Adjusting to a new country can be extremely challenging!

Change Drivers provides a path to help New Americans overcome 3 of the key barriers to achieving self-sufficiency and independence.

Driver’s License- Vehicle Ownership - Employment

Who do we serve?

Change Drivers helps develop adults who are working to increase their stability and independence in their communities via better transportation and career opportunities. 

New Americans (immigrants & refugees) are our primary focus right now as this is an adult only program, but any adults who are working towards change are welcome to apply!

Ideal candidates are well focused on goals and motivated to overcome the driver’s license and job opportunity barriers.

Program Requirements

  • A “driving level” of English is required in order to pass the road driving test with DMV to get your license. This level of English is also required to be accepted into one of our classes.

    (English translators may be partnered with each class)

  • Each candidate must have read through the driver’s manual (In their native language if needed) and have attempted at least one a practice test to share results with instructors.

  • To Be Determined

    We are currently working with nonprofits and other organizations (which offer many other development classes) on assistance with some of the program costs.

    *Likely there will be a small fee to each student, but Change Drivers will work to avoid or minimize that to the lowest possible cost we can.

mission

  • Growth can only begin with a solid foundation

  • What it’s all about…

  • The backbone of any success

  • Achieving certainty in making one’s own decisions

  • Achieving the ability to become self-dependent

  • Fully charting one’s own path in life. The ultimate goal!

Mission Through Process

  • Assessment

    STABILITY - A full deep dive assessment into each immigrant’s background, driving history, personal goals, capability, talents and skill gaps are just a few of the topics covered. The objective through the initial assessment is to collaborate, with all parties involved, on possible paths and solutions which can offer the highest level of success for everyone.

  • Driver Education

    LOVE - One of our patient and attentive state certified driving instructors leads group classes with immigrant new drivers to prepare them for the difficult written learners permit test. The MN state driving manual is 107 detailed pages, all in English, and often is seen as the most challenging step for anyone to achieve a license. Extra time to mentor and tutor struggling students is available as needed.

  • Simulator Training

    SKILL DEVELOPMENT - Utilizing the newest technology our simulators offer realistic road sceneries and offer driving challenges to be practiced (winter driving, pedestrians & pedal bike awareness, constrained parking, distracted driving, etc). With very low cost and zero consequences, each immigrant will gain much needed practice, confidence and develop skills before ever getting behind the wheel of a real car.

  • Behind the wheel

    CONFIDENCE - Once they have gained their learners permit, simulator training is complete, and we feel students are ready, the next step is on the road practice. Each student will drive a Change Drivers vehicle with one of our certified instructors for further skill development training. The average student required 6 hours of driving time (more if need) to feel confident and ready for the final step, passing the DMV road test and gaining a license.

  • Vehicle Ownership

    INDEPENDENCE - Partnering with local car dealers and online resources, we assist in the process of locating, inspecting, purchasing and insuring a used vehicle. Closing the loop on full transportation independence and conquering a huge barrier to full integration into our society.

    *Potential financial assistance available.

  • Employment

    EMPOWERMENT - Stable, rewarding and a well-paying job is a one of everyone’s goals, including all new immigrants. A driver’s license and vehicle opens up so many tremendous opportunities to get that good career started! Employers, who are outside the metro transit lines, are desperate for these New Americans to come into their companies and succeed. We work with a variety of vetted employers, in all different fields, who are ready to train, integrate and financially reward these talented people into a new work home.

    A true win win for everyone!

More Info