Advanced Teen Driver Training in Michigan: 2026 Sessions

If you’re the parent of a new driver, you probably know the feeling. Getting a driver’s license is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. While driver’s education teaches the rules of the road, many parents still wonder whether their teen is truly prepared for real-world situations.

That’s where Teen Street Skills comes in.

This Michigan nonprofit gives teens the opportunity to practice advanced driving techniques in a controlled environment while building confidence behind the wheel. Designed for teens ages 15-19 who have completed Segment 1 driver’s education, the program focuses on skills that go beyond what most new drivers experience during traditional driver’s ed.

What is Teen Street Skills?

Teen Street Skills is a Michigan nonprofit dedicated to helping newly permitted and newly licensed drivers become safer, more confident drivers.

Rather than learning in everyday traffic, participants spend time on a closed driving course with experienced instructors, working through real driving situations in a safe environment. Parents are encouraged to attend and watch their teens throughout the session, giving them a firsthand look at the progress their new driver is making.

The organization also incorporates its EyesDrive message throughout the program, helping educate teens about the dangers of distracted driving while reinforcing safe driving habits that can last a lifetime.

What do teens learn?

Teen Street Skills goes beyond traditional driver’s education by putting teens behind the wheel in a controlled environment where they can safely practice situations they may eventually face on public roads.

Throughout the 3.5-hour program, participants work through hands-on exercises focused on:

• Driving basics and defensive driving behavior
• Emergency braking
• Skid control
• Accident avoidance
• Vehicle control and hazard awareness
• Car Knowledge 2.0
• Car financial literacy

The goal is to help teens build the confidence and awareness needed to react calmly in unexpected situations while becoming safer, more responsible drivers.

Why programs like this matter

Learning to drive doesn’t stop after passing a driver’s education course.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for teenagers in the United States. Teen Street Skills also notes that 1 in 5 sixteen-year-old drivers is involved in a crash during their first year of driving, while 40% of high school students report texting or emailing behind the wheel.

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning encourages parents to stay actively involved with their teen’s driving experience and emphasizes that additional supervised practice helps reduce crash risk.

Programs like Teen Street Skills allow young drivers to safely experience emergency situations, defensive driving techniques, and vehicle dynamics before they ever encounter them on public roads.

What we saw at Teen Street Skills

RAW Detroit recently visited one of Teen Street Skills’ sessions at M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

Throughout the morning, teens rotated through instructor-led exercises while parents watched from the sidelines. Instructors worked one-on-one with participants, explaining techniques, providing feedback after each run, and encouraging students as they gained confidence behind the wheel.

The atmosphere balanced serious safety education with positive encouragement. By the end of the session, many students looked noticeably more comfortable driving than when they first arrived.

Founder Robbie Buhl says the goal is simple:

“They come away with more confidence and more awareness. When they have that panic situation on the road, it’s going to help them. We’re putting them in awkward situations.”

That mission was evident throughout the morning as teens practiced new skills in a safe, controlled environment while instructors emphasized awareness, preparation, and responsible decision-making.

Upcoming Michigan sessions

Teen Street Skills will host additional sessions August 11-13, 2026, at the Schoolcraft College Academy Training Center in Livonia.

Each participant attends one 3.5-hour session, with both 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. options available each day. The program is open to teens ages 15–19 who have completed Segment 1 driver’s education.

There is a $155 registration fee, which helps support the nonprofit’s operating costs. Scholarships are also available for families who need financial assistance, ensuring cost isn’t a barrier to participation.

Some auto insurance companies also offer discounts for teens who complete advanced driver training programs, so families are encouraged to check with their insurance provider to learn whether they qualify.

Because sessions often fill quickly, early registration is encouraged.

To learn more or register, visit TeenStreetSkills.org.

—–> SIGN UP HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in Teen Street Skills?

The program is open to teens ages 15-19 who have completed Segment 1 driver’s education before attending.

How long is the Teen Street Skills program?

Each participant attends one 3.5-hour session, with morning and afternoon options available.

Where does Teen Street Skills take place?

For the 2026 season, sessions are being held at the Schoolcraft College Academy Training Center in Livonia. Earlier sessions were also held at M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

Does Teen Street Skills offer scholarships?

Yes. Scholarships are available for families who need financial assistance. Interested families can contact Teen Street Skills for additional information.

Is Teen Street Skills worth it?

For parents looking to give their teen additional experience beyond traditional driver’s education, the program offers hands-on instruction in emergency braking, skid control, accident avoidance, defensive driving, and other practical skills that are difficult to replicate during everyday driving.