What Makes Right Away Driving School Different?
One of the most common questions we get is:
That’s a great question, and we’re happy to answer!
We Are NOT Affiliated with Forest Lake High School
Although we’re just across the street, we have no connection to the high school’s driver’s ed program. We're a completely separate, locally owned business—and proud of it!
Live, Real-Time Instruction
When your student joins a Right Away Driver’s Ed class—whether in person or via Zoom—they’ll be taught by a live, licensed instructor.
No pre-recorded video lectures. No sitting silently for 3 hours watching a screen.
If you're looking for a more engaging, hands-on experience, Right Away is the right choice.
No Hidden Fees — Ever
We keep it transparent and affordable.
Permit Test Fee: $10 (set by the state of Minnesota)
Filing Fee: $0 — we don’t charge one
Gas Surcharges: Never
⚠️ Some schools charge up to $35 in extra fees just to file your paperwork. If a student needs to retake the permit test, those costs can double—yikes!
Do your homework before you enroll.
We’re Local, and We’re Proud of It
Right Away Driving School is a small, family-owned business—not a big corporation.
We have 4 convenient locations: Forest Lake, North Branch, Princeton, and Chisago
Our staff and instructors live here, raise families here, and care deeply about our community
Choosing us means supporting local jobs and reinvesting in your hometown
Certified, Trusted Instructors
Our instructors go through a rigorous licensing process, including multiple tests, ride-alongs, and background checks.
All staff are personally known and vetted by the owners.
Why Families Love RAD (Right Away Driving)
✅ Behind-the-Wheel scheduling is available online
✅ Option to take the permit test in our office (no trip to Arden Hills!)
✅ Option to take the road test in our vehicle
✅ Flexible payment plans available
✅ Make-up classes offered at any location
✅ New classes every two weeks
✅ Students can switch between class times as needed
✅ Free printed manuals (unless lost)
✅ Use of driving simulators, beer goggles, and other hands-on tools
✅ Pizza parties and donuts during summer classes
✅ A fun, upbeat, and safe learning environment
✅ Instruction tailored to all learning styles—visual, auditory, verbal, and hands-on
(including flash cards, Drivers Ed BINGO, under-the-hood demos, and more!)
We're Not Just Teaching Driving—We’re Building Confidence
At Right Away Driving School, we believe learning to drive should be engaging, personal, and fun. We treat every student like family, and we love watching them grow into safe, confident drivers.
Please remember our name—Right Away Driving School—and help us spread the word to friends and neighbors. Your support means the world to us.
Shop local. Dream big. Stay RAD.
The RAD Team
