Virginia Driver Education Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need your course?

If you are 15 years and six months old and live in the state of Virginia, you are required to complete a 30-hour driver education course. Our online course is approved by the Virginia Department of Education for home-schooled students and meets all state requirements.

How long is your course?

As the state requires, our course is a minimum of 30 hours. However, you may complete the course at your own pace, so if you need to take longer, you're able to do so.

Is your course state-approved?

Yes, our course is approved by the Virginia Department of Education (DOE).

How do I take the 90-minute Partners for Safe Teen Driving presentation?

New drivers in Virginia who are under 18 must complete the Partners for Safe Teen Driving presentation, also known as the 90-minute parent/teen component. The presentation explains parental responsibilities for juvenile drivers, juvenile driving restrictions and the dangers of driving while intoxicated.

For students in every district except for Planning District 8, the parent/teen component is built into your online course.

Per state law, District 8 students must complete the parent/student component in person before they can receive their Driver Education Certificate of Completion Card (DEC-8 card). A parent or guardian is required to attend and participate.

District 8 includes:

  • Arlington County
  • Fairfax County
  • Loudoun County
  • Prince William County
  • Alexandria
  • Fairfax
  • Falls Church
  • Manassas
  • Manassas Park

For more information on the mandated 90-minute Partners for Safe Teen Driving presentation, see Code of Virginia 22.1-205.

Can parents/guardians opt out of the 90-minute Partners for Safe Teen Driving presentation?

In Planning District 8, parents and guardians cannot opt out of the presentation. They must attend the presentation in person with the student for the student to receive a Driver Education Certificate of Completion Card (DEC-8 card).

District 8 includes:

  • Arlington County
  • Fairfax County
  • Loudoun County
  • Prince William County
  • Alexandria
  • Fairfax
  • Falls Church
  • Manassas
  • Manassas Park

For all other Virginia districts, the Partners for Safe Teen Driving presentation is built into our online course. Outside of District 8, parent participation is encouraged but not mandatory. While all students are required to complete the presentation, parents and guardians must submit an opt-out form if they will not be attending.

Is there a final exam?

Yes, but you don't need to worry. You can take the final exam as many times as you need at no extra charge. A score of 80% or above is a passing grade.

What do I do after I finish the course?

After you finish the course, you should sign up for behind-the-wheel training with a local driving instructor or complete the requirements with a parent or guardian. Once you've completed these requirements and held your learners permit for at least nine months, you'll be able to apply for your driver license at the DMV.

How does an online course work?

Online courses give you freedom and flexibility that you would never have in a classroom. Simply create a username and password to access your course and start and stop at your leisure (the course will automatically save your progress). You'll follow along each chapter, which will introduce new content through text, videos and animations. Once you've finished a section, you'll be able to move onto the next one. However, unlike in a classroom course, you can learn the content from any mobile device including your computer, smartphone or tablet.

How do I enroll in the course?

All you need to do is sign up! Create an account and be sure to remember your username and password so you can log back in. If you can't, just contact our support team for help.

How do I get my certificate of completion?

You will be able to download your certificate of completion upon meeting all course requirements.

Is the practice test free?

Yes, the 50-question BMV practice test is free. You can upgrade to a 100-question practice test for a small fee if you'd like even more study time.

I don't see my questions here, so what should I do?

You can contact our 24/7 support team with any more questions you may have via phone, email or live chat.