“I highly recommend Change Drivers to anyone seeking to obtain their driver’s license. Their expert instructors, personalized approach and supportive environment make them the ideal choice for anyone looking to become a confident and safe driver.”
- ABSE, 19, BORN IN ETHIOPIA
Driver’s Training
Our comprehensive training process combines driving skills instruction with cultural integration coaching.
Our patient and culturally conscious approach begins with an intensive intake process, where we understand each student’s driving history, skillsets, and unique needs. Students engage in pre-work, including a 10-question pre-test and watching educational videos. Our driving instructors provide personalized behind-the-wheel instruction, and when students are ready, we assist with scheduling the
MN State Drivers License test.
Workforce Integration
For Students
Our team of mentors and career coaches help enhance cultural integration into the Minnesota workforce. Working with students to improve job readiness and highlight skills needed for employment. Specific services include vehicle acquisition assistance, resume and job search support, interview coaching and potential introductions to employers.
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For Employers
Change Drivers collaborates with prospective employers to comprehend their workforce needs and connect them with New American workers. This partnership aims to align job opportunities with the skills and aspirations of these workers, fostering mutually beneficial relationships. Specific services
include introducing employers to prospective candidates and providing guidance on diverse workforce integration as needed.
Our Drivers Training Process
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Throughout our entire process, every Change Driver employee provides a patient, culturally conscious approach to each stage. This can range from communication and language to cultural norms along with other “day to day life” questions students may have.
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Intensive Intake Process
We begin by getting to know our students by gaining an understanding of their driving history, skillsets and level of experience. We start to build a personal connection with each of them to help ensure we help meet their unique needs.
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Behind the Wheel Pre-Work and Student Commitment
We provide a 10 question pre-test to help inform/validate drivers readiness for behind-the-wheel instruction. Students are required to watch eight learning videos on various driving scenarios and sign an accountability contract to reinforce their commitment to behind-the-wheel instruction hours.
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Matched with Instructor for Behind-the-wheel Instruction
We work hard to match our students with instructors who can best support their individual needs. Instructors pick up and drop off students using a Change Drivers vehicle. They provide hands-on driving instruction one hour at a time. Students are provided with a Change Drivers workbook as a study aid and to track progress and learnings.
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Driver’s License Test Readiness and Scheduling
After at least six hours of behind the wheel instruction, instructors assess if students are ready to take the MN State Driver’s License test. When students are ready a Change Driver team member will assist students with scheduling the appointment and can provide day-of testing transportation to test site.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Ideal candidates are well focused on goals and motivated to overcome the driver’s license and job opportunity barriers.
Demographics:
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Age: 18+ years old
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​Residency: Minnesota residents.
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(Ramsey County residents age 18-24 may qualify for funding assistance
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Background: Immigrants or refugees.
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Motivation:
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Highly motivated to obtain a driver’s license.
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Language Skills:
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Can communicate at a moderate (driving level) of English.
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Additional Preferences:
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Access to a car for practice between lessons: Preferred.
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Driver’s Permit: Preferred.
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How students get funded
Access Change Drivers through the Ramsey County Program
The Ramsey County Driver’s License Academy is an American Rescue Act funded workforce initiative in partnership with the City of Saint Paul to help young workers aged 18-24 get their driver’s license as a needed work credential.
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No cost for eligible job seekers:
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Job seekers living in Ramsey County, ages 18-24
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Experiencing barriers related to employment and training
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Enrolled in job training programs, industry exploration program or enrolled in credentialed career pathways.
Change Drivers Group Training Program
2 or 3 adult students, training together & sharing the costs of training. While a student drives the others will learn, observe and visualize themselves in the driver's seat operating the car.
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Eligibility for this program:
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New Americans with active learner's permit.
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Able to complete 2 hours of pre-driving videos and a short practice test.
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Be capable to practice and drive between lessons.
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Able to meet at a convenient location for lesson pick up
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Able to afford training costs.​
Change Drivers Individual Training Program
One-on-one private training sessions with a dedicated instructor for those with the budget, commitment, and desire to progress at an accelerated pace
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Eligibility for this program:
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New Americans with active learner's permit.
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Pick up / drop off from home
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Able to complete 2 hours of pre-driving videos and a short practice test.
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Be capable to practice and drive between lessons.
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Able to afford the training costs.​