Lesson Scheduling Timeline
After you receive your permit, the next step is to register it with Safeway ASAP. Once registered, you will receive an activation notice from Safeway, which means it is time to schedule your first lesson.
We have found the sequence and timing of lessons described below produces a confident and competent driver who is eager to drive.
1st Lesson:
Schedule your lesson after receiving the hard-card photo permit. While you wait for the hard copy permit, you can continue practice with the temporary permit. More practice is always a good thing!
- The first lesson should be scheduled after receiving the hard-card photo permit and after having had 5 hours of practice driving.
- The schedule is released 2 months in advance — see the “Lesson Availability & Release Timeline” section to understand the booking process.
- Don’t wait until you’ve finished all your practice hours to schedule — plan ahead to ensure you meet the minimum before your lesson.
2nd Lesson:
- The second lesson should be scheduled 4 or more weeks after the first lesson and after an additional 15 hours of practice driving. This is our freeway and downtown lesson and should avoid rush hour, if possible.
3rd Lesson:
- The third lesson can be scheduled either 4 weeks or more after the second lesson or a few weeks before the Road Test, depending on the student’s preference. This lesson teaches parking maneuvers and prepares the student for the Road Test.
Safeway Scheduling Policy:
Safeway schedules Behind-the-Wheel lessons 30 days apart. This policy helps ensure students have time to practice between lessons and build their driving skills progressively.
Safeway’s online scheduling system is programmed to schedule lessons at least 30 days apart. The three lessons should be completed within a year of completing classes or by the student’s 16th birthday, whichever is later. For any questions about lesson scheduling, please call our office for assistance.
BTW Lesson Availability & Release Timeline
Safeway releases Behind-the-Wheel lessons one month at a time, approximately six weeks in advance. This allows students and families to plan ahead while keeping scheduling organized and manageable.
Example Release Schedule:
- End of June – August lessons become available
- End of July – September lessons become available
- End of August – October lessons become available
- End of September – November lessons become available
Please note that lessons can fill up quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as availability is released. To be added to the waitlist by call Safeway at 651-351-9150.
Waitlist & Text Notifications
Safeway offers a waitlist system that sends text notifications to students and parents who wish to be alerted when new Behind-the-Wheel lessons are released for scheduling.
If you request to be added to the waitlist, you will receive a text message on the day lessons become available for the month you’re interested in.
To be added to the waitlist, please call our office at 651-351-9150.
The waitlist is a great tool to help you plan your Behind-the-Wheel lessons and stay informed about openings.
If you have questions about the best timeline for scheduling your Behind-the-Wheel lessons, don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re happy to help!