Driver’s Education
Driver’s Education Removing Barriers, One Mile at a Time
For many students, learning to drive is more than a rite of passage—it’s a life-changing step toward independence. A license opens the door to internships, jobs, dual-enrollment classes, and real-world experiences that require reliable transportation. It’s not just about getting from point A to B—it’s about showing up prepared for the opportunities ahead.
At the DPSCD Foundation, we believe every student deserves that chance. That’s why we’re investing in driver’s education as a gateway to mobility, safety, and confidence. Through programs like Drive to Thrive, we’re equipping students with essential life skills and empowering them to take the wheel—on the road and in their future.
Driver’s Education at a Glance
With support from the Detroit Public Safety Foundation and General Motors, the District’s Drive to Thrive program provides DPSCD students with access to free, high-quality driver’s education—removing financial barriers and making mobility more accessible.
The program includes:
- Classroom Instruction
Certified instructors teach traffic laws, road safety principles, and driving theory to prepare students to become responsible drivers. - Behind-the-Wheel Training
Students get hands-on experience navigating real roads with licensed instructors guiding every turn. - Simulator Practice
In select programs, students can build confidence through driving simulators before getting behind the wheel. - Pathway to Licensure
Upon successful completion, students receive the certificate required to earn a Michigan driver’s license.
Drive to Thrive is made possible through grant funding and community support—and continued investment is essential to keeping this opportunity free and accessible to more students.
Power What’s Possible
Driver’s education empowers students in more ways than one. It builds self-reliance, expands access to academic and career opportunities, and encourages safe, informed decision-making behind the wheel. It’s how we help our students show up—with confidence, readiness, and the freedom to pursue their goals.
When you support driver’s education, you’re not just funding a class—you’re fueling independence, responsibility, and real-world readiness. Help us keep programs like Drive to Thrive rolling forward so more students can take the wheel and drive toward a brighter future.
