Driver Education Notes

Driver Education Requirements and Process

Total Required Hours

  • Total hours with mentor and driver education: Approximately 87 hours.
  • Breakdown:
    • 30 hours of online classroom instruction.
    • 12 periods of in-car instruction (50 minutes each).
    • 45 hours of guided practice.

Legal Requirement

  • Driver education is mandated by law (Section 22.1-two zero five) for individuals under 18.
  • Includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

Parent/Student Component

  • A 90-minute parent and student component is required as part of the classroom curriculum.

District 8 Requirement

  • Students in District 8 must complete in-person training (unless homeschooled).
  • District 8 includes:
    • Counties: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William.
    • Cities: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park.
  • Students outside District 8 can complete the course in a classroom or online.

Juvenile Licensing Process

  1. Complete a 30-hour driver education classroom course.
  2. Complete a 90-minute parent and student presentation.
  3. Obtain a learner's permit.
  4. Complete in-car (behind-the-wheel) driver training.
  5. Log 45 hours of practice with an adult.
  6. Hold a learner's permit for at least nine months.
  7. Receive a six-month (180-day) temporary license.
  8. Attend a licensing ceremony with a parent or guardian.

Parent/Guardian Role

  • Parent/mentor involvement is crucial in the initial years of driving.
  • This involvement helps minimize risks.
  • Parents have the right to withhold or cancel driving privileges.

90-Minute Parent and Student Presentation

  • Community health initiative to reduce teenage automobile crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
  • Informative program, usually taught by a certified driver education instructor.

Obtaining a Learner's Permit

  • Obtained in person at a local DMV office.
  • Requires paperwork and testing.
  • Applicant must be at least 15 years and six months old.

In-Car (Behind-the-Wheel) Driver Training

  • Fourteen 50-minute periods of behind-the-wheel training.
  • Comprised of seven periods of driving and seven periods of observation.
    • Driving: Student drives the vehicle.
    • Observation: Student observes another student driving.

Additional 45 Hours Practice with Adult

  • Log 45 additional hours of guided practice.
  • At least 15 hours must occur after sunset (at night).
  • Adult requirements:
    • Licensed driver.
    • At least 21 years old, or at least 18 years old if a family member.
  • Logging hours during the in-car component is recommended.

Temporary License

  • 180-day temporary driver's license.
  • Eligibility requirements:
    • At least 16 years and three months old with a valid learner's permit.
    • Completion of a state-approved online driver education course.
    • Completion of 45 hours of practice with an adult.
    • Parent or legal guardian's written permission.

Court Licensing Ceremony

  • If under 18, the DMV will mail the driver's license to the court.
  • A court notice will be sent, specifying when to appear for the licensing ceremony with a parent or guardian.
  • During the ceremony, the driver's license will be issued.
  • Dress appropriately and be respectful.