Safeway has been graduating safe teen drivers in the Twin Cities for over 50 years. Safeway’s only focus is creating safe, responsible teen drivers. Classroom and behind-the-wheel lessons emphasize defensive driving techniques tailored for the inexperienced teen driver while targeting to influence the invincible teen attitude. All of Safeway’s instructors are licensed by the Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety.

Classroom instruction prepares the student to take the Minnesota permit test and begin the responsibility of driving. Classes are offered in person at Eden Prairie High School and through distance learning. Students are expected to be on time for both options. The 30 hours of classroom is structured into 10 independent lessons. Students can take the class at age 14 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. The permit test is not provided 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. Students have one year after completing classroom to finish their behind-the-wheel lessons. Safeway’s website has a description of the curriculum and scheduling information.

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 in person or by distance learning (via Zoom). 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). Parents can sign up for a Parent Class on Safeway’s website. 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 $452 and includes the classroom, behind-the-wheel lessons and all materials. There are no hidden charges or additional fuel surcharges. Pay in full upon registration or choose the payment plan: $292 to Community Education upon registration and two installments of $80 to Safeway at the behind-the-wheel lessons.

Course Offered by: Safeway Driving School