Behind-the-Wheel For Teens
About the Behind-the-Wheel Course
The behind-the-wheel course consists of 7 classes (1 class per day) of in-car instruction. The class must have at least 2 students and no more than 3 students per student driver vehicle. Each class is approximately 2 hours in the vehicle, 50 minutes of driving and 50 minutes of observation.
The road skills test is given during the seventh instruction period. Upon successful completion of the course and the road test, students will have their driver's license issued. If the student's eligibility date for use of the license is more than a month away, then parents' can ask that the driving school hold the license until the eligibility date is closer.
Driving Experience Expected
The student should be able to demonstrate proficiency in driving skills. The behind-the-wheel course does not include teaching you how to drive. Students should have experience on multiple types of roads and not just in neighborhoods or parking lots.
Parents' Corner
We have provided answers to frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, give us a call at 757-926-5956 or email us at info@topnotchdriving.net.
How The Process Works
Once you've registered for behind-the-wheel, the school will reach out to you to complete documents and coordinate scheduling. The schedule is dictated by the school's current enrollment list and your availability, typically, most students complete the process in 2 weeks.
When your course begins, please have the following:
- Your Virginia learner's permit
- Your DEC-1 or DTS 36 (driver education certificate)
- A driving log with at least 30 hours completed
- Comfortable shoes that are safe for driving
Upon completion of your course, your instructor will provide the Final Road Test. If you pass the road test, your instructor will finalize the DMV documentation for your 180-day provisional driver's license.
The temporary driver's license is your Driver Training Program certificate of completion. The blue copy "STUDENT COPY" MUST be held with your learner's permit to be recognized as a valid driver's license. The school will mail the yellow copy "DMV COPY" to the License Work Center in Richmond for processing. The processing of the driver's license could take up to 90 days. Your local court will mail a notice for a juvenile licensing ceremony and that is when you will receive the hard copy of your driver's license. For this reason, make sure the DMV has your correct mailing address so that you do not miss your licensing ceremony.
Enroll in Behind-the-Wheel
Scheduling Update
Due to a massive volume of customers and a rapidly expanding wait time for driving hours, currently, we are not scheduling new driving students. Students can register to be added to a waitlist. An estimated start period will be given, however, that date is not guaranteed. We will begin scheduling new waitlist students once our backlog of driving hours returns to a wait time range of approximately 5-to-6 weeks or less.
Enrollment Process
Step 1: Complete and submit the registration form.
Step 2: Have a parent/legal guardian sign the contract that will be sent to the email on the form within 48 hours after registration. A response email is required! There is no way for us to know that you agree to the terms if there is no communication. Even if you think it will take you a couple of days to gather your paperwork, still respond by the deadline given.
- NOTE: Any registration submitted after office hours, on a weekend, or a holiday will have a longer wait period.
Step 3: Coordinate a schedule with the instructor or a school representative. Once the schedule is confirmed, a Square Invoice will be sent to your email with a due date for the 40% non-refundable deposit and a due date for the remaining balance.
For questions or comments, call our office Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at 757-926-5956 or send an email to info@topnotchdriving.net.
Virginia's Graduated Licensing Process
1) Learner's Permit
1) Learner's Permit
1) Learner's Permit
- Study the Virginia Driver's Manual
- Take the permit test at DMV
- Must be at least 15 years and 6 months old
2) Driver Education
1) Learner's Permit
1) Learner's Permit
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- 30 hours of coursework (classroom or online)
- 90-Minute Parent/Teen Component for some localities and school divisions
- Practice driving during this time with parents
3) Behind-the-Wheel
1) Learner's Permit
4) Provisional License
- 14 sessions of behind-the-wheel
- 2 sessions per day
- Half driving and half observing
- Must have 45 hours of driving practice completed
4) Provisional License
4) Provisional License
4) Provisional License
- Must have held permit for 9 months
- Must be at least 16 years and 3 months old
- Issued when all requirements are met
- Provisional license valid for 6 months
5) Permanent License
4) Provisional License
5) Permanent License
- A letter from your local court will notify you of your licensing ceremony date
- Must attend licensing ceremony