Black chalkboard sign with white stencil lettering advertising driver's education courses for teens and adults, open to residents of northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas, requiring a Missouri instruction permit or license.
A graphic design promoting driver safety education with a cartoon superhero boy dressed as a safety nerd, a gray sedan car with a safety shield decal, and text indicating it's a driver education event organized by St. Joseph Safety & Health Council.

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING A TEEN OR ADULT FOR DRIVER’S EDUCATION?

Driver's education provides numerous positive outcomes, equipping new drivers with essential skills and knowledge for safe and responsible driving. It builds confidence behind the wheel by teaching key techniques, such as proper vehicle handling, defensive driving, and adherence to traffic laws. Through structured lessons and supervised practice, students gain a strong understanding of road safety and how to handle various driving scenarios, from adverse weather conditions to busy intersections. Driver's ed also fosters a sense of accountability, emphasizing the importance of reducing risks to themselves, passengers, and other road users. Ultimately, it helps create safer roads by producing well-informed drivers who are better prepared to make sound decisions, reducing accidents and promoting a culture of responsibility. This program does not exempt you from the requirement to take the Missouri Driving Test.

Throughout the week, our Driver’s Education students have the opportunity to learn from a variety of guest speakers and safety partners who bring real-world experience and powerful lessons about safe driving. We kick off the class with First Impact. They help parents and teens understand Missouri’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) law and how to work together to build safe driving habits. We kindly request that the parents accompany their teen for this section.

Here’s a brief overview of what each session covers:

  1. First Impact -Educates teens & parents on Missouri's Graduated Driver License (GDL) law, provides coaching tools, and aims to reduce teen crashes, injuries, and fatalities by empowering

    parents to effectively support and enforce safe driving habits. (We ask that parents take the time to attend this part of the program)

  2. Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver’s Examiner – Provides insight into what to expect during the driving test and common mistakes new drivers make.

  3. MSHP Troop Mechanic – Teaches students about vehicle maintenance and safety checks that every driver should know before hitting the road.

  4. Don Tolly & Associates – Shares important information about insurance, financial responsibility, and the real costs of car ownership.

  5. MU Healthcare – “Is It Worth It?” Program – Offers a powerful perspective on the consequences of distracted and impaired driving.

  6. MSHP Seat Belt Convincer – Gives students a hands-on demonstration of why wearing a seat belt is so critical.

  7. ThinkFirst – Features stories from individuals who have experienced life-changing injuries due to crashes, reinforcing the importance of safe choices.

    We end the Friday with MSHP Impairment Golf Cart Experience & Driving Simulator – Ends the week with an interactive session showing how alcohol and distractions affect reaction time and driving ability.

    These sessions help our students gain not only driving skills but also a deeper understanding of the responsibility and impact of their choices behind the wheel.

The classroom sessions will be in Room 205 at Popplewell Hall on the MWSU campus. You can find all this information and a map by clicking the button below. 

If you need a scholarship please apply below before registering for the class.

Scholarship registration must be submitted by May 15th.

We are pleased to announce that we have 11 scholarships available. To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must either receive government assistance or meet the household income criteria outlined below. If you are interested, please register using the apply for scholarship button and upload your proof to your profile.

As a scholarship recipient, it is essential that you attend all scheduled classes and drive times. Failure to do so will result in the requirement to pay the full fee.

Scholarship income scale

Need other options to cover the fees check out the program below!

Flyer for Keys to Independence program featuring a young girl smiling, with information on driving teens' program benefits, eligibility requirements, and application process.

Have Questions? Contact Kerri Krumme at 816-233-3330 or kerri@stjoesafetycouncil.org

Video taken at Driver’s Education, showing the importance of wearing a seatbelt

Adult Driver's Education logo

2026 Adult Driver’s Ed does not have set dates. If you are interested click the reserve a spot here button.

Have Questions? Contact Kerri Krumme at 816-233-3330 or kerri@stjoesafetycouncil.org