Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Driving School in Cedar Rapids
Safe Driver Drivers Education has been dedicated to providing comprehensive driver education in Cedar Rapids since 2009. Founded by Chris Rolwes, a seasoned educator with over 31 years of instructional experience, our school combines classroom learning with hands-on training to prepare students for safe, confident driving. Our team of certified instructors includes experienced teachers and professionals who bring diverse expertise to our programs. We offer flexible learning options, including in-person, virtual, and parent-taught formats, ensuring accessibility for all students. Our curriculum aligns with Iowa state requirements and incorporates insights from law enforcement, medical professionals, and vehicle maintenance experts.We prioritize community service, serving students from Cedar Rapids and surrounding districts while maintaining partnerships with local schools and organizations. Our hybrid learning model integrates two in-person sessions with asynchronous online lessons, providing a balanced educational experience. With a focus on safety, practical skills, and personalized instruction, we aim to build a foundation of responsible driving habits that last a lifetime.
Services
Teen Driver Ed
Adult Driver Ed
Behind-the-Wheel Training
Parent-Taught Program
Online Driver Ed
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer Iowa state-approved curriculum developed with transportation experts
- Our instructors include licensed educators with decades of combined experience
- Flexible learning options: in-person, virtual, and parent-taught programs available
- Hybrid courses combine classroom instruction with practical behind-the-wheel training
- Community-focused approach serving Cedar Rapids and surrounding school districts
Services
Teen Driver Ed
Our teen driver education program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare students for licensing exams. The curriculum includes vehicle maintenance basics, safety protocols, and law enforcement perspectives. Students complete 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice and 12 hours of observation with certified instructors.
Adult Driver Ed
Designed for adult learners, this program focuses on building confidence and mastering road rules through personalized instruction. Flexible scheduling accommodates busy lifestyles while covering essential driving techniques and test preparation strategies for license acquisition or renewal.
Behind-the-Wheel Training
Professional driving instruction covers city, suburban, and highway environments with customized lesson plans. Students practice parking, traffic navigation, and emergency maneuvers under the guidance of experienced instructors who emphasize safety and skill development.
Parent-Taught Program
This flexible option combines four instructor-led lessons with parent-supervised observation hours. The program includes structured curriculum materials and instructor support while allowing families to complete training at their own pace within state requirements.
Online Driver Ed
Asynchronous online courses through Canvas platform provide flexible learning options. Students complete theoretical instruction at their own pace while meeting state requirements, with access to instructors for questions and progress tracking throughout the program.
People
Chris Rolwes
Owner + Instructor
Founder with 31 years of instructional experience, Chris develops curriculum and teaches both classroom and driving sessions. He serves on the Safety Educators of Iowa Board and collaborates with the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Brad Tower
Driving Instructor
Physical education teacher and coach with 13 years of teaching experience, Brad brings his passion for education to driver training, focusing on life skills development through practical instruction since 2024.
Andrew Tower
Driving Instructor
Experienced physical education teacher who joined our team in 2024, Andrew emphasizes safety and confidence-building in his driving instruction approach while maintaining his commitment to youth education.
Max Matthais
Driving Instructor
Special education teacher and sports coach with extensive behind-the-wheel instruction experience, Max has been teaching driver education for several years, combining patience with practical skill development.
Marvin Trachta
Driving Instructor
Retired Cedar Rapids Community School District educator with decades of driver education experience, Marvin provides summer instruction drawing on his extensive background in both classroom and behind-the-wheel teaching.
Questions
What driver education options do you offer for teens?
We provide comprehensive teen programs including 6-hour behind-the-wheel training, 12-hour observation requirements, and hybrid classroom instruction with in-person and online components.
Are your instructors certified and experienced?
Yes, all our instructors are fully licensed and insured, with combined decades of experience in driver education and classroom teaching.
Do you offer adult driver education courses?
Yes, we provide adult driver education with flexible scheduling and personalized instruction for both new drivers and those seeking skill enhancement.
What learning formats are available?
We offer in-person, virtual, and parent-taught hybrid formats with two required in-person sessions and asynchronous online lessons through Canvas.
How do I register for driver education?
Registration is available online through our scheduling software, with options for free/reduced lunch waivers available starting February 1, 2026.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Cedar Rapids, Linn County, and surrounding school districts with accessible driver education programs for all students.
Reviews (2)
Jocelyn Loveless
Jun 11, 2021
Report
I give them the benefit of the doubt as I had taken the class during quarantine. However some very important lessons were either too confusing or just barely tapped the surface of the most important part. I realize that I should've emailed with questions but I now still face lots of confusion while driving.
Liz Micka
May 31, 2020
Report
Mr. Rolwes taught myself and my two siblings drivers ed (classroom and driving) from 2008-2012. He was an excellent teacher and very good at explaining how to drive in the classroom and while driving. Glad to see he ventured out on his own instead of cookie cutter driver ed businesses!
