• Pelican Rapids Schools Driver’s Education Program Overview

    Process to obtain a MN Driver’s License:

    1) Sign the Pelican Rapids Schools Driver Education Contract/Agreement and email to Jannet at PRHS office . Questions regarding payment and forms: 218-863-5910.

    2) Complete 30 hours of Classroom Instruction

    Before you get a learner’s permit in Minnesota you’ll need to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction. The course teaches the principles of road awareness and safety for prospective first-time drivers.  At the Pelican Rapids High School this classroom instruction can be taken during the school day by registering for ‘Driver’s Training’ a 1 quarter class for students in 9th grade.

    Upon successful completion of this class (which requires a minimum of 30 hours of attendance) and payment of the $300.00 Driver's Education fee to the school, students will receive a certificate of enrollment (“Blue Card”).

    Note: The Driver's Education rate of $300 is for ISD 548 district enrolled students. The fee for non-enrolled students is $350.00.

    3) Payment of Driver’s Ed class fee and receipt of “Blue Card”

    Payment can be made online or by check (payable to ISD 548 Driver’s Ed). Online links:

    Enrolled student of ISD 548

    Non-enrolled student of ISD 548

    Note: the Driver's Education fee listed above must be paid in full before the “Blue Card” will be issued.

    4) Complete the Online Driver’s License Pre-Application

    The Driver’s License System Pre-Application Feature allows applicants to fill out a significant portion of their driver’s license or ID card application online. This process takes about 10-15 minutes and will reduce wait times at the driver’s license office.

    Please complete the pre-application no more than 30 days before going to the driver’s license office to take your knowledge and vision tests. Information and the online application can be found on the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) website at: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/default.aspx .

    5) Take the knowledge/learner’s permit test

    Students must present the “Blue Card” at the driver’s license office and have enrolled in behind-the-wheel training.

    • Test is 40 multiple-choice questions; score of 80% required to pass.
    • Must pass an eye exam (bring glasses/contact lenses if needed).
    • Must be at least 15 years old.
    • Must have 2 forms of ID (see MN Driver’s Manual) and a Blue Card.
    • A legal guardian must accompany student.

    6)  Receive knowledge/learner’s permit

    7)  Begin practice driving with supervision and sign up for behind the wheel training

    Contact Mrs. Holl after obtaining knowledge/learner’s permit to sign up for behind-the-wheel training which will be offered and scheduled in the spring/summer. 218-863-5910 x 4828 or Send Email

    Note: Behind the wheel instruction (6 hours) may be available to students who do not attend Pelican Rapids Schools on a case-by-case basis. Cost: $350 Contact Bridgette Holl for more information.

     8) Supervised Driving Log download form

    Effective January 1, 2015, every driver under the age of 18 who completes behind-the-wheel instruction and is testing for a provisional driver’s license must submit a Supervised Driving Log. Parents/guardians have two options regarding the supervised driving log:

    1)  Complete a supplemental parent class (see Point of Impact Parent Workshop below) provided by a driver education program approved in Minnesota, and then submit a Supervised Driving Log showing their teen has completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving (15 of which are nighttime hours).

    2) If the parent/guardian chooses to not complete the Point of Impact Parent Workshop, the Supervised Driving Log must show that their teen has completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving (15 of which are nighttime hours).

    Parents/guardians are encouraged to provide as many additional driving hours with their teen as possible to prepare them to become a safe driver. The driving log must be presented at the time of the road test and submitted with the application for the provisional license.

    9) Point of Impact Parent Workshop (optional)

    Parents have the option to attend a Point of Impact Parent Workshop reducing required hours as stated above. The class increases parent awareness of teen driving risks, Minnesota's teen driver laws, and the important role parents play in developing a safer teen driver. This one-hour class is offered at no charge twice a year (once in the fall and once in the spring).

    10) Behind-the-Wheel Instruction (6 hours)

    Behind-the-wheel is designed to expose students to a variety of driving environments and situations while the student gains the required 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Once behind-the-wheel is completed a “White Card” will be issued). It is important to continue practicing driving lessons with your child so they gain valuable experience and become a safe driver.

    Note: Behind-the-wheel instruction (6 hours) may be available to students who do not attend Pelican Rapids Schools on a case-by-case basis. Cost: $350 Contact Bridgette Holl for more information 218-863-5910 x 4828 or Send Email  .

    Click on link for Practice Driving Suggestions

    11) Take Driving Road Test

    Take driving exam to earn license. Must be at least 16 years old, have held a driver’s permit for 6 months and have a “White Card”. Make reservations early; test stations book up well in advance. To do so, go to: https://driverservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/ or call the testing site.

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    FARM WORK LICENSE:

    Individuals applying for a farm work license, please note that a restricted farm work license only allows students to assist with farm work on farm/agricultural property that is owned or rented/leased by the family.  If you have questions regarding the farm work license statute, which is explained in M.S. 171.041, it may be viewed at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=171.041.  If you wish to apply for a farm work license, please print off and complete the Farm Work License Affidavit and return it to the Driver and Vehicle Services for approval.

    Minnesota Hands-Free Law takes effective August 1, 2019.

    Drivers will no longer be allowed to hold their phone in their hand.  A driver may not use their phone at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos stored on the phone, using apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone.  (NOTE: Hand-held phone use is allowed to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties.) Again, effective August 1, 2019,  It is ILLEGAL for drivers to read/compose/send text messages and emails, or access the Internet using a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic —including stopped in traffic or at a traffic light.  Cell phone use is totally banned for teen drivers during their permit and provisional license stages.  The fine for a person who violates this law is at least $125 on the first offense, and $275 for two or more offenses.

    DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY:

    https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/hands-free/Pages/default.aspx

    IMPACT STORIES:

    https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/hands-free/Pages/impact-stories.aspx

    OTHER RESOURCES: