New Prague Area Community Education

Community Education offers a comprehensive Driver's Education program program that includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel instruction for students, as well as informational sessions for parents. Our teachers are licensed by the State of Minnesota to teacher Driver's Education.

How to earn a Driver's License

Step 1: Register for Classroom Instruction driver's education.
Step 2: Complete 30 hours of classroom instruction. (Age 14+)
Step 3: Receive blue card upon completion of classroom requirements.
Step 4: Visit DMV to take the knowledge (permit) test and apply for instruction permit. (Age 15+)
Step 5: Receive permit.
Step 6: Practice driving with parent/guardian and schedule Behind-the-Wheel.
Step 7: Complete the required number of supervised driving hours.
Step 8: Receive your white card after completing Behind-the-Wheel training.
Step 9:Take driving exam/road test to earn license. (Age 16+)

For more information on Minnesota’s driver’s license process, go to dps.mn.gov.

Classroom Instruction

New Prague Area Community Education provides classroom and Behind-the-Wheel driver's education for students age 14 years of age and older. Minnesota law requires 30 hours of classroom instruction to qualify a student to take their Instruction Permit (Learner’s Permit) test. Classroom sessions typically run three hours per day over a period of ten days. In summer, these are usually completed within two weeks. During the school year, sessions may require three to four weeks to get all ten class sessions in. Classroom curriculum includes presentations, videos, discussion, worksheets, interactive software, and guest speakers. When a student completes classroom instruction and is registered into a Behind-the-Wheel program, he/she receives a “Blue Card” as proof of completion. The student takes this, along with other required paperwork, to a testing station when it’s time to complete the permit test. Several classroom sessions are offered each school year and summer and are conveniently located in New Prague as well as Elko New Market. Payment covers the 30-hour classroom fee and holds a place for a Behind-the-Wheel registration (you will still need to register for a specific time/date in the program as information becomes available). If you have to miss a classroom session, make-up dates will be made available to you at the first class period and can be attended for an additional fee of $29 per date. Students must be present at the first session. 

PLEASE NOTE: State law requires 30 hours of classroom to obtain your blue card. If you are unable to attend all 30 hours, please consider a different session. Students must also be 14 years of age by the first class date to be eligible to attend classroom instruction. In-person class may be moved to an online format as it relates to weather or school closings - we will inform you if and when this needs to happen. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at (952) 758-1734.

Behind-the-Wheel Instruction

Minnesota law requires six hours of Behind-the-Wheel instruction to qualify a student to take their Driver’s License test. Behind-the-Wheel sessions typically meet three to four times, in order to complete the six hours needed for each student driver in the car. Behind-the-Wheel sessions are offered March through November, weather permitting, with the majority of sessions in the summer months. New Prague chooses to run our Behind-the-Wheel sessions with two students in the car. This gives the students opportunities to practice driving as well as to learn from observing their peer. Each car is equipped with a camera for the safety of the students and the instructor. Please note: It is recommend that students have 20 hours of supervised driving time with a parent/guardian before beginning behind-the-wheel.