Franchise the Road to Safety: Everything You Need to Know About Franchising a SafeWay Driving Location
- Alex Niall
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
Looking for a business opportunity that makes a difference while driving for long-term success? Franchising a SafeWay Driving location in Texas might be your perfect fit. With over 50 years of trust in the driver education space, SafeWay Driving combines innovation, impact, and profitability, backed by a brand that’s serious about safety.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to invest or a community leader looking to serve, this guide breaks down what it takes to own a SafeWay Driving franchise and why it’s a unique opportunity in today’s growing driver education market.
Why SafeWay Driving?
Not all schools are created equal. SafeWay Driving has trained more than 275,000 drivers since 1973. Founded by educators and currently led by a former NASCAR driver turned safety advocate, SafeWay has built a legacy of trust in Texas communities.
A Track Record of Trust and Results
Founded in 1973 by educators Gene and Jeanne Walker
Rebuilt for innovation by Brad Coleman and family by adding modern vehicles, online curriculum, and cutting-edge systems.
Students are nearly half as likely to be involved in a crash compared to those in other parent-taught or commercial programs. (SafeWay student crash rate is 2.80%, vs. 4.95% state average***).
These aren’t just numbers; they’re lives changed, families protected, and safer communities.
A Smart Investment with Real Impact
The U.S. driver education industry is currently valued at over $1.5 billion and growing**. In Texas, anyone under 25 must complete a driver education course before obtaining a license, creating a steady demand for high-quality training programs.
SafeWay Driving Makes It Easy to Get Started
Estimated Initial Investment*: $58,400 - $163,000
Average Annual Revenue per Car*: $89,741
No storefront required: While a storefront is recommended, instructors can meet students at community locations, reducing overhead.
Cars are replaced every four years, fully equipped with GPS, instructor brakes, cameras, mirrors, and more.
In short, it’s a streamlined business model that delivers value and peace of mind, not just for your customers, but for you as the owner too.
The 7 Features That Power the SafeWay Franchise Model
SafeWay Driving isn’t just another driving school. It’s a proprietary system built to scale. As a franchisee, you gain access to a robust set of tools, training, and support services that make it easier to run a modern business.
Proprietary Tools and Support Include:
Instructor Training System - Train smarter, faster, and better.
Driver Assessment Tool - Evaluate student readiness with data-driven feedback
Online Teen Curriculum - TDLR-approved and available 24/7/365.
Online Adult Curriculum - Convenient for adults regardless of where they are in life.
S.A.F.E. Certification - A premium service offering to boost revenue and outcomes.
SafeWay University - Ongoing franchisee and instructor education.
Custom Operating System - Paperless, streamlined backend for scheduling, billing, and reporting.
When you franchise with SafeWay Driving, you’re not building alone; you’re joining a team that already knows what works.
Who Should Consider Franchising a Driving School?
You don’t have to be a driving instructor to open a SafeWay franchise. In fact, the brand was originally built by educators and continues to attract people who are passionate about teaching, community service, and smart entrepreneurship.
Ideal Candidates May Be:
Current or former educators or school administrators
Certified Driving Instructors
Driving Enthusiasts
Law enforcement, military, and firefighting professionals
Entrepreneurs looking for a mission-driven investment
Multi-unit franchisees
Sales and marketing professionals
Parents who care about safe roads for their teens
Veterans looking to start a local business with impact
If you believe in teaching safety, delivering exceptional customer experience, and making a real difference, this may be the franchise for you.
Franchising Support from Day One
When you invest in a SafeWay Driving franchise, you’re not on your own. From initial setup to everyday operations, the support team is there to help you build, launch, and grow your business.
Support Includes:
Business Launch Guidance - Site selection, marketing kickoff, and onboarding.
Marketing Materials and Tools - From online ads to local flyers.
Ongoing Training - Through SafeWay University and one-on-one coaching.
Customer Service Systems - Centralized registration, corporate call support, and billing tools to streamline your admin work.
A Brand with Real Safety Outcomes
SafeWay Driving’s commitment to quality goes beyond education. It’s about outcomes. According to DPS data:
SafeWay Driving students are nearly half as likely to be in a crash as those taught through parent-taught programs or other commercial schools***.
That’s not just a marketing claim; it’s based on real-world driving outcomes.
In an industry where safety is the product, that kind of performance speaks volumes.
What’s Next? How to Get Started
Franchising a SafeWay Driving location starts with a conversation. You can schedule an initial discovery call, review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and explore an Online Opportunity Analysis to assess your area’s potential before investing.
There’s no obligation to learn more, but the sooner you start, the sooner you can bring safer roads and smart business to your local community.
Final Thoughts: Build a Business That Saves Lives
Franchising with SafeWay Driving means you’re not just starting a business; you’re building a better, safer community. With strong brand equity, powerful tools, and franchisee-first systems, this opportunity combines business with purpose.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a part of a business that matters, now’s the time to drive that vision forward. Ready to learn more? Fill out this form to schedule your discovery call or explore available territories in your area.
Disclosures:
*As reported in the SafeWay Driving 2025 FDD and based upon reported figures for the period from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 for the franchisee-owned SafeWay Driving outlets. A franchisee’s results may differ from the represented performance. Information made available through this or related advertisements is for general information only. Offers are made only through an effective Franchise Disclosure Document.