Frequently Asked Questions
General Info
How do I schedule my Permit/knowledge test and what do I need to have with me when taking that test
All Permit, Class D Knowledge tests can be scheduled using the link below:
https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/eservices/MN Driver Services
Once on the DMV website: You'll see driver's services on the left, underneath this you'll see appointments. 1. Click on schedule an appointment, 2. Click Driver's Services 3. Click Class D Knowledge Exam. (this is the permit Test.)
For your permit test you will need:
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· Birth certificate/ Passport = 1 primary document
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· Social Security Card=secondary document
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· Blue Slip = Certificate of Enrollment
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· Under 18 a parent must sign, and your Vision test must be passed!
Driving Log and Road Ready App to track state required driving time.
The State requires 50 logged driving hours, 15 of those 50 need to take place at night. Your log will need to be turned into the DMV on the day you take your road test.
Download your road ready App for logging your hours. 50 total, 15 nighttime hours. Your parents will need to sign off on this log and you will need to turn this into the examiner to take your road/License test. https://www.roadreadyapp.com/
Download a paper copy of the supervised driving log below.
What do I need to have with me in order to take my road/license test?
What you need for your Road/license Test
Appointments: https://onlineservices.dps.mn.gov/eservices/MN Driver Services
Once on the DMV website: You'll see driver's services on the left, underneath this you'll see appointments. 1. Click on schedule an appointment, 2. Click Driver's Services 3. Click Class D Skills Exam First Time. (this is the road test to get licensed)
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Permit
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Certificate of course completion, white card. You'll get this from your BTW instructor after your 3rd lesson.
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Proof of insurance on the vehicle
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Your own vehicle that meets safety requirements
DS Driving School Students
How can I make up a missed day of in person classroom training?
Our classes are structured Days 1-10. Monday-Friday, Monday-Friday. You have two options for making up a missed class.
When a class has more than two time periods offered during a particular session, you can take that days curriculum at either time. Example, I'm currently enrolled in 9-12:00pm classes, I cannot make the 9-12:00 time, I can go that same day from 6-9.
If I cannot make it at all on one particular day, there is a classroom calendar that shows all future dates and the class that will be held on that date. Checking the calendar, I look to see when that class is next available. I can then walk-in to make up my missed class. Please let the instructor know when you began your classes so attendance and credit are given.
What is the structure of your Distance Learning Program?
If you have an intrest in our distance learning program; please email dsdrivingschoolwest@gmail.com to request specifics in how classes are offered through DS Driving School West.
Thank you!
When should I schedule my 3rd BTW Behind the wheel Lesson and how do I receive my White Card?
You will recieve your "White Card" certificate of Course Completion from your instructor after your 3rd BTW lesson.
Please schedule this 3rd BTW lesson at least 4 weeks prior to the road/license test.
Why do I need to spread my 3 BTW lessons out over 6 months to a year?
Scheduling your BTW lessons When, How, and Why we schedule the way we do.
After you have received your permit, we encourage you to practice on all types of roadways, in all weather conditions while you have your parent(s) with you. Statistically, students that have their parents in the car while driving have less than a 1% chance of being involved in an accident. When you're learning to drive, just like when learning to ride a bicycle, your parents were your co-pilots. You need them! It's putting time into your practice that ensures you have the experience to call upon when you're on your own, behind the wheel. The law requires if you are under 18 years of age you must hold your permit for six months.
Six months or a year from now seems like a long time, we get it. It's not! Not when scheduling three behind the wheel lessons, needing to drive in between each lesson while trying to fit in, school, sports, band, work, travel, it will come faster than you know. Please, plan. 😊
Please Read the Following CAREFULLY.
You must spread your 3 lessons out over the next year, or six months depending on when you received your permit, which is based on your age. Students whose ages are 15 ½ and older must spread their 3, BTW lessons out over the 6-month minimum that they hold their permit; longer to hold their permit is better. Students that are younger than 15 ½ that just received their permits have up to a year to complete their 3 BTW lessons. Waiting until the last minute is not advised. 3 months is NOT enough time to complete their 3 BTW lessons.
We live in a seasonal climate, with all sorts of weather conditions. Consider that you, your child will be driving in these conditions. Taking a behind the wheel lesson when there is snow on the ground is just as important as when there isn't.
(Students must be assessed for safety) We typically schedule 3 to 4 weeks out per lesson. If this format is not followed, DS driving school cannot guarantee that we will be able to get your 3 lessons in before your driving test so please follow the below schedule.
1. Must have driven a minimum of 15 hours (Lesson 1)
2. Must have driven 25- 35 hours (Lesson 2) Students are driving to downtown Minneapolis, Freeway/Highway driving. This cannot take place if students do not have a minimum of 25 hours of driving time.
3. Must have driven 35- 50 hours (Lesson 3) Please schedule this 3rd BTW lesson at least 4 weeks prior to the road/license test.
How Do I schedule my BTW lessons and when does the next months schedule become available?
How to schedule your BTW lessons Online:
To schedule your first btw session, log into your account. Click on the left-hand side, schedule behind the wheel. If you have a balance for your BTW lessons, you will need to pay the balance prior to scheduling the first lesson.
The BTW calendar opens on the 1st of each month for the next month's openings. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to schedule lessons during this time. Only one lesson can be scheduled every 28 days.
Drop off and pick locations are below. This location is determined when you schedule the lesson.
Drop off and pick up locations are below:
Chaska - Crown of Glory Church (1141 Cardinal St, Chaska, MN 55318)
Eden Prairie - Prairie Village Mall (16526 W 78th St, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
It is illegal to drive without an instruction permit. A student who does not have a permit for any BTW lesson will not receive instruction and will be charged $75.
· We must receive 24-hour notice in order to cancel any behind the wheel lesson. You can cancel lessons by logging into your account and clicking "Unregister." Failure to cancel within 24 hours, or to No-Show, will result in a $75 fee added to the student's account. Accounts must be current before other behind the wheel lessons are scheduled. We will help reschedule and prioritize the missed lesson due to illness.
I am a new DS Driving School student. How do I register?
Select the Teen Drivers Ed button at the top. On the left you will see different packages available. You will see a section for "Classroom + Behind The Wheel."
Select "Register Now." Complete the form on the left and then create a username and password.
You will then select Eden Prairie or Chaska locations. Under "Select a Package" you will select the appropriate package. Under the package you will select the session date & time that work for your schedule. You will then select "register. Once you are registered, you will see on the left hand side a section that says "Schedule Behind the Wheel." This is where you will see the availability and schedule a time that works best for you.
How Do I rest my DS Password?
In order to receive a password reset, please verify your email address. Once you verify your email address you will be able to request a new password.
What happens if I miss my scheduled behind the wheel?
If you missed your scheduled driving lesson, you will be assessed a no-show fee of $75.00. Once you have paid that fee, you can reschedule your lesson.
Driver Education
How old do I have to be to take Drivers Ed?
You can take the classroom portion as early as age 14 but must be at least 15 years old to take your permit test.