Behind-the-Wheel Course for Teens (Ages 15 1/2 to 17)
State Mandatory Course for Teens to Receive a Driver's License
The Virginia Driver Education Program must be completed by teens who want to earn a Driver's License before the age of 18. The program consists of 2 courses, Driver Education classroom or online course and Behind-the-Wheel in-car course.
The behind-the-wheel course consists of 14 50-minute periods of in-car instruction, 7 50-minute periods of driving and 7 50-minute periods of observing. That's 2 periods per day with a minimum of 2 students per car and a maximum of 3 students per car. The road skills test is given during the seventh instruction period.
To Enroll in the Behind-the-Wheel Course, Students Must Have:
1. A Valid Virginia learner's permit
2. A Virginia-approved Driver Education Course Certificate of Completion
3. AT LEAST 30 hours of the 45 hours guided practice completed and logged
- To be issued a driver's license at the end of the course, the student must submit a completed driving log with 45 hours of driving, at least 15 of which are after sunset, that is signed by parent/guardian or mentor.
4. A Certificate for the 90-Minute Parent/Teen Component of Driver Education (Williamsburg-James City County residents ONLY)
Class Periods are Scheduled to be Completed within 2 weeks
The dates and times for the classes are scheduled on specific days by the driving school. Most classes have two time periods to choose from, normally labeled as Group 1 and Group 2. Students should not register for a class if they are not available for all 7 class periods. If a student misses a class period then they should be prepared to wait until a seat is available to make-up the class period missed.
During the school year, teen classes are conducted after school hours from 3:00-8:00 pm. We usually have 2 teen classes a month, sometimes more.
During the summer, teen classes can be conducted during any of hour driving instruction hours which are from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. We usually have 3-4 teen classes a month.
The 180-Day Temporary Driver's License
The course completion certificate (Virginia Driver Training Certificate) that the student receives after passing the road skills test is a valid 180-day temporary driver's license when accompanied by a valid Virginia learner's permit. A student must have possessed the learner's permit for at least 9 months and be at least 16 years and 3 months old to use the 180-day temporary driver's license. Parent or guardian must sign and give permission for the issuance of the teen's 180-day temporary driver's license.