What brought us here

In 2004 the Senate passed Bill 1018 public act 71 which in part removed federal government funding for drivers education and passed that burden onto the States. No states have picked up the burden so all efforts were turned over to privatization of drivers training. Soon after, commercial drivers training companies spawned across the country. To obtain a drivers license you must pass an accredited course, accumulate the required hours behind the wheel, pass a road test and pay for the license at the secretary of state.

At no point has there been an effort to help underserved families clear this financial hurdle. The average tuition cost can be upwards of $500, this is almost impossible for low income families.

The Vision of Take the Wheel is to award grants specifically for the completion of obtaining a license to those who may not have the means to afford private driver’s training. For a lot of families helping their teen get a license takes a back seat to paying rent and putting food on the table. We feel that holding a driver’s license is key to a young adult’s independence, will lead to gainful employment, and provide the ability to help their families. Moving everyone to a brighter future.