Implement Free Driver’s Education for Minnesota High School Students

 

The purpose of this act is to provide free, accessible driver’s education to all Minnesota public high school students

in order to improve road safety and reduce

financial barriers for families.

 

Driver’s education fees can be expensive, and many students especially in lower-income areas struggle to afford them.

This creates unequal access to driving privileges and results in untrained or undertrained new drivers. Making driver’s

education free will reduce accidents, improve safety, and ensure all students receive proper training before obtaining a

driver’s license.

 

1. Driver’s education - refers to the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction required to obtain a Minnesota driver’s

license.

2. Public high school student - refers to any student enrolled in grades 9–12 at a Minnesota public school.

3. Certified instructor - refers to any individual licensed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to teach

driver’s education.

 

 

Funding will come from a 0.1% reallocation of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Transportation Safety budget.

An additional $5 million from state surplus funds may be used during the first year of implementation.

 

1. Public schools must submit an implementation plan to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety by the beginning of

the school year.

2. Schools failing to comply within one academic year will face a 3% reduction in transportation funding until driver’s

education is offered.

 

This act will take effect at the start of the next school year following its passage.