Key barriers many New Americans face when attempting to gain independence:

-Access to drivers education training which blends with language barriers.

-Cost of behind the wheel driving practice sessions.

-Confidence in realizing their previous job skills & talents are needed by local business which can result in a successful career.

-Connections and networking contacts for employment placement which line up with their skills, talents and goals.

-Independence gained through purchase of a reliable vehicle (with possible financial assistance).

Apply Today Drive Tomorrow

To get started, simply complete our application form and our team will promptly reach out to you

Newly arrived immigrants and refugees face multiple challenges when seeking to settle in a new country, including reliable transportation.  When job openings, family support locations and social activities are outside the metro transit lines, it creates significant bounders to stability, self-sufficiency and exploring new opportunities.

We understand the importance of having a driver's license and the life changes it will provide, which is why we strive to make our process as accessible as possible. Along with reliable vehicle purchases and partnering with our local businesses to help New Americans locate a meaningful career in our community.

Change Drivers is committed to providing support and resources to help overcome the obstacles of:

Driver’s License - Vehicle Ownership - Career Placement

Testimonials

  • Life Changing

    Angelique - St Paul, Minnesota

    “Not having a driver's license has been a challenge ever since I arrived here in the United States. It limits my job options and forces me to work part-time. I have to wake up very early to catch the bus and sometimes I still end up being late for work. I can only buy groceries at specific stores and have to go many times because of the limit on the amount of groceries I can carry at once. I have tried to pay driving instructors for road practice but quickly realized that I couldn’t afford it.

    If I had a driver's license, my life would be easier and less stressful. I could find a better-paying job and work more hours to pay my bills. Unfortunately, even if I manage to get a driver’s license, I am afraid I won't be able to afford buying a car.

    I was so happy when I learnt that the Change Drivers is willing to help people who are in the same situation as mine. I’m hoping that they could offer affordable lessons and resources to help me pass my test. In addition to that, I hope they can provide financial assistance to help me purchase a car. This would greatly improve my quality of life, open up more Job opportunities and offer me more financial stability.”

  • Hope restored

    Albert - Minneapolis, Minnesota

    "When I first arrived in Minnesota as a refugee, I was struck by how welcoming the community was. Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country, I felt hopeful about my future. However, as I began my search for employment, I quickly realized that not having a driver's license was a major obstacle. I felt discouraged as I searched online for affordable driving lessons. I couldn’t find any. Though there were many resources available for refugees in other areas such as housing, English as a second language class, I couldn't find any help with driving lessons.

    Fortunately, a friend told me about the Change Drivers. I contacted them and now they are helping me prepare for the test. I am grateful for the work this organization does and the hope they have restored in me. I am excited for the possibilities that lie ahead.”

Path to success

  • Assessment

    STABILITY - A full deep dive assessment into each New Americans background, goals, skill gap, capability and talent. Goal is to guide them to a path with the highest level of success for all parties involved.

  • Mentorship

    LOVE - Helping with study assistance utilizing our patient instructors and volunteer base to prepare and run practice testing to help pass the written driving exam. Thus conquering this difficult step for New Americans to obtain their driver learner’s permit.

  • Simulator Training

    SKILL DEVELOPMENT - Gain practice and confidence with low cost and zero consequences before ever getting into a real car. Offers the ability to encounter surprise challenges, such as bad weather driving, pedestrians and bikers, tricky intersections, etc.

  • Driving Classes

    CONFIDENCE - Once prepared we connect them to one of our certified driving school partners to practice on the road and prepare them for the DMV on the road test.

  • Car Ownership

    INDEPENDENCE - With our partners we can assist with the process of locating, inspecting, purchasing and insuring a vehicle. Closing the loop on full independence and integration into our transportation system.

  • Career Path

    EMPOWERMENT - Stable employment is a one of every New Americans key goals. A driver’s license opens up such tremendous opportunities for higher paying, more rewarding and equally beneficial to employers who are outside the metro transit lines and desperate for help. A true win win for everyone!

Get in touch

We understand that adjusting to a new country can be a challenging experience. At Change Drivers, we strive to ease the transition. To get started, simply complete our application form and our team will promptly reach out to you.