When Should Teens Start Behind-the-Wheel Lessons in Minnesota?

If you're a parent of a new driver, one of the biggest questions is simple:

“When should my teen start behind-the-wheel lessons?”

The answer isn't always the same for every student—but there are some clear guidelines that can help Minnesota families make the right decision.

At ReadySetDrive!, we work with teen drivers throughout ISD 196 and surrounding communities, helping students build confidence through one-on-one behind-the-wheel instruction designed specifically for new drivers.

Start with Some Practice First

Many parents assume teens should start behind-the-wheel lessons immediately after getting their permit.

In reality, many students benefit from getting a little practice first.

A good target for many teens is around 10 hours of supervised driving practice before their first professional lesson.

Why?

Because students who already understand basic vehicle controls often:

• Feel less nervous
• Learn faster during lessons
• Spend more time building advanced skills
• Gain confidence more quickly

Every student is different, though. Some students may be ready earlier, while others benefit from additional practice first.

What Skills Should Teens Practice Before Lessons?

Before starting professional behind-the-wheel instruction, teens should ideally have experience with:

• Basic steering control
• Smooth acceleration and braking
• Turning at intersections
• Parking lot driving
• Understanding vehicle controls
• Maintaining lane position

Parents and practice partners don't need to teach everything before lessons begin.

Professional instruction exists to help build those skills.

Why Professional Behind-the-Wheel Lessons Matter

Professional behind-the-wheel instruction provides experiences many families simply cannot recreate consistently.

Benefits include:

• One-on-one instruction
• Exposure to multiple driving environments
• Structured skill progression
• Immediate coaching and feedback
• Building safe driving habits from the beginning

For many students, combining supervised practice with professional instruction creates a strong learning environment that builds confidence and safety behind the wheel.

Minnesota Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

Minnesota requires teen drivers under 18 to complete:

• 30 hours of classroom instruction
• 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
• 50 hours of supervised practice driving (or 40 hours with an approved parent awareness course)

Supervised practice does not need to be completed with parents or guardians. Minnesota allows practice driving with licensed drivers who are at least 21 years old.

Why Scheduling Lessons Closer Together Can Help

Many students benefit from scheduling behind-the-wheel lessons closer together rather than spreading them far apart.

When lessons happen within a shorter time frame, students often:

• Build skills more consistently
• Remember previous lesson concepts more easily
• Progress faster because lessons build on one another
• Develop confidence through repetition and continued practice

Students should still practice between lessons whenever possible, but keeping instruction moving forward consistently often creates stronger results.

Serving ISD 196 Families and Surrounding Communities

ReadySetDrive! provides one-on-one behind-the-wheel lessons for students throughout:

• Farmington
• Apple Valley
• Eagan
• Rosemount
• Burnsville
• Lakeville
• Inver Grove Heights
• Mendota Heights
• And surrounding communities

Our goal is simple:

Help teens become safe, confident drivers through personalized instruction.

Want More Information?

Families often have additional questions about permits, scheduling, lesson structure, practice requirements, and behind-the-wheel expectations.

Visit Frequently asked questions to learn more and explore answers to common questions.

Final Thoughts

There isn't one perfect time to start behind-the-wheel lessons.

For many students, beginning after some initial practice—but before bad habits develop—creates the best learning experience.

The earlier students begin building strong habits, the more confident they often become behind the wheel.

Ready to learn more about behind-the-wheel lessons for your teen?

Visit readysetdrivemn.com to learn more about ReadySetDrive!'s teacher-led, one-on-one driving instruction.