Driver Education

The classroom driver education course is offered as part of the Health and Physical Education II curriculum in all high schools. A student must complete driver education to participate in Behind-the-Wheel instruction and receive a driver’s license. Below are the steps necessary for families.

Students must pass the classroom phase of driver education and receive the DEC-1 card.
When the student reaches the age of 15 years and 6 months, they can go to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and take the learner's permit test. Learner’s Permit Testing is also offered at some high schools after school hours. Contact the school to inquire.
When the student has the DEC-1 card, learner's permit, and at least 20 hours of driving with a parent or guardian, they may apply and pay for Behind-the-Wheel instruction via the VBCPS WebStore here. The fee for Behind-the-Wheel is $210. Specific dates and times are NOT guaranteed. Be sure to review the registration page fully before paying.
After the fee has been paid, the parent/guardian and student will be contacted no less than 2 school days before the start of their sessions.
If a family registers for the waitlist for Behind the Wheel instruction, they will be contacted only if a space becomes available during the time slot and registration period they chose. Waitlist registrations do not take precedence over paid registrations even when new sessions of Behind the Wheel open. Waitlists are cleared by cancellation before the beginning of each session with unassigned students being removed from the waitlist. It is important that families check the VBCPS WebStore at the beginning of each marking period to see if new spots have opened and register accordingly.

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding teen licensing. If you need additional information on the Driver Education program contact Denise O'Connell, Lead Driver Education Teacher, by email or phone at (757) 263-1410.

Learner's Permit

Q. Do you need a learner's permit to take BTW?
A. Yes, you must have your permit and carry it with you to each class.

Q. When can I get my learner’s permit?
A. You can obtain your learner’s permit through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after meeting the following criteria:

Complete the application process at DMV
Pass the vision test
Pay required fees
Pass the signs test 100%*
Pass the knowledge exam with at least 80%*
*If you fail 3x and have successfully completed classroom driver education, you must take the
8-hour driver’s manual review course before you can test a 4th time.

Q. How old do I have to be for a permit?
A. Students can receive their permit at 15 years and 6 months.

Q. What is a “green card”?
A. The DEC-1 (DEC=Driver Education Completion) or “green card” is the form issued when a student completes classroom Driver Education.

Q. What are the restrictions when driving with a Learner’s Permit?
A. Virginia Code § 46.2-335 states you may operate a vehicle with a licensed driver in the front passenger seat who is at least 21 years of age or a licensed driver who is a family member such as a parent/legal guardian, brother/sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepsister, or stepbrother who is at least 18 years of age. This person must be alert, able to assist the driver, and occupy the seat beside the driver. The role of this licensed driver is to provide immediate supervision when needed. A driver with a learner’s permit:

May only have one passenger under 21 years of age (no restrictions on family members).
May not drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 4 a.m., except in an emergency.
Shall not operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth while using any cellular telephone or any other wireless telecommunications device, regardless of whether the device is handheld or hands-free.

Behind The Wheel Class

Q. How do I get my Driver’s License?
A. To obtain your driver’s license, you must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 16 years and 3 months of age
Hold a learner’s permit for at least 9 months
Complete and pass a state-certified driver education course
Complete the 45-hour driving log with at least 15 of the 45 hours driven at night
Receive your DEC-1 card
Complete and pass a behind-the wheel course

Q. Do I have to take Behind the Wheel (BTW) through the school division?
A. No, you may take BTW with the school division or privately.

Q. How much does Behind the Wheel cost?
A. The cost for BTW through VBCPS is $210.

Q. How do I sign up and pay for BTW?
A. Complete the registration and payment via the VBCPS Web Store at https://virginiabeach.revtrak.net/.

Q. Do I have to complete my 45-hour log to take the class?
A. It is recommended that students have at least 20 hours of driving prior to taking BTW. You may continue to
work on your 45-hour log after you have completed the class.

Q. Does my time with the BTW instructor count towards my 45-hour log?
A. No, the 45 hours must be completed while driving with your licensed parent or guardian.

Q. When will I be contacted once I register for the class?
A. You will be contacted via email within 2 business days of paying for BTW to complete the registration process. Then you will be contacted by the driving instructor at least 3 days before the beginning of your session.

Q. How long is the course?
A. The course requires 7 instructional and observational days for after school sessions and 8 instructional and
observation days for during school sessions.

Q. Where is my Driver Education paperwork kept?
A. At your home high school in the main office.

Q. Once I finish the course, what is the process to receive my Temporary Driving License (TDL)? A. The instructor will turn in all the completed paperwork to your school office. A parent/guardian will need to make an appointment with the school to sign the Temporary Driving License. Parent/guardian must bring their driver license so their driver’s license number can be recorded on the TDL. Before you can receive your TDL, you must have the following:

Have held a valid learner’s permit for 9 months
A completed 45-hour log
DEC-1 (green card)
Parent Permission

Course Catalog

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Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Specialty Centers

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Driver Education

FAQs

Learner's Permit

Behind The Wheel Class