Ford to offer free teen driver clinics near Chicago

Ford Philanthropy, the Governors Highway Safety Association and the Illinois Department of Transportation will host free Ford Driving Skills for Life training for teens June 27-28 in Matteson, Ill. The clinics come ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series weekend in Chicago and aim to give new drivers hands-on safety practice beyond standard driver’s ed.

Why it matters: - The clinics are designed to give newly licensed and permitted teens practical driving experience that can help reduce crash risk. - The training focuses on hazard recognition, vehicle control and distraction avoidance, skills that can save lives on Illinois roads. - Ford is tying the event to the NASCAR weekend, but the goal is road safety, not racing.

What happened: - Ford Philanthropy is teaming up with the Governors Highway Safety Association and the Illinois Department of Transportation to host four free Ford Driving Skills for Life clinics. - The sessions will take place June 27-28, 2026, at Manheim Chicago in Matteson, Ill. - The event comes the week before the NASCAR Cup Series reaches Chicagoland Speedway. - Ford Driving Skills for Life has been running since 2003.

The details: - The program pairs teen drivers with professional instructors for advanced behind-the-wheel training. - Each clinic combines instruction with hands-on exercises in a controlled environment. - Teens will practice hazard recognition, vehicle handling and skid control. - The curriculum also covers strategies for avoiding distractions and staying focused. - Safety in Mobility activities will address awareness of pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter riders. - Vehicles will be provided. - Parents, guardians and teen youth groups are encouraged to participate. - Space is limited and advance registration is required. - Registration is available at training information.

Between the lines: - Ford is using a high-profile motorsports weekend to draw attention to a public-safety effort for young drivers. - The Chicago-area location also connects the program to Ford’s local footprint, including two plants that employ more than 5,000 people. - Illinois road-safety officials are treating the clinics as a way to reinforce habits that can prevent fatal crashes and serious injuries.

What's next: - Teens, families and youth groups can register now for the limited spots. - The clinics will run over two days, June 27-28. - Ford Philanthropy, GHSA and IDOT are expected to continue promoting safer driving behaviors through the event and similar training efforts.

The bottom line: - Ford is turning NASCAR week into a hands-on safety lesson for teen drivers in the Chicago area.