Minors must be enrolled in a behind-the-wheel program before they can take the knowledge test to obtain their instructional permit. Being on a waitlist does not qualify you to receive a blue card. 

Prerequisite: Students who are at least 15 years of age and have completed Driver Education Classroom.

It is not recommended that students who are registering for the summer classroom series also register for summer BTW due to the time needed to obtain a permit and get in the recommended practice driving prior to lessons. If possible, please wait for fall BTW lessons, which will open for enrollment before summer classroom completes. Students who are registered for BTW through Centennial before classroom ends, and are at least 15 years old, will receive their blue card on the last day of classroom. Students must have passed their knowledge test and be in possession of their learner's permit prior to their first scheduled driving lesson. Some practice driving prior to your first lesson is recommended.

Behind-the-wheel consists of 6 hours of hands-on, behind-the-wheel instruction. Licensed staff will guide students through proper driving techniques and skills including right and left turns, 90-degree backing, parallel parking, traffic lights and stop signs, lane changes, one-way, right of way, emergency stop, and much more.

Lesson Information:  All lessons start and end at the front of the CHS/West Building. Meet your instructor on the sidewalk just to the right of the main entrance by the visitor parking spaces. Lessons with Mickey Bluedorn are two-on-one for six, 2-hour lessons with one hour driving and one hour observing. Lessons with Craig Sturlaugson and Matt Fenno are one-on-one for three, 2-hour lessons. You MUST be available for all dates in the session selected. Some lessons are date specific, some are a range. When a range of more than three days is noted, the instructor will contact you to coordinate specific dates for lessons. 

Space is very limited. If you are unable to secure a behind-the-wheel enrollment through Centennial, please look for a full listing of public and private school program locations, as well as licensed driver training school locations in the state of Minnesota, for both phases of the driver education instruction process.  Please visit Driver and Vehicle Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.  

To schedule a knowledge test, go to drive.mn.gov, and follow the prompts. We have heard that these appointments may schedule out some distance. Bring the correct documentation to your appointment and don't forget to pre-apply for your learner's permit to save time at the DMV office.

Once registered for BTW and in possession of your blue card, you must remain enrolled for BTW or risk having your permit revoked. For this reason, there are no refunds or cancellations allowed once a blue card has been issued.

Changes to enrollment are very difficult as this program fills quickly leaving little to no room for rescheduling. If we are able to make a change, there is a $20 fee.

If you have been unable to pass the knowledge test, please notify Community Education immediately.

Student must have their permit with them for each driving session. If you forget your permit you cannot drive, that counts as a no show resulting in a $93 fee.