Driving Schools in the United States: Do Muslims Own and Operate Them?

Driving schools in the U.S. are regulated at the state level, typically by Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Departments of Transportation. These schools provide:

• Classroom or online driving theory

• Behind-the-wheel training

• Road test preparation

Licensing standards apply equally to all owners, regardless of religion or nationality.

Are There Muslim-Owned Driving Schools?

In states with sizable Muslim populations—such as Michigan, New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, Illinois, and Virginia—there are Muslim-owned or Muslim-run driving schools. These schools often:

• Serve immigrant communities

• Offer instruction in Arabic, Urdu, Somali, Turkish, or French

• Provide female instructors for women, when requested

• Maintain culturally sensitive environments

However, these schools are not exclusive and are open to students of all backgrounds.

 Do Driving Schools Have to Be American-Owned?

 U.S. law does not require driving schools to be owned by U.S. citizens. Owners may be:

• Naturalized citizens

• Permanent residents (green card holders)

• Legal residents with business authorization

What matters is legal business registration, instructor certification, insurance, and compliance with state laws, not religion or ethnicity.

 Do Muslims Have Special Rules for Learning to Drive?

Muslim learners follow the same driving laws and testing procedures as all Americans:

• Written knowledge test

• Vision test

• Road skills test

Some Muslim students may prefer schools that respect modesty, gender preferences, or language needs, but this is a personal choice, not a legal requirement.

Can Muslim Americans Become Driving Instructors?

 Muslim Americans can:

• Become certified driving instructors

• Open driving schools

• Teach both Muslims and non-Muslims

Many instructors from Muslim backgrounds play an important role in helping new immigrants integrate into American society by teaching safe driving and traffic laws.

 Why Are Community-Based Driving Schools Important?

Community-oriented driving schools help:

• Reduce language barriers

• Improve road safety

• Increase access to employment (many jobs require driving)

• Support immigrant and refugee integration

They contribute positively to local economies and public safety.