Driver’s Education:
Quick Guide for Families
Driver’s Education includes two required phases: Classroom Instruction and Behind-the-Wheel Training. Both are necessary for students to earn their license.
Register for the Combo Package
We strongly recommend registering for the Combo Package, which includes both phases.
Complete the Classroom Course
Students learn Minnesota traffic laws, safe driving habits, and defensive driving skills needed to become responsible drivers.
Important: Beginning in July 2025, the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) moved to an electronic system. Students must be registered for a Behind the Wheel program before they can take their permit test, even though their actual Behind the Wheel appointments will take place closer to their 16th birthday.
After a student successfully completes the classroom course and is registered for Behind the Wheel, student information is entered into the DVS system. Once entered, the student becomes eligible to schedule and take their permit test.
Students are not required to complete their Behind the Wheel driving appointments before taking the permit test. They simply need to be enrolled in a Behind the Wheel program.
If a student is registered for Classroom Only, they will receive a Letter of Completion at the end of the course. This letter can be used to enroll in a Behind the Wheel program at a later date; however, the student cannot take the permit test until they are enrolled in Behind the Wheel and their information has been entered into the DVS system.
Earn a Permit
After classroom completion and DVS submission, students may take the permit test.
Practice Driving with an Adult
Fill your Supervised driving log. Most (if not all) of the Supervised Driving Log hours should be completed by the time your student begins Behind the Wheel Training.
Schedule Behind-the-Wheel Training
Behind-the-Wheel appointments should be scheduled 6–8 weeks before the road test, when most supervised driving hours are complete.
Why not schedule Behind the Wheel right after a student receives their permit?
The student will be better prepared for instruction and testing if Behind the Wheel appointments are close to the date of their road test.
This timing helps ensure students get the most benefit from their training and are confident on test day.
Take the Road Test
With classroom instruction, Behind-the-Wheel training, and practice completed, students are prepared to test with confidence.
Our Recommendation
Registering for the Combo Package helps prevent delays, ensures DVS eligibility, and keeps your student on track for licensing success.
