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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new Provisional License holder restrictions?
How old do I have to be to start driver's ed?
What do I have to bring the first day of class?
What if I can't go three nights a week?
If I'm late for class or need to leave early, is that okay?
Why are there more classes in some after-school sessions than other sessions?
Can I take more than one class a day to get done sooner?
Can I go to other classroom locations to finish my lessons?
What if I need to make up a class, but it is marked "full" on the website?
If the weather is bad, do you cancel classroom?
Do I take my permit test in the classroom?
Can I legally drive with the permit application receipt?
When should I schedule my first behind-the-wheel lesson?
If the weather is bad, do you cancel driving lessons?
I lost my permit. Do I need it for my driving lesson?
Do you take students downtown?
Are there other kids in the car when I take my lesson?
Can I get extra driving lessons if I need more help?
What do I need to take my road test?
Can I use a Safeway car for my road test?
Why is driver's ed expensive?
Why is Safeway raising its price on September 1, 2008?
How old do I have to be to start driver's ed?
You can start classroom at 14 1/2. You cannot take the permit (knowledge) test until you are 15 so by waiting closer to your 15th birthday, the information will be fresh in your mind.
What do I have to bring the first day of class?
You will need to bring either $375 ($390 after Sept. 1) or $125 (if choosing the payment plan) on the first day of class. That's it! We provide the Minnesota Driver's Manual, study guides, pencils and all other materials. We use text books, but they remain in the classroom.
What if I can't go three nights a week?
That's okay! We have designed our program around busy kids. You can go to class when it works for you. You need to take all 10 of our lessons, in any order, on any of the nights we offer them. If you wanted to attend class only on Monday nights, it would take awhile, but you would eventually be able to take all 10 lessons on Mondays.
If I'm late for class or need to leave early, is that okay?
Safeway follows the State's requirements very closely. We cannot allow students into the classroom more than five minutes late. You cannot leave early from a class. If you need to miss a class for any reason, that's fine! We have plenty of opportunity for you to make up the class.
Why are there more classes in some after-school sessions than other sessions?
All sessions total 30 hours, as required by the State. Some after-school sessions are only 2 or 2-1/2 hours instead of 3 hours so we need to add a few more days of class. The curriculum is divided differently so it doesn't work to substitute a 2 or 2 1/2 hour after-school class with an evening class.
Can I take more than one class a day to get done sooner?
Sorry. The Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety determines the rules and doesn't allow more than three hours per day.
Can I go to other classroom locations to finish my lessons?
It is possible, however, we prefer you choose one location because your records will be kept there. If you run into a problem trying to finish a lesson, we can certainly accommodate you at one of the other sites. If the class is marked "full" on our web site, please do not attend that class.
What if I need to make up a class, but it is marked "full" on the website?
If you are a registered student in the location you want to make up the class, there will be room for you in the evening classes for make-up lessons. If you are from another location and the class is marked "full," please find another time or location to attend.
If the weather is bad, do you cancel classroom?
We rarely cancel our classroom instruction. If school is canceled due to a blizzard, then we may so call the office to find out for sure. Even if you can't make it to a classroom lesson, you can make that lesson up on the next session.
Do I take my permit test in the classroom?
No. You will need to take your permit (knowledge) test at one of the State exam centers. At that time, you will also need to fill out a permit application, have your photo taken and have your vision checked. The cost of the permit is $12.00. We will give you all this information on your last class.
Can I legally drive with the permit application receipt?
Yes. The receipt has an expiration of 45 days. You should receive your card in the mail before the receipt expires. If you do not receive your permit card within 45 days, call the telephone number on the back of the receipt. The permit is a hard card and is valid for two years.
When should I schedule my first behind-the-wheel lesson?
After you get your permit card in the mail, you should log on to Schedule2Drive.com to register. We recommend your first behind-the-wheel lesson be taken about 6 weeks after you get your permit. We encourage you to start driving right away -- parking lots first, then advance slowly onto quiet, residential streets. Your first lesson is a very basic driving lesson and will help you as you practice more with your parents.
If the weather is bad, do you cancel driving lessons?
Our philosophy is that young drivers need to learn to drive in all driving conditions. Therefore, we do not cancel behind-the-wheel lessons unless the State recommends "no travel." That situation occurs in blizzard or ice-storm conditions. If we decide to cancel lessons due to poor conditions, we will call as early in the day as possible to reschedule the appointment. So, unless you hear from us, plan to drive on a snowy day.
I lost my permit. Do I need it for my driving lesson?
Absolutely. We cannot take you on the road without a valid permit. If you have lost your permit, you should apply for a duplicate permit at any license center. Bring your identification, a parent or guardian and $13.50. You do not need to retake the permit test. You cannot use the yellow application that you got when you applied for the permit since it is expired.
Do you take students downtown?
Of course! But, not until your second lesson. By that time, you will have been driving for about 4 months. The downtown lesson is an important one. It goes over highway driving, one-way intersections and pedestrian safety.
Are there other kids in the car when I take my lesson?
You will have individual lessons with the instructor. If you want to ask questions, that's a great time to do it. We sometimes do "back-to-back" lessons which means there may be a student in the car when we pick you up. We will drop off that student and you will begin your two hours of driving at that time. This short observation time would last approximately 10 minutes.
Can I get extra driving lessons if I need more help?
Yes. If you are an existing student, extra lessons are $75 for two hours of instruction. You will need to call our office so we can help you schedule the lessons.
What do I need to take my road test?
You will need your permit card, your "white card" (which you get from us on your third behind-the-wheel lesson), vehicle insurance card, and your vehicle needs to be eligible for the test. Check your driver's manual for vehicle requirements. If you are under 18, your parents will need to sign the driver's license application to give you permission to drive. The cost to apply for the driver's license is $15.00.
Can I use a Safeway car for my road test?
Yes, if you give us enough advance notice. The cost is $75 and includes: scheduling your road test appointment, pick up at home or schedule, quick parking review, drive to the exam center and use of the car for the test. Call our office if you are interested.
Why is driver's ed expensive?
Safeway provides six full hours of one-on-one behind-the-wheel instruction. The expense of the car, instructor time, insurance and fuel is what determines the cost of the program.
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