Unlock the Road
to Independence

We Empower Teens Experiencing Foster Care or Homelessness
to Take the Wheel and Drive Toward a Brighter Future.

Learn More
Take the first step towards your driving journey

About Keys to Independence

We believe that every teen deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their living situation. Our program breaks down the barriers that prevent teens experiencing foster care or homelessness from obtaining their driver’s license. We provide the guidance, resources, and financial support needed to empower young adults to gain their independence and achieve success.

Comprehensive Assistance

Our team provides complete support throughout the licensing process for qualifying teens and young adults.

Financial Support

We offer reimbursements for costs related to licensure, driver's education, and insurance.

Empowering Independence

Obtaining a driver's license enables teens to pursue education, employment, and social opportunities.

Community Impact

Our program fosters self-sufficient young adults, positively impacting the community.

Apply Now

Click Apply Now to begin your journey toward obtaining your drivers’ license today!

Your Journey Starts Here:
Apply Now

Ready to hit the road? Applying to the Keys to Independence program is quick and easy.
Simply follow the steps below:

Click the
"Apply Now" button

Start your journey with a click, and
enter the road to independence.

Complete the online
application form

Provide the necessary details for
a seamless enrollment process.

Submit your
application

Our dedicated K2I team will review
and guide you through the next steps.

Once an application is submitted, a K2I Coordinator will review your
information within 30 days and contact you with further instructions.

Take the First Step:
Apply Now

Don’t wait any longer to embrace your independence. Click “Apply Now” and begin your journey toward obtaining your driver’s license today!

Resources and Support

Navigating the process of obtaining a driver’s license can be challenging,
but you don’t have to do it alone. At Keys to Independence, we offer:

Step-by-step guidance on the licensing process
Access to online courses and test codes
Driving lessons
and support
Insurance assistance and reimbursement
Personalized assistance with any questions or concerns

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Keys to Independence program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Youth experiencing foster care (15-21 years old) and in an out-of-home placement.
  • Young adults enrolled in PESS (18-23 years old)
  • Youth certified as unaccompanied homeless youth and young people experiencing homelessness (16-24 years old)

Benefits of Joining

Enroll in Keys to Independence and experience a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Reimbursement for licensure costs, drivers education, and auto insurance
  • Access to comprehensive driver’s education courses
  • Incentives such as a $50 gift card upon completing milestones
  • A supportive community to guide you every step of the way

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Check out our FAQs section for helpful information on topics such as:

Q.
Do I have to wait until I am 18 years old to get my driver’s license?
A.
No, you do not. If you have a permit in hand and you have had it for 12 months or more, you are eligible to take the road test and get your license.
Q.
Do I have to take the 4-hour drug and alcohol course if I am 18 or older?
A.
Yes. By law, you are required to complete this course before becoming eligible for your permit or license.
Q.
When taking the permit test online, do I need to enter a valid driver’s license number?
A.
Yes. For the permit test to open, an adult over 21 years old must enter a valid driver's license number for the test to launch. The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) uses the license number as a proctor and nothing else.
Q.
Can I take driving lessons without a permit?
A.
No. In order for you to take driving lessons, you need to have a permit in hand. The driving schools will not provide you any lessons unless you show them your permit every time you have a scheduled lesson.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?
Reach out to our team, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Driving Success Stories

Hear from teens and caregivers who have transformed their lives with Keys to Independence. Our Driving Success Stories feature inspiring accounts of those who have overcome obstacles, gained their driver’s licenses, and discovered newfound freedom and independence. Explore their journeys and see how our program can make a difference in your life.

I am very fortunate to have earned a license through the program, Keys To Independence in Florida. The program paid for two driver's ed courses, two tests for both my permit and my license, and supported me every step of the way. Had it not been for such a program, I would most likely have taken far too many more tests and failed, be unable to drive until I'm in my late 20s, and so much more.

Edward Grillo

Youth Experiencing Foster Care

Soon after we learned about the driving classes available through the Keys to Independence program, Gavyn was able to take the driving classes he needed in order to qualify for his driver’s license. We went to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and got his driver’s license soon after. We recently added him as a driver for my vehicle until he is able to get his own car, with the help of the amazing Jasmine and Lisa from K2I. Really, everyone we encountered in that program throughout the process has been incredibly helpful and made the process so easy for us!

Gavyn Hans & Ginny Borolov

Because of this program, and only because of this program, our twins not only have their driver’s license, but they have their owns cars, and I cannot overstate how much this positively impacts their lives” Because of this program, my girls can experience the independence and freedom that “normal” kids have when they get to pick up their friends and go to the mall, to a movie, or just out to lunch. I can confidently say that the Keys to Independence program has been the single greatest support program when it comes to fostering teenagers, who are the most underserved kids in the system.

Darlene Rogers

Licensed Foster Parent

K2I assists our youth, many of whom wouldn’t have this wonderful opportunity to obtain their permit or license if not for the program, achieve teen normalcy. Nearly all of our kids come from such difficult home situations that an independence living skills such as driving may not have been prioritized. Because of this program, our youth are able to feel “normal” like the other teens at their school. Just three of the tangible benefits include: teens feeling a sense of competence while learning to drive, teens participating in the car-buying process, teen driving themselves to school, work or other activities.

Frank Avilla

Director of Career Pathways to Independence at Hibiscus Children’s Village

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