Getting a Driver’s License in Virginia: The Basics
Looking for drivers ed online in Virginia for your homeschooled teen? DriverEdToGo offers an approved correspondence course for the classroom portion of homeschool driver education, with flexible online access that fits your family’s schedule.
Virginia teens can apply for a learner’s permit at 15 years and 6 months and qualify for a driver’s license at 16 years and 3 months. Applicants under 18 must complete driver education, hold a learner’s permit for at least nine months, and meet the supervised-driving requirements.
DriverEdToGo is listed on the Virginia DMV’s official Driver Education Information for Home Schoolers page. Eligible families can complete classroom instruction with us and apply for DMV authorization for a parent or legal guardian to teach the in-car portion.
Here’s the road ahead at a glance:
- Learner’s permit: Available at 15½ after meeting application requirements and passing the knowledge exam and vision screening.
- Driver’s license: Available at 16 years and 3 months after the required education, nine-month permit period, driving practice, and testing.
- Age 18: Age-based teen driving restrictions end. Any individual restrictions on your license still apply.
Virginia Drivers Ed Online for Homeschool Families
This DriverEdToGo offering is designed for eligible homeschooled students completing Virginia’s approved correspondence-course pathway.
Our classroom course provides 36 fifty-minute instructional periods, totaling 30 hours. Students also need the additional 90-minute parent/teen component unless an exemption applies.
You can complete your classroom coursework on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Your progress saves automatically, so you can study across multiple sessions.
The classroom certificate does not authorize a parent to provide formal in-car driver education. That requires a separate DMV application and Letter of Authorization.
Not homeschooled? This particular offering is for homeschool students. Virginia also permits other students to take online classroom instruction through appropriately licensed online driver training schools.
How to Get Your Virginia Driver’s License, Step by Step
Step 1: Apply for Your Learner’s Permit at 15½
Once your teen is 15 years and 6 months old, they can apply for a learner’s permit at a Virginia DMV customer service center.
Prepare to:
- Complete the application and required parental consent.
- Provide the required identity, legal-presence, residency, and Social Security documentation.
- Pass the vision screening.
- Pass the two-part knowledge exam.
- Pay the applicable fee.
Use the DMV’s document checklist before your visit. Requirements depend on the credential you are applying for and your circumstances.
A learner’s permit allows supervised practice. Generally, the supervising driver must be licensed, at least 21, and seated beside the student. Certain exceptions allow a licensed parent, legal guardian, or qualifying sibling to supervise; a qualifying sibling must be at least 18.
Do not assume that every adult relative qualifies. The supervising driver must be alert and able to assist.
Step 2: Complete Your Online Classroom Course
Work through DriverEdToGo’s 30-hour classroom course at a pace that fits your homeschool schedule.
The lessons cover traffic laws, road signs, safe driving decisions, and sharing the road. You can switch between supported devices and return to your saved progress.
Complete the required 90-minute parent/teen component as part of the classroom stage, using an accepted format for your location.
After successfully completing the classroom requirements, keep your original completion certificate safe. You will submit it with your parent-instructor authorization application.
Step 3: Submit Form HS-1 for Parent-Instructor Authorization
A parent or legal guardian must receive DMV authorization before teaching the formal homeschool in-car driver education curriculum.
Submit:
- Form HS-1: Home-Schooled In-Car Driver Education Parental Authorization Application.
- Proof of homeschool status: The accepted notice of intent or school division acknowledgment.
- Original proof of classroom completion: Photocopies are not accepted.
Submit a separate application and supporting documents for each child.
Mail the application to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Training Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001
Download Form HS-1 →
The teaching parent must meet the qualifications in the DMV’s homeschool instructions, including holding a valid Virginia driver’s license and consenting to driving-record monitoring. The training vehicle must carry the required insurance.
Wait for the Letter of Authorization before starting the formal in-car curriculum. Ordinary supervised practice under a valid learner’s permit is separate from these authorized lessons.
Step 4: Complete In-Car Instruction and Supervised Practice
After authorization, follow Virginia’s approved in-car curriculum and complete the required In-Car Maneuvers Observation Record, Form CSMA 19.
The formal instruction includes:
- Seven fifty-minute driving periods, covering at least 50 miles.
- Seven fifty-minute observation periods.
- No more than two instructional periods in 24 hours: one driving period and one observation period.
Your teen also needs 45 additional hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours after sunset. A parent or guardian certifies completion.
Keep the instructional records and additional practice hours organized. Use practice sessions to build experience with parking, intersections, lane changes, traffic, and nighttime visibility.
Review the DMV’s Homeschool In-Car Instructions →
Step 5: Take the DMV Road Skills Test
For the parent-taught homeschool pathway, DMV administers the final road skills test.
When your teen has met the age, permit-holding, education, and practice requirements, follow DMV instructions for scheduling. Bring the Letter of Authorization, completed CSMA 19, learner’s permit, and other required documents.
After successful testing and completion of the licensing requirements, DMV issues the Virginia Driver Training Certificate—Home-Schooled, Form HS-2. Together with a valid Virginia learner’s permit, it serves as a temporary driver’s license.
Follow DMV instructions for receiving the permanent license and any required juvenile licensing ceremony.
Virginia Teen Driving Laws You Should Know
Curfew Restrictions
Drivers under 18 generally cannot drive between midnight and 4:00 a.m.
Exceptions include qualifying travel for employment, adult-supervised activities sponsored by a school or civic, religious, or public organization, emergencies, and travel with a qualifying licensed parent, spouse, or adult acting in place of a parent in the front passenger seat.
Passenger Restrictions
Drivers under 18 generally may carry only one passenger under 21 unless a licensed parent or adult acting in place of a parent sits in the front passenger seat.
After holding a license for one year, a teen may carry up to three passengers under 21 when:
- Traveling to or from a school-sponsored activity.
- A licensed driver age 21 or older sits in the front passenger seat.
- Responding to an emergency.
Family members are exempt from the passenger limits. Learner’s permit holders have a separate limit of one passenger under 18, with the family exemption.
Phone Rules for Teens
Drivers under 18 may not use a phone while driving, including hands-free use. DMV describes a limited emergency exception when the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped.
Set navigation before leaving and put the phone away.
The 90-Minute Parent/Teen Component
Virginia’s driver education curriculum includes an additional 90-minute parent/student component for students under 18, unless an exemption applies.
It covers parental responsibilities, teen driving restrictions, impaired driving, distraction, and other safety topics.
The attendance format depends on location:
- Planning District 8: Current DMV guidance requires in-person attendance with a parent or guardian.
- Outside Planning District 8: An accepted online or in-person course may be used. Parent participation is encouraged but is not generally required by the statewide rule.
Planning District 8 includes Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, plus Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
Exemptions apply to students who are at least 18, emancipated minors, and qualifying unaccompanied minors.
DriverEdToGo offers the online component as a separate add-on for students eligible to use that format. Check eligibility before purchasing.
Review Virginia’s Parent/Teen Component Requirements →
Virginia Insurance Requirements
The vehicle used for parent-taught instruction must have the required insurance.
For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, Virginia’s minimum liability limits are:
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death to one person.
- $100,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage.
Keep proof of insurance in the vehicle. Before your teen starts driving, ask your insurer how the policy covers a learner driver and what changes are needed after licensing.
Why Virginia Homeschool Families Choose DriverEdToGo
Here’s what you get when you choose DriverEdToGo for drivers ed online in Virginia:
- Approved homeschool correspondence course. DriverEdToGo appears on the Virginia DMV’s official homeschool driver education page.
- 30-hour classroom instruction. Complete the classroom coursework for your homeschool driver education pathway.
- Classroom completion certificate. Receive the documentation needed for your HS-1 application after successful completion.
- 90-minute component available separately. Eligible students can purchase the online parent/teen add-on.
- Flexible online access. Study on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Automatic progress saving. Return where you left off.
- Free test prep included. Prepare with PrepWizard’s Virginia-specific questions, timed practice exams, and Focus Mode.
- Real support. Get help by phone, email, or live chat.
See DriverEdToGo on the DMV’s Official Homeschool Page →
Prepare for Your Virginia Knowledge Exam with PrepWizard
Learning the rules is the first step. Practice questions help you identify the topics that need another review before your DMV knowledge exam.
Every DriverEdToGo student gets free access to PrepWizard, our online practice platform.
With PrepWizard you can:
- Practice with Virginia-specific questions.
- Take timed practice exams.
- Use Focus Mode to review challenging topics.
- Track your progress.
- Study on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Use PrepWizard alongside the Virginia Driver’s Manual and your course materials. Practice tests do not replace the official knowledge exam or guarantee a passing score.
Virginia Driver’s License FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a driver’s license in Virginia?
You can qualify at 16 years and 3 months. Applicants under 18 must complete the required driver education and practice and hold a learner’s permit for at least nine months. A learner’s permit is available at 15 years and 6 months.
Can homeschooled students take drivers ed online in Virginia?
Yes. Eligible homeschool students can complete classroom instruction through an approved correspondence course such as DriverEdToGo. Formal parent-taught in-car instruction requires separate DMV authorization.
I’m not homeschooled. Can I take this course?
This offering is for eligible homeschool students. Other Virginia students can explore DMV-licensed online driver training schools or school-based programs.
Does completing the online course finish all of driver education?
No. You must also complete the applicable parent/teen component, in-car instruction, additional supervised practice, and licensing tests.
Can any parent teach the in-car portion?
No. The parent or legal guardian must meet DMV qualifications and receive authorization through the HS-1 process before teaching the formal in-car curriculum.
When can we begin parent-taught driving lessons?
Begin the formal curriculum only after receiving the DMV’s Letter of Authorization and meeting the learner’s permit requirements. Supervised practice permitted by a valid learner’s permit is separate.
How much driving practice is required?
In addition to the formal in-car instruction and observation periods, applicants under 18 need 45 hours of supervised practice, including 15 after sunset.
Can we complete the 90-minute parent/teen component online?
An accepted online option is available outside Planning District 8. Current DMV guidance requires in-person attendance with a parent or guardian in Planning District 8. Confirm the format that applies before purchasing the online add-on.
Is the parent/teen component included in the classroom price?
It is offered as a separate add-on. Review the enrollment options and additional price before purchasing.
Can I drive alone after finishing the classroom course?
No. Classroom completion does not authorize independent driving. Follow your learner’s permit restrictions until DMV issues the appropriate licensing authorization.
When can I drive my friends around?
Drivers under 18 generally may carry one passenger under 21 unless accompanied by a qualifying licensed parent or adult acting in place of a parent. After one year, limited exceptions allow up to three passengers under 21. Family members are exempt.
What happens if I fail a DMV test three times?
You must complete the applicable DMV-approved retraining before a fourth attempt. Knowledge-test and road-test failures have different requirements. Ask DMV which course and documents apply to your homeschool situation before enrolling; the standard classroom course should not be assumed to resolve every three-failure case.
Is DriverEdToGo approved for Virginia homeschool driver education?
Yes. DriverEdToGo is listed as an approved correspondence-course option on the Virginia DMV’s Driver Education Information for Home Schoolers page.