Guardian specializes exclusively in Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training. We take students from their first time in the driver’s seat all the way to their official road test.

• The State-Required 6-Hour Package: This is our most popular option. It includes three 2-hour private lessons and satisfies the Minnesota requirement to receive your White Card (Completion Certificate).

• Single 2-Hour Lessons: Perfect for students who have completed their required hours but want to work on specific skills or need an extra boost of confidence before test day.

• One-on-One Instruction: At Guardian, your student will have the same instructor for all three lessons so their growth can be monitored and plans adjusted accordingly.

Note: We focus on the in-car portion of driver’s education. If you still need to complete your 30 hours of classroom instruction, you’ll need to finish that before we can begin our behind-the-wheel lessons.

Guardian was founded to provide a safe, personalized alternative to the larger driving schools.

• True One-on-One Instruction: Your teen gets the instructor’s undivided attention for the full two hours.

• Safety: Your student will train in a 2025 Toyota Camry, equipped with the latest collision-avoidance technology and professional dual controls.

• Seamless Door-to-Door Transitions: All students in our service area will have school-to-school, door-to-door or school-to-home pickup and drop-off.

Minnesota requires 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed driving instructor. These hours are typically completed in three 2-hour sessions.

In addition, teens must complete 50 hours of supervised practice driving with a parent or qualified adult, including 15 hours at night.

Guardian offers individual 2-hour lessons and packages that meet the state’s professional instruction requirement.

The Minnesota Teen Licensing Roadmap

A Step-by-Step Guide from Guardian Driving School

Getting a license in Minnesota is a multi-step journey. We’ve broken it down into three phases to help you and your teen stay on track.

The Complete 6-Hour Package – $425 (Best Value) This is our most popular option and fulfills the State of Minnesota’s behind-the-wheel requirement for teens.

• Includes three 2-hour private lessons.

• Includes the issuance of the Blue Card (for the permit test) and the White Card (upon completion).

• Includes door-to-door pickup and drop-off.

Single 2-Hour Private Lesson – $145

• One-on-one coaching tailored to your specific needs.

• Includes door-to-door pickup and drop-off.

Payment Note: Payment is required at the time of enrollment to secure your lesson slots and receive your Blue Card documentation.

Guardian’s driver training vehicle is a 2025 Toyota Camry, a top-rated safety pick specifically chosen for new drivers. Here’s why it’s perfect for learners:

• Next-Gen Safety (Toyota Safety Sense 3.0).

• Dual-Control: It’s fitted with a professional instructor-side brake.

• Comfort: The Camry has dual-zone climate control as well as highly adjustable seating for drivers of all heights.

We offer door-to-door service to make driver’s education fit seamlessly into your family’s busy schedule. You choose the pickup and drop-off locations that work best for you within our service area.

• Most Common Route: Many of our students choose to start their lesson directly from school and end the lesson at home. We can also pick up and drop off at home.

• The Transition: To provide this level of convenience, your lesson may involve a brief transition where we drop off the previous student or pick up the next one. This allows us to come to you rather than requiring you to come to us!

Note: Please ensure your pickup and drop-off locations are confirmed at the time of booking so we can stay on schedule for all our students.

This is entirely up to your comfort level and your teen’s nerves.

We have a comprehensive curriculum—including complex traffic, highways, and specific maneuvers—for students who are ready. The instructor’s first responsibility is to keep your driver and the general public safe.

• The Ideal Starting Point: Before our first drive, your teen should ideally be comfortable with the absolute basics: starting, smooth braking, turning the steering wheel, and maintaining basic lane position in a quiet residential area or empty parking lot.

• When You Have a Head Start: When a student comes to us with these basics mastered, we can immediately dive into our curriculum, maximizing the value of your 6-hour package.

• If You Want Us to Do the First Drive: We can take your student on the very first "white-knuckle" drive! We will start slow in a safe lot to help ease the nerves.

To get the most out of our time behind the wheel, we recommend a quick "pre-flight" check. Coming prepared helps you stay focused and keeps our training environment professional.

• The Permit (Non-Negotiable): You must have your physical permit with you. State law is strict: No permit, no drive. If you forget it, we’ll have to reschedule, and a late cancellation fee may apply.

• Log Your Progress: Have your driving log updated. I highly recommend the RoadReady app to track your 50 hours; it’s much easier than a paper shuffle!

• Rest and Hydrate: Driving requires 100% of your focus. Being overly tired can be just as dangerous as driving impaired. Make sure you’ve had a good night’s sleep and a glass of water.

• The "Post-Practice" Refresh: Many of our students come straight from sports or band practice. If that’s you, let me know! I’ll adjust our start time slightly so you have time to grab a snack and freshen up.

  • Why? You’ll feel more alert, you’ll learn better, and since we’re sharing a small cabin for two hours, we’ll both appreciate the fresh start!

• Footwear Matters: Please wear closed-toe shoes with a flat sole (sneakers are best). Floppy sandals, heavy boots, or high heels make it much harder to "feel" the pedals.

To get the most value out of your 6 hours of professional instruction, we highly recommend mastering the absolute basics before we meet. In the weeks and days ahead of our first lesson, head to a large, empty parking lot (schools, churches, or businesses after hours are perfect!) with a trusted adult to practice the following:

• Master the "Cockpit": Familiarize yourself with the seat adjustments, steering wheel position, turn signals, headlights, wipers, and hazard lights.

• Check Your Vision: Learn how to properly adjust your rear-view and side mirrors, and identify the vehicle's blind spots.

• Feel the Pedals: Practice shifting into drive and reverse to get the car moving. Practice both smooth, gradual braking and a few hard stops so you feel how the brakes respond.

• Steering & Scanning: Practice wide turns and figure-eights to get a feel for how the steering wheel turns and returns. Keep your eyes up and practice scanning your surroundings.

• Take It to the Streets (When Ready): Since you have your learner’s permit, you are legally allowed to practice on public roads. When you feel confident, transition to quiet residential streets to practice the rules of the road and scanning for pedestrians and bikes.

If you come to your first lesson with these basics already dialed in, we can jump right into the advanced, state-required curriculum—like complex intersections, higher speeds, and parking maneuvers.

You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly.