Safeway's 6 hours of basic driving instruction continues the classroom emphasis on defensive driving maneuvers while exposing the student to a wide variety of driving environments.
Safeway provides three, two-hour behind-the-wheel lessons (6 hours total). Each lesson has its own curriculum and objectives. When the student is ready for behind-the-wheel lessons, they should click the Student Login button in the upper right corner of our home page, login to their account and register their permit number with Safeway.
Many of our instructors do back-to-back lessons. The first student of the day is picked up from home or school at the scheduled time. Toward the end of the lesson (last 10-15 minutes), the first student will drive to the second student’s home. The second student will get into the back seat and the first student will finish their lesson time by driving themselves home. The second student will then begin their lesson time from the first student’s home at the scheduled time. Each student will get their full two-hour lesson time.
Lesson #1
Lesson #1
is our “basic” lesson. Basic vehicle operation and control is emphasized including starting, stopping, lane control, following distance, along with good observation techniques. The student must demonstrate a knowledge of all vehicle controls and warning lights. Merge vs. yield, SMOG and Gap-Gauge-Go are put into practice.
Lesson #2
Lesson #2
is our “advanced” lesson. This lesson is a milestone for most students. It allows them to find out how proficient a driver they really are. The lesson will emphasizes multiple lane changes, weave lanes and exit and entrance ramps of both cloverleaf and diamond interchanges. The student will also perform turns with multiple turn lanes from and onto multiple-lane one-way and two-way streets. Crosswalks, pedestrians and Right on Red turns are covered in detail.
Lesson #3
Lesson #3
is our “parking and review” lesson. During this lesson, students become proficient at parallel and 90-degree corner back parking. Students also learn the proper procedures for hill parking and parking lot procedures. The Road Test driving maneuvers are also reviewed. At this lesson, the students receive their White Card, the course completion card. The White Card must be presented at the Road Test.
Important Note:
The 6 hours of Behind-the-Wheel instruction do NOT count toward the 50 hours of supervised driving that must be completed with a parent or guardian, as required by the State of Minnesota.
For questions about scheduling or timelines, please contact our office at 651-351-9150.
Understanding When Additional Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Is Valuable
For many new drivers, there’s a big difference between passing a permit test and feeling confident behind the wheel. That’s why prioritizing drivers education in Elk River, MN through structured behind-the-wheel lessons can make such a meaningful impact. These sessions build on classroom skills and allow students to practice fundamentals in real traffic environments under the guidance of a trained instructor. While the six hours mandated by the state set a baseline, we often find that students who approach each lesson with the intention to learn and ask questions leave feeling more prepared for complex traffic scenarios, such as merging into fast-moving lanes or handling multi-lane intersections.
A key sign that additional focus on behind-the-wheel training is needed comes when a student struggles with confidence in certain driving situations. If they hesitate during lane changes, have difficulty judging gaps on highways, or feel overwhelmed by busy city streets, those are clear indicators that further drivers education in Elk River, MN will be beneficial. Our behind-the-wheel curriculum exposes students to a wide range of road conditions and maneuvers, helping them refine decision-making skills and build muscle memory for safe driving habits. By participating fully in these lessons, students gain experience that helps reduce anxiety and uncertainty when they’re behind the wheel.
How Scheduling Behind-the-Wheel Lessons Supports Safer Driving
Scheduling your behind-the-wheel lessons in a thoughtful way ensures that students get the most out of each session. When you register for drivers education in Elk River, MN, spacing lessons out appropriately gives students time to apply what they’ve learned in their own practice sessions between scheduled instruction. This means they can reinforce skills like proper observation techniques, smooth lane control, and solid speed management before moving on to more advanced maneuvers. With this approach, lessons feel less rushed and more purposeful, and students often arrive for each session feeling more prepared and confident.
Another advantage of scheduling these driving lessons in advance is that it helps manage progress toward the ultimate goal: passing the road test safely and confidently. Students who consistently attend behind-the-wheel lessons as part of drivers education in Elk River, MN usually report feeling more comfortable on the road and better able to anticipate what other drivers will do. That heightened awareness and preparedness not only contributes to passing a driving exam but also lays the groundwork for years of safer driving. Plus, staying on a reliable schedule means students can complete these lessons in a way that fits their timeline and other commitments.
Recognizing the Benefits of Professional Behind-the-Wheel Training
Choosing structured instruction like drivers education in Elk River, MN offers benefits that go well beyond simply fulfilling a requirement. When students practice driving with family members, they get exposure to basic controls and familiar surroundings, but they may not face the same variety of challenges they will encounter on public roads. Professional behind-the-wheel training puts learners in diverse traffic settings, from quiet residential streets to busier arterial roads, so they can develop a more complete set of driving skills. This broad exposure helps students anticipate hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and build confidence at every stage of their development.
You’ll also notice that scheduled behind-the-wheel lessons emphasize both technical skill and safe decision-making. These are essential components of drivers education in Elk River, MN that contribute to a lifetime of responsible driving. Students learn strategies like maintaining proper following distance, reading traffic patterns ahead, and executing maneuvers smoothly and safely. All of these skills are reinforced through repeated, guided practice with our instructors, helping learners transition from novice drivers to capable and attentive road users.