Virginia Driver Education: Adult Waiver (Age 18 or Older)
To Receive an Adult Waiver, 2 Courses Must Be Completed
The Virginia Driver Education Program must be completed by adults who want to earn an Adult Waiver from a driver training school. The program consists of 2 courses, Driver Education classroom or online course and Behind-the-Wheel in-car course.
To Enroll in the Behind-the-Wheel Portion, Students Must Have:
1. A valid Virginia learner's permit
- If the student has an out-of-country driver's license, then they must contact DMV to see if they are permitted to drive with that document. The student must also provide the school with a Virginia DMV customer number received from the DMV.
2. A Virginia-approved Driver Education Course Certificate of Completion
- If the student has completed Driver Education, then they must submit the original certificate of completion. A copy or a transcript will not be accepted.
- If the student has never taken Driver Education, then the student must enroll in the course before they can enroll in the Behind-the-Wheel Course. If the student takes both Driver Education and Behind-the-Wheel at the same school, then the courses can be taken simultaneously.
In-Car Course for Adults to Get an Adult Waiver (Driver's License)
The behind-the-wheel course allows individuals age 18 or older to complete the road test at a driver training school and it waives the 60-day hold requirement for a learner's permit. Upon completion of the course, students will receive an Adult Waiver that must be submitted to DMV to have their driver's license issued.
Class Schedules are Different Depending on the Time of Year
During the school year, adult classes are ONLY scheduled and completed before 3:00 pm. This is because teen classes are conducted after school hours from 3:00-8:00 pm.
During the summer, teen schedules are more flexible and allow time for more of our adult students to get their classes completed after 3:00 pm.
The Course Fee is Based on Location & Proficiency in Driving Skills
Individuals should be able to demonstrate proficiency in driving skills. The behind-the-wheel course does NOT include teaching a student how to drive. Students should already have driving skills and be able to show that they are prepared for a driver's license.
However, if a student does not know how to drive we can teach them how to drive. Students entering this course with no experience or little experience should know that 6.5 hours of driving may not be enough time to learn and perform the skills necessary for a driver's license and should plan to practice on their own time.
If the instructor does not think that the student's skill level, at the end of the sixth instruction period, will allow them to pass the road test then the test will be postponed. The seventh period will be completed without the road test portion. The student can then decide to practice with family/friends or purchase driving lessons to improve the skills necessary to earn a driver's license. Once the student feels ready to take the test, they can call to schedule a road test appointment at the school location.
Individuals Age 18 or Older are NOT Required to Complete the Driver Education Program
Individuals age 18 and older must hold the learner's permit for a period of 60 days before they can return to the DMV to take the road test. Road test applicants must complete and submit the CSMA 19 form (downloads below) with a licensed driver when arriving to take the road test.
The Virginia Driver Education Program can be completed by adults to get a road test through the driver training school and to waive the 60-day hold requirement for a learner's permit. The Program consists of 2 courses, the Driver Education Course (classroom or online) and the Adult Behind-the-Wheel Course. Both of these courses need to be completed to take a road test at a driver training school instead of at the DMV.