Hopkins Community Education

Safeway has been teaching teens to drive in the Metro Area for over 50 years. Last year, Safeway instructed over 11,000 teen drivers. Safeway’s only focus is creating safe, responsible teen drivers. Its customized teen program emphasizes defensive driving through classroom and behind-the-wheel training. All of Safeway’s instructors are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, having met the State’s background checks and testing requirements.
Classroom Instruction: Students are required to take 30 hours of classroom instruction. Students can start classes at age 14½, obtain their permit at age 15, and license at age 16. Classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel instruction are not required after the age of 18. The enhanced classroom curriculum includes study guides, lecture with PowerPoint, worksheets, videos and interactive computer software. These classes prepare students for the Minnesota Permit Exam and more importantly, focus on critical behavior and attitude issues common to teen drivers. If a student needs to miss a lesson, they can make up that exact lesson through distance learning via Zoom or in-person at one of Safeway’s fixed locations.

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction: Students must complete six hours of driving lessons with a Safeway instructor before taking the Minnesota Road Exam. Safeway’s lessons are divided into three, two-hour lessons. The lessons are one-on-one instruction with a responsible, professional Safeway driving instructor. Students can be picked up and dropped off at home, school or work. Safeway offers convenient online behind-the-wheel scheduling. The lessons are given on actual city streets, highways and freeways. It is recommended that students take their first lesson 6-8 weeks after receiving their permit. Lessons should be at least 30 days apart allowing for practice with parents in between lessons.

Parent Involvement: 

Parents are their child’s primary driving instructor so it is critical to practice regularly with permitted drivers in all driving situations. Students are required to practice at least 50 hours (15 at night) and record the practice on a driving log. Safeway offers online Parent Classes. The class cost $10.00 and qualifies for a reduction in student practice hours. Important parent information will be sent home on the first day of class.

Payment Plan: Pay $249 at registration for classroom instruction, then $160 directly to Safeway later for behind-the-wheel instruction. 

For more information about Safeway’s program or to schedule a behind-the-wheel lesson, please call 952-933-1919 or visit www.safewaydrivingschool.com.