Behind-the-Wheel

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 - 

  Parents/guardians, click here to complete the Behind-the-Wheel Sign-up Form.

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. Behind-the-Wheel lessons are included in the course fee for Driver Education In-person + Behind-the-Wheel and Driver Education Online + Behind-the-Wheel courses.
• 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 Behind-the-Wheel training.)

Important Reminders-

• Make sure the instructor can contact you. Update your phone number, set up your voicemail, check your messages, and return calls and/or text messages 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:  Yes!  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:  What is an E-Card and why do I receive it for completing 6 hours of Behind-the-Wheel training?

A: On February 18, 2025, The Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS) began the transition from paper certification cards to electronic cards (e-cards.) This change will impact the traditional " Blue Card" and " White Card" issued to students who complete driver education programs.  Saint Paul Public Schools Community Education Driver Education program will begin issuing E-cards to students in Spring/Summer 2025. 

Q:  When do I get my E-Card for completing the 6 hours of Behind-the-Wheel training?

A:  Teen drivers completing the state-required 6-hours of behind-the-wheel lessons will receive their E-Card of completion via email 2-3 business days after their final lesson.   Students are encouraged to print the email notification they receive confirming they have received their E-Card of completion to the DVS to take the roads skills exam at a DVS testing location.  

Q:  What if I received a White Card after completing the 6 hours of Behind-the-Wheel training? Am I still eligible to take the road skills exam?  

A:  Yes! Teen drivers who completed the state-required 6-hours of behind-the-wheel lessons prior to Spring/Summer 2025 and received a White Card are eligible to take the road skills exam. The DVS will require you to bring your White Card and all required documentation with you, when taking your road skills test.  

Drivers who are over the age of 18 or who took the Driver Education Online Class Only do not receive a E-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.

Q:  What do I need to bring with me to the DVS to take my road skills test? 

A:  

• Your instruction permit
• Your parent or legal guardian 
• A valid, licensed driver (this can also be your parent or legal guardian) 
• $32.50 - Provisional license fee 
• Glasses or contact lenses if you have them
• A vehicle to test in, and proof of insurance for that vehicle. Electronic copies from the insurance company are acceptable. The date of your road test must fall on or between the issue date and the expiration date on the proof of insurance
• Proof of completing six hours of behind-the-wheel training (also known as a E-card or certificate of completion card/white card)
• Printed driving log showing you have completed the required amount of practice time
• Parent certificate of completion, if applicable
• Your Primary and Secondary documents