Founded in 1969, Safeway Driving School is Minnesota’s largest driving school, serving over 14,000 teen drivers each year. For more than 55 years, our mission has been to help teens become safe, confident, and responsible drivers. Our program goes beyond the rules of the road, teaching defensive driving, awareness of road conditions, and smart decision-making to protect students, their passengers, and others. Families trust Safeway for our experienced instructors, clear communication, flexible scheduling, and long-standing partnerships with Community Education programs across Minnesota.

Safeway Driving School offers a comprehensive, state-approved driver education program designed to prepare students for safe, responsible driving. This course is open to students ages 14.5–18 and is taught in person at Bemidji High School, providing a structured classroom environment for learning.

What’s Included

30 hours of in-person classroom instruction
Students attend instructor-led classes after-school right at Bemidji High School covering the Minnesota state-approved curriculum and preparing them for the permit exam.

6 hours of behind-the-wheel training
Students receive three, two-hour private driving lessons with licensed, professional Safeway instructors. Behind-the-wheel lessons are scheduled separately after the classroom portion is completed.

Flexible scheduling
Behind-the-wheel lessons are scheduled to accommodate busy student and family schedules, with make-up options available as needed.

State certification
Upon successful completion, students receive all required documentation to apply for their Minnesota driver’s license.

Important Timelines & Planning Tips

• Students have one year from the end of the classroom portion or from their 15th birthday (whichever is later) to complete their behind-the-wheel lessons.
• Safeway recommends allowing approximately 30 days between each driving lesson, with the final lesson completed about 30 days prior to a potential road test.
• We work to ensure that the majority of behind-the-wheel lessons are offered after school and in the evening to accommodate student and family schedules.
• Regular practice with a supervising driver is strongly encouraged to build confidence and real-world driving skills.

Why Choose Safeway Driving School?

Experienced instructors
Safeway instructors are highly trained, patient, and focused on student success.

Proven track record
With over 50 years of experience, Safeway Driving School is Minnesota’s largest driving school, serving thousands of families each year.

Safety-first approach
Our curriculum emphasizes defensive driving, risk awareness, and responsible decision-making.

Local convenience
Classes are held directly at Bemidji High School, making it easy for students to attend in a familiar setting.

For additional details, please visit our FAQ page or contact Safeway Driving School directly.

Safeway Driving School
www.safewaydrivingschool.com | 651-351-9150