Drivers' Ed

The state of Minnesota requires anyone under the age of 18 wishing to obtain a MN Driver’s License to complete an approved course in driver education. District 197's Driver’s Education program is offered in partnership with Safeway Driving School. The course is approved by the State of Minnesota and meets all requirements for training anyone under the age of 18. The course fee includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind the wheel instruction. 

The fee is $420. Payment can be made in full at the time of registration or in installments or $250 and $170. 

To learn more about this program, visit Safeway Driving School.

For class options and registration, visit here. 

Step 1:  30-Hour Classroom

Each student must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction as mandated by Minnesota State law.  Upon completion of the classroom instruction, the student will receive their card if aged 15. The blue card is required to take the permit test at the DMV.  

Step 2:  Knowledge Test, also known as the Permit Test

Be prepared with the following documents: 

  • If the student is under the age of 18 at the time of the first test, the student must bring the blue certificate of enrollment card issued by a driver education program, or the student will not be able to take the test.
  • Know the student's social security number.
  • If the student has already taken the knowledge exam twice for this class of license, the student will be required to pay a retesting fee.
  • Bring the correct documentation to apply for a permit or license.

When you arrive for your Knowledge Test

  • For a person younger than 18 a parent/guardian must accompany the applicant.

Once the student passes the test the student must pay for the Instructional Permit to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Step 3:  Behind-the-Wheel Instruction

Behind-The-Wheel (BTW) is handled through Safeway Driving School, not District 197, but is included the registration fee.

BTW is a series of (3) 2 hour lessons. Lessons cannot be scheduled until after the student has passed the permit test.  After completion of BTW, the student will receive the white card required to take the road test.

Step 4: Class D Knowledge Test (road test to obtain the driver's license)

If the student is 16 or older, has had their permit for 6+ months, completed BTW and 50 hours of supervised driving, they can schedule the road test. 

The road test is scheduled through the Department of Motor Vehicles here.

Be prepared with the following documents: 
  • Social security number
  • Valid instruction permit
  • Own vehicle, on which
    • Doors must open from inside and outside
    • Seatbelts must work properly
    • Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals must work properly
    • Vehicle registration must be current (license plates and registration stickers) or the vehicle must display a 21-day permit
  • Valid proof of insurance. Photocopies or copies off the Internet are not acceptable
  • If the student is under 18 years of age:
    • Present the white card.
    • Have held an instruction permit for at least six months with no convictions for moving violations or alcohol/controlled substance violations
    • Present the Supervised Driving Log signed by your primary driving supervisor
    • A parent/guardian signature is required to apply for a driver’s license if the test is passed. However, a parent/guardian need not be present during the road test
  • There is a test fee for a third or subsequent test (after failing first two)