Driver education

Classroom instruction prepares the student to take the Minnesota permit test and begin the responsibility of driving. The 30 hours of classroom is structured into 10 independent lessons. If a student misses a lesson, they can make up that exact lesson number at the next session or at one of Safeway’s other classroom locations. Students can take the class at age 14½ but cannot take their permit test until age 15. After class is completed, students who are 15 years old are eligible to take their permit test at any Minnesota exam center. The permit test is not providing during the class.

Behind-the-wheel instruction includes six hours of driving in three, two-hour private lessons. All driving is done in a Safeway car on city streets, highways and freeways with a responsible, licensed Safeway instructor. Safeway recommends students take their first lesson 2-3 weeks after receiving their permit card and after 5 hours of practice driving. Students have one year after completing classroom to finish their behind-the-wheel lessons. Scheduling is offered online for 24/7 convenience. All of Safeway’s cars are white with identical graphics so parents and students are confident that it is a Safeway car picking up the student for a lesson. Students can get picked up for their behind-the-wheel lesson from home, school or work.

Parent involvement is required to produce safe, responsible teen drivers. It is critical that parents practice regularly with their student drivers. The state requires that students have a minimum of 50 hours of practice (15 hours at night). The practice time must be recorded on a state-approved Supervised Driving Log and presented at the road test. Parent classes are offered monthly at Safeway’s nearby classrooms. This class is not required but qualifies the parent to receive a certificate that allows their student reduced practice time (from 50 to 40 hours). At a minimum, Safeway strongly encourages parents to review its parent information and watch the online Parent class videos at www.safewaydrivingschool.com.

Cost of the teen package is $410 and includes the classroom and behind-the-wheel lessons, and all materials. Pay in full upon registration or choose the payment plan: $240 payable to Community Education upon registration and $170 (two payments of $85 each) payable to Safeway at the behind-the-wheel lessons.