The Driving TeacherFAQ's
Are all the driving schools listed on your website fully-accredited by the Virginia DMV to offer driver training courses in Virginia?
The driving school directory on our website is for your convenience only, and we cannot absolutely guarantee that every driving school listed is currently certified to offer behind-the-wheel training courses in Virginia. We suggest you contact the Virginia DMV to make sure a particular driving school is licensed before you sign up to take their driver training course.
Somebody told me that I can skip out of attending a driver training school if my parents give me behind-the-wheel training instead. Is that permissible in Virginia?
Each state has its own rules regarding behind-the-wheel training. Some states will allow parentally-supervised behind-the-wheel training as a substitute for taking a driver training course which is taught by a professional driving instructor. However, not all states allow this. You should contact the Virginia DMV to find out for sure.
What if I don't know how to operate a vehicle with a stick-shift? Does The Driving Teacher have an automatic-shift vehicle they'll let me train with?
Since you're just learning how to drive, you probably don't know how to operate either a stick-shift or an automatic-shift vehicle! However, if you have a preference as to a manual or an automatic, you probably should call The Driving Teacher to see if they can accommodate your request prior to your signing up to take their behind-the-wheel training course.
I live in a very rural area, where there are mountains and a lot of dirt roads. Do you know if The Driving Teacher offers training for driving in rural areas like where I live instead of just driving on smooth, paved roads in city areas?
Since you live in a rural area, a local driving school such as The Driving Teacher will tailor your driver training to handle the conditions in your area.
I'm turning 14 in a few days. Can I get a instruction permit to drive in Virginia after my 14th birthday?
Most likely, no. Most states (though not all) have laws which require that you be at least 15 or 15 1/2 before to be eligible to apply for an instruction permit. Nevertheless, you may wish to contact the Virginia DMV office or a Virginia-certified driving school such as The Driving Teacher to find out for certain what the minimum driving age is in your local area.
Am I required to take a Virginia classroom or online drivers education course before I can enroll in a behind-the-wheel training course through The Driving Teacher?
This requirement varies by state but most states do mandate pre-licensed drivers to take BOTH a classroom-based driver education course (generally 30 hours in length) AND a driver training course. You should ask The Driving Teacher if they offer one or both programs.
If I need to sign up to take a Virginia driving school, can The Driving Teacher help?
Yes. The Driving Teacher offers driving courses in Virginia. For more information about the type of behind-the-wheel training The Driving Teacher offers and the training schedule, you should contact them directly.
What type of driver ed do I need before Virginia will give me a driver's license?
Each state has its own requirements concerning drivers education, although you should know that most states now require all new, young drivers to complete a safe driving classroom or online course as well as a behind-the-wheel training course. The Driving Teacher may be able to help you meet the driver training requirement in Virginia. Please contact either The Driving Teacher or the Virginia DMV for more information.
Is it necessary for me to complete a behind-the-wheel training course in order to get my first Virginia driver's license?
Yes, it is. All teen-aged drivers applying for their first driver's license in Virginia are required to take a state-approved behind-the-wheel training course.
Do I need to have my learner's permit before I register for a behind-the-wheel training course like the one that The Driving Teacher offers?
You will need to contact The Driving Teacher or the Virginia DMV to find out if you are allowed to register with a driving school like The Driving Teacher before obtaining your Virginia learner's permit.