Teen Driver Education
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The Teen Driver Education Courses are for teens, ages 15-17 years old, who want to get their driver's permit and license.
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Instructor Stats:
- All instructors are State of Minnesota educators
- Continuously trained and certified for up to date information and statewide changes
- Background checks performed
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Vehicle Stats:
- All vehicles are equipped with dual brake systems and additional mirrors
- Mid-sized cars under 2 years old
Safety Topics Covered:
- Street signs
- Street laws
- Braking
- Decision making
- Awareness
- Car maintenance
Skills Taught:
- Technique
- Driver etiquette
- Merging
- Timing
- Accident prevention
- Navigation
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The Licensing Process
Licensing process for students ages 15-17:
18+ year olds? You are not required by MN State Law to take the Driver Education course. Learn More.
Step 1 – 30-hour Driver Education Class
- The State-required 30-hour driver education class is for teens 15-17 years old who want to get their permit and license.
- The 30-hour driver education class is designed to prepare students for the permit test.
- For classes conducted through Saint Paul Community Education, students must be 15 years old or older by the first day of the class.
- Students are required by MN State Law to attend all 30-hours of the driver education course in entirety. Do not enroll in a course unless you can attend all class sessions.
Step 2 – Instruction Permit
- Once the student has successfully completed the 30-hour driver education class and has paid the full course fee, the student is issued a Blue Card*.
- Students will take the Blue Card to the Department of Vehicle Services to take the permit test. This is done on the students’ own time. Appointments are required.
- The Class D Instruction Permit is valid for 2 years and there is a fee of $15.50, payable to the Department of Vehicle Services at the time the permit test is completed. A parent/guardian must also be present to sign the permit application.
- *Please note, if you enroll in the Driver Education- Online Class Only course, it is the 30-hour class only and does not include behind-the-wheel. Upon successful completion of this class, students will receive a Letter of Completion that they may bring to a driving school of their choice to purchase behind-the-wheel lessons and that driving school will issue the student their Blue Card.
Step 3 – Behind-the-Wheel Instruction
- 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction is included in the fee when you register for the Driver Education – Full Course and the Driver Education – Online Class +BTW course
- Students can begin the behind-the-wheel portion of the program once they have passed the permit test and have received their hard, plastic permit in the mail.
- To be assigned to a behind-the-wheel instructor, sign up online once you have received your plastic instruction permit with your photo (click on "State-required 6 hours BTW (took class with Community Education)").
- Students must have their permit with them in the vehicle for all behind-the-wheel lessons.
- These individual behind-the-wheel lessons occur in 2-hour increments.
- Students will typically begin their lesson from school or from their homes and will be dropped off at their homes. Students who live outside of St. Paul need to make arrangements to begin and end their lesson in St. Paul.
- Students have 18 months, starting from the last day of the 30-hour driver education class, to complete their behind-the-wheel lessons. Please allow several weeks to complete the behind-the-wheel lessons once assigned to an instructor. (Instructors are unable to accommodate 'last minute' or 'rush' requests.)
- Driving a vehicle will take a long time to master, so the more practice the better. We recommend students practice driving right away after obtaining their permit with a parent/guardian to learn and perfect the basics. Then use the 6 hours of behind-the-wheel with an instructor to practice more complicated techniques.
- See behind-the-wheel FAQs here.
Step 4 – Driver’s License
- To be eligible to take the license exam student must be 16 years old or older, have had their permit for at least 6 months, have completed the 40-50 hour supervised driving log, and have completed the 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
- Supervised Driving Log: Drivers under the age of 18 must submit a driving log at the time of the license exam. Parents/guardians have two options regarding the supervised driving log-
- Complete a supplemental parent class provided by a driver education program approved in Minnesota, and then submit a supervised driving log showing their teen has completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving, 15 of which are nighttime hours.
- If the parent/guardian chooses not to complete the supplemental parent class, the driving log must show that their teen has completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 of which are nighttime hours.
- Once the student has successfully completed the 6 hours of behind-the wheel instruction the student is issued a White Card.
- Students will take the White Card to the Department of Vehicle Services to take the license exam. This is done on the students’ own time. Appointments are required.
- The Class D Provisional Driver License is valid until you are 21 years of age and there is a fee of $19.25, payable to the Department of Vehicle Services at the time the license exam is completed. A parent/guardian must also be present to sign the license application.
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Classes and Offerings
Before enrolling in a Driver Education course, please read about the licensing process.
Driver Education – Full Course
This course includes in-person 30-hour class and 6 hours behind-the-wheel lessons.
Parent/guardian permission is required for students to enroll in this class.
Course Policies:
- Students are required by MN State Law to attend all 30-hours of the driver education course in entirety. Do not enroll in a course unless you can attend all class sessions.
- We understand that emergencies can happen at any time; in the case of an extenuating circumstance ONLY, students may miss up to one class period (3 hours). Any amount of missed class time must be made up and students will schedule make-up class with the Driver Education Office. Students will not receive their Blue Card until all 30 hours have been completed. If a student misses more than 3 hours of class time, student will be un-enrolled from the class and will not receive a refund or credit for class time.
- Refunds minus a $75 cancellation fee will be issued upon request for the Driver Education – Full Course. Refunds will not be issued if requested less than three business days prior to the class start date.
- Once the student has successfully completed the 30-hour driver education class and has paid the full course fee, the student will be issued a Blue Card.
- Students must be 15 years old by the first day of class to enroll.
Course Fee: $385
Payment Options:
- Full payment ($385) at time of registration
- Half payment ($192.50) at time of registration and the remaining balance due before the last day of the 30-hour driver education class.
- If you register online or use a credit card for payment and choose the half payment option, the remaining balance will be automatically charged to your credit card on the 6th scheduled day of the driver education class.
Driver Education – Online Class + BTW
This course includes online 30-hour class and 6 hours behind-the-wheel lessons.
Parent/guardian permission is required for students to enroll in this class.
Course Policies:
- Students are required by MN State Law to attend all 30-hours of the driver education course in entirety. Do not enroll in a course unless you can attend all class sessions.
- We understand that emergencies can happen at any time; in the case of an extenuating circumstance ONLY, students may miss up to one class period (3 hours). Any amount of missed class time must be made up and students will schedule make-up class with the Driver Education Office. Students will not receive their Blue Card until all 30 hours have been completed. If a student misses more than 3 hours of class time, student will be un-enrolled from the class and will not receive a refund or credit for class time.
- The Online Driver Education class is offered using Google Meet.
- MN State Law requires instructors to be able to see you and hear you during online classes. Make sure your device has both a camera and microphone.
- Once the student has successfully completed the 30-hour driver education class and has paid the full course fee, the student will be mailed their Blue Card. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing and additional time for it to arrive in the mail.
- Refunds minus a $75 cancellation fee will be issued upon request for the Driver Education – Online Class + BTW course. Refunds will not be issued if requested less than three business days prior to the class start date.
- Students must be 15 years old by the first day of class to enroll.
Course Fee: $385
Payment Options:
- Full payment ($385) at time of registration
- Half payment ($192.50) at time of registration and the remaining balance due before the last day of the 30-hour driver education class.
- If you register online or use a credit card for payment and choose the half payment option, the remaining balance will be automatically charged to your credit card on the 6th scheduled day of the driver education class.
Driver Education – Online Class Only
This course includes online 30-hour class only. It does NOT include behind-the-wheel lessons.
*In order to take the permit test, after completing this 30-hour class, student will need to purchse behind-the-wheel lessons from a driving school of their choosing to receive their Blue Card. The Blue Card is needed to take the permit test. Community Education is not currently offering behind-the-wheel lessons due to COVID-19.
Parent/guardian permission is required for students to enroll in this class.
Course Policies:
- Students are required by MN State Law to attend all 30-hours of the driver education course in entirety. Do not enroll in a course unless you can attend all class sessions.
- We understand that emergencies can happen at any time; in the case of an extenuating circumstance ONLY, students may miss up to one class period (3 hours). Any amount of missed class time must be made up and students will schedule make-up class with the Driver Education Office. Students will not receive their Letter of Completion until all 30 hours have been completed. If a student misses more than 3 hours of class time, student will be un-enrolled from the class and will not receive a refund or credit for class time.
- Refunds minus a $30 cancellation fee will be issued upon request for the Driver Education – Online Class Only course. Refunds will not be issued if requested less than three business days prior to the class start date.
- The Online Driver Education class is offered using Google Meet.
- MN State Law requires instructors to be able to see you and hear you during online classes. Make sure your device has both a camera and microphone.
- Upon successful completion, students will receive a Letter of Completion. Should you choose to complete the behind-the-wheel portion of the Driver Education program, this letter may be presented to a driving school of your choosing to purchase behind-the-wheel lessons and to receive your Blue Card to take the permit test.
- Students must be 15 years old by the first day of class to enroll.
Course Fee: $160
Replacement Blue or White Card
- A replacement Blue or White card can be issued for a $15 fee.
- You will need a replacement card if you lost the original, made a mistake when signing the card, or need to make a change to your name or birthdate.
- You do NOT need a replacement card if you have never received one yet, have failed the permit or license test, or are 18 years old or older.
- CLICK HERE to request a replacement card. Please allow up to 2 weeks to receive your replacement card.
Parent/Guardian Awareness Class on Teen Driver Safety
This 90-minute class for the parents/guardians of teen drivers is designed to increase parental awareness and involvement with teen driving issues in order to further reduce teen involved traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities and to explain the Minnesota graduated driver licensing process. Completion of this course allows the parent/guardian and teen driver to complete 40-hours of supervised driving instead of 50-hours. A certificate of completion will be issued to the parent/guardian at the end of the class that will need to be submitted to the driver exam staff at the time of the student's road test. The certificate is valid for one teen; for subsequent teens who complete a driver education program, another parent class is required.
This class is free but requires registration.
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Registration Information
Community Education has 3 sessions a year, fall, winter, and spring/summer. Not all classes may be offered each session.
Space in all classes is limited and enrollments are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Accepted Forms of Payment
- Credit card - Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
- Check - fees will be deducted from your checking or savings account as soon as it is received
- Money order
- Cash - please have exact change
Discounts and Financial Aid
Free or Reduce Lunch Discount
- 15% discount available for youth who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
- Discount may not be applied to Replacement Blue or White Card fee.
- To receive the 15% discount at the time of checkout, select "Payment- Participant receives free or reduced lunch"
MAA Financial Aid
Driver Education – Online Class + BTW Course and Driver Education - Full Course are approved by the Minnesota Afterschool Advance (MAA) financial assistance program. If your family meets the requirements, you may qualify for up to 75% of Driver Education Class Fees.
If you are interested in applying for financial aid through the MAA program:
- Visit https://mnafterschool.org/apply to apply.
- Once MAA has approved you for financial aid, email us at commed@spps.org. Please include the following in your email: Parent name, student name and birthdate, class that you would like to enroll in (course name, location, and dates/time) and indicate that you will be using your MAA financial aid.
- We will verify your financial aid with MAA and email you further instructions on how to enroll.
Please note that class space is limited and enrollments are taken on a first come, first served basis.
Cancellation Fees
- Refunds, minus a $75 cancellation fee, will be issued upon request for the Driver Education – Full Course and Driver Education – Online Class + BTW course. Refunds will not be issued if requested less than three business days prior to the class start date.
- Refunds minus a $30 cancellation fee will be issued upon request for the Driver Education – Online Class Only course. Refunds will not be issued if requested less than three business days prior to the class start date.
- A $50 cancellation fee is fined to students who cancel their behind-the-wheel appointment less than 24 hours in advance. Students cannot continue with their behind-the-wheel lessons until the fee is paid.
- A $50 no-show fee is fined to students who do not show for their scheduled behind-the-wheel appointment. Students cannot continue with their behind-the-wheel lessons until the fee is paid.
- A $50 cancellation fee is fined to students who do not have their instruction permit with them for their behind-the-wheel lessons. The lesson will be cancelled and students cannot continue with their behind-the-wheel lessons until the fee is paid.
To Register
Online
- Register online at www.stpaul.ce.eleyo.com.
- Click on Explore All Programs in the upper right, then click on Classes for Youth and select Driver Education.
- Note: A parent/guardian must create an account for themselves first, then add their student to their account.
In Person
- Community Education Office
1780 West 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55116
- Please call in advance for hours and class availablity - 651-767-8179.
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Current Class Schedule
Important Information
- Parent/Guardian permission required
- Class space is limited and students are enrolled on a first come, first served basis.
- Minnesota State law requires students to attend ALL class sessions in its entirety. DO NOT enroll in a class unless you can attend ALL class sessions.
- Please see more details about the Licensing Process and about the Courses in the sections above.
- Registration is now open for Spring/Summer 2023 classes. "Click Here" to register.
Driver Education - (Course #2500SuA)
Location: Highland Park Senior High School
Dates: June 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, July 5,6
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm FULL
Driver Education - (Course #2500SuB)
Location: Highland Park Senior High School
Dates: June 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, July 5,6
Time: 1:30pm-4:30pm FULL
Driver Education - (Course #2500SuC)
Location: 1780 West 7th
Dates: June 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29,30 July 5
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm FULL
Driver Education - Online Class + BTW (Course #2518SuDA)
Location: Online using Google Meet
Dates: July 10,11,12,13,14,17,18,19,20,21
Time: 9:0AM -12:00PM FULL
Driver Education - Online Class + BTW (Course #2518SuDB)
Location: Online using Google Meet
Dates: July 10,11,12,13,14,17,18,19,20,21
Time: 2:30-5:30PM FULL
Driver Education - with A+ Driving School (Course #2501SuAA)
Location: Harding High School
Dates: July 17,18,19,20,21,24,25,26,27,28
Time: 9:00AM -12:00PM OPEN
Driver Education - with A+ Driving School (Course #2501SuAC)
Location: Harding High School
Dates: July 17,18,19,20,21,24,25,26,27,28
Time: 12:30 - 3:30PM OPEN
Driver Education - with A+ Driving School (Course #2501SuAC)
Location: Harding High School
Dates: August 7,8,9,10,11,14,15,16,17,18
Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM - OPEN
Driver Education - with A+ Driving School (Course #2501SuAC)
Location: Harding High School
Dates: August 7,8,9,10,11,14,15,16,17,18
Time: 12:30-3:30PM OPEN
