bad.
Wendy Sage-Matsis
Jul 27, 2021
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My daughter just completed her Driver's Ed course with 1st gear. It's been a wonderful experience. She is ready for the road! She has been engaged and excited to learn and has taught me things along the way. Super great experience that I'm happy to share with others.
Kari Headington
Jan 26, 2021
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Both of my boys attended 1st Gear. They highly respected the instructors and felt well prepared for their test. The instructors had the perfect personalities to work with teenagers; fun, firm, with clear expectations. Communication was excellent, consistent and timely. I highly recommend this school!
