Topsail Driving Academy

Topsail Driving Academy is a service for teens and adult. Certified by the Department of Motor Transportation. We teach the rules and laws of the roadway. We aim to make learning fun in a safe environment. Book Online!

Classes have been posted for December 2025 through the spring. We understand things come up.  If a teen needs to transfer from one class to another once they have booked, please notify us ASAP.  If spots are available, you can transfer to another class. 

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.  

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 $80 per hour.  This is offered to teens that took drivers education through our school or another school. This option is for Adults as well if they have a valid permit or drivers license.  If 6 hours is scheduled a discount is given. $425 for 6 hours.

Classroom portion only- 30hr for class instruction with no driving is $375. -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 unless special arrangements have been made. -Driving time may be schedueld 2-3 weeks afterclass. If a 48 hours notice isn't given to rescheude a driving lesson then we charge a $50 broken appointmnet fee. We will make every effort to fill the appointment to avoid charging the fee.  -Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, Venmo, PayPal, Check & Cash accepted. 

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 attended 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.