AAA Minneapolis Driving School COVID-19 Information
Below are the COVID-19 safety plans in place for the AAA Minneapolis Driving School programs. To view other company COVID-19 policies, see AAA Minneapolis COVID-19 Policies.
Distance Learning
DPS-DVS approved a variance allowing Minnesota driver education programs to provide driver education via teleconference or other methods of video distant learning in a live setting to their students.
The variance allows driver education programs to offer teleconferencing in place of classroom training to students currently enrolled or planning to enroll with the driver education program until December 31 2021.
The variance states that we may do online classes if the student and the instructor can see and hear each other. AAA Minneapolis will be conducting virtual classroom learning using Zoom and your student will only be able to attend if they have access to a computer that meets basic system requirements, including speakers, microphone and webcam. A cell phone is not a suitable device.
Zoom Meeting Protocol
- Zoom Application System Requirements
- Each day of class will have a unique ID and Password
- Anyone joining the class will go into a waiting room and will be admitted by the instructor or host
- Students must use proper names for attendance purposes
- Disabled screen sharing for students
- Disabled private chat between students
In-Person Learning
We are monitoring CDC guidelines and have plans in place if the need to go back to virtual learning should occur. If we do need to make the switch to virtual learning, we will notify all parents and students as soon as possible with more information.
- Students should not attend class if they are sick (See MN Department of health Decision Tree for guidance).
- Students will be required to wear a face mask in the classroom/building
- Physical social distancing will be implemented to the extent possible
- High touch areas will be cleaned before each class
- Hand sanitizer will be available, and handwashing will be encouraged
- Class size will be limited based on CDC, MDH and Governor's recommendations
- Students must have reservation for class. NO WALK-INS
- Hospitality will not be provided - students may bring a snack and drink
- We recommend that students bring their own writing utensil, highlighter and markers.
Learning Materials
Students will be required to purchase the How to Drive 14th Edition textbook. This is available as an eBook or a hard copy can be purchased at AAA St. Louis Park Headquarters. This cost is in addition to the cost of the classroom package. The remainder of the materials will need to be picked up at AAA. Information regarding the materials pick up and textbook will be sent to enrolled students the week before the start of class.
Safety precautions for Behind-the-Wheel Lessons include but are not limited to the following:
- Lesson may not be conducted if student or instructor are showing symptoms of COVID-19.
- Students and Instructor wear a mask or face covering.
- Students can use any other personal protective equipment they bring.
- Sanitizer and gloves will be available in the vehicle.
- Vehicle will be cleaned between each lesson and each new instructor that uses it.
- Class size will be limited based on CDC, MDH and Governors recommendations.
- Students may not attend if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Students will enter the building using the main entrance door designated for all non-licensing services.
- Students must have reservation for class. NO WALK-INS.
- Students must pre-pay for the class – no money transactions in the class.
- Students will not sign in as usual – instructor will take attendance when they enter the classroom.
- Students are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering, but not required to.
- Hospitality will not be provided – students may bring a snack or drink.
- Break time will have to be in the classroom (except trips to the restroom) no congregating in the atrium or the vending machine/employee break room.
- We recommend that you bring your own writing instrument. If you forget, you will be given a pencil to keep.
- Class will be cleaned after each class.
Virtual Moped Safety Courses will use Zoom. Participants will only be able to attend if they have access to a computer that meets basic system requirements, including speakers, microphone and webcam. A cell phone is not a suitable device.
Zoom Meeting Protocol
- Zoom Application System Requirements
- Anyone joining the class will go into a waiting room and will be admitted by the instructor or host
- Please use your proper name
- Screen sharing will be disabled for students
- Private chat between students will be disabled