For teens who took the Driver Education class with St. Paul Community Education and behind-the-wheel lessons were included in their course*.

Sign-up - 

• If you have not been assigned to a behind-the-wheel instructor and need to sign up, click the link for the form below (the link and form will only be available below when we are accepting student sign-ups).
• We are currently accepting student sign-ups!  Parents/guardians, click here to complete the Behind-the-Wheel Sign-up Form.

If you enrolled in a class that was offered in partnership with A+ Driving School, please contact A+ Driving School to schedule your behind-the-wheel lessons.

Students are eligible to begin their behind-the-wheel lessons when –

• Student has completed the 30-hour Driver Education class with St. Paul Community Education
• Student has already purchased behind-the-wheel lessons with St. Paul Community Education. (BTW lessons are included in the course fee for Driver Education -Full Course and Driver Education -Online Class + BTW Course.)
• Student has received their hard, plastic driver’s permit
• Student is within their deadline to complete behind-the-wheel lessons. (Students have 18 months, starting from the last day of class, to complete all 6 hours of BTW.)

  

Important Reminders-

• Driver Education is working with a reduced number of instructors, so it will take longer than normal to complete all three behind-the-wheel lessons.
• Make sure the instructor can contact you. Update your phone number, set up your voicemail, check your messages, and return calls from your instructor as soon as possible.
• Please allow approximately 6-8 weeks to complete all behind-the-wheel lessons once you have signed up and been assigned to an instructor.
• Students must complete their behind-the-wheel lessons before their 18-month deadline (starting from the last day of class).  If your deadline is approaching, don’t wait to sign up to start your lessons!  It will take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete your behind-the-wheel lessons.  
• See BTW FAQs 

 

 

Behind-the-Wheel Frequently Asked Questions

 Q:  Will my instructor pick me up for my lesson?

A:  Yes.  You will determine a pick up and drop off location when you schedule your appointments.  That location must be in St. Paul (usually the student’s home or school).  If you don’t live in St. Paul, you will need to make arrangements to meet your instructor in St. Paul.

 

Q:  How long is each lesson?

A:  Each lesson is 2-hours longs.

 

Q:  How will I recognize my instructor when they arrive?

A:  The instructor will be driving a Saint Paul Public Schools Community Education -Driver Education marked Toyota Corolla. The vehicle will also be marked with “Student Driver” signage.  Your instructor will have a Saint Paul Public Schools ID badge as identification as well.

 

Q:  Do I need to practice driving before I start my behind-the-wheel lessons?

A:  Once you have your permit, it is recommended that you do some practicing with a licensed adult in the car with you before starting your behind-the-wheel lessons. 

 

Q:  Do the 6 hours of behind-the-wheel lessons count toward the 40-50 hours needed for the Supervised Driving Log?

A:  No.  Learn more about the Supervised Driving Log here.

 

Q:  Do you do behind-the-wheel lessons in the winter?

A:  Yes.  However, instructors may choose to reschedule lessons if the road conditions are dangerous or less than ideal for novice drivers.  If schools close due to weather, all behind-the-wheel lessons will be cancelled.

 

Q:  How soon after I sign up to do behind-the-wheel will I have my first lesson?

A:  Once you’ve been assigned to an instructor, your instructor will call you within a week to schedule your appointments.  Your appointment dates will depend on your availability and your instructor’s availability. Remember, each instructor has many students to drive with.  Your first lesson will be about 3 weeks after you’re assigned to an instructor, but it could be longer during busy periods.

 

Q:  I have already scheduled my license exam with the DVS.  Will I be able to complete my behind-the-wheel lessons before my appointment?

A:  Instructors do their best to complete students’ lessons in a timely manner.  Instructors have many students to drive with and will schedule students in the order they are assigned.  Allow approximately 6-8 weeks to complete all three lessons after you have been assigned to an instructor.  Many factors may arise that could push back the completion of your lessons (ie: bad weather, family emergency or illness with the student or the instructor, instructor’s and/or student’s busy schedules), so we recommend that you do NOT schedule your license exam before you have completed your behind-the-wheel lessons.

 

Q:  When do I get my White Card?

A:  Teen drivers completing the state-required 6-hours of behind-the-wheel lessons will receive their White Card from the instructor at the end of the last lesson.   Students will need the White Card to take the license exam at a DVS testing location.

Drivers who are 18 years or older do not receive a White Card but instead will receive a Letter of Completion.

 

Q:  I haven’t been able to reach my instructor, what should I do?

A:  First, make sure that your instructor is able to reach you –

• Confirm and update your phone number and email address when you sign up for behind-the-wheel lessons 
• Be sure that your voicemail is set up and the voice mailbox is not full
• Check your messages and return calls from your instructor
• Add your instructor’s phone number to your contacts so you know when they call

Second, if it has been less than one week since you were assigned to an instructor, wait patiently.  Your instructor will call you once they receive your paperwork.

Third, if it’s been more than one week since you were assigned to an instructor, call (don’t text) your instructor.  When you are assigned to an instructor, you will get an email with your instructor’s name and phone number.  If your instructor is not available, leave a message with your full name, phone number, and a brief message about why you are calling.

Fourth, if you have taken all the above steps and still have not been able to reach your instructor, email central.commed@spps.org.  In your email, be sure to provide your full name, your phone number, and the name of your instructor.