Is there anything I need to do before I can take this course?

Before you start this course, I Drive Safely must obtain the following documents:

• ● Application to take the I Drive Safely online course (you can find the application at the end of this article!).
• ● A letter from the school division superintendent or designee acknowledging that the student is home-schooled for this current school year.

Also, do you live in District 8? If so, after you start the course, but before you are issued the I Drive Safely completion certificate, I Drive Safely must also obtain a copy of your 90-minute parent/teen course completion certificate.

Step 1: Complete your Online Virginia Drivers Education Course

If you are under the age of 18 and are home schooled, you must provide your I Drive Safely certificate of completion when applying for your Virginia permit. A parent or guardian must also be approved by the DMV for behind-the-wheel instruction, and you will need to provide a log indicating 45 hours of behind-the-wheel training. For more information, check out this document!

The DMV also requires an additional 90-minute parent/teen component to the classroom portion of the driver education curriculum. I Drive Safely Virginia drivers education courses include the additional 90-minute parent/teen component of the driver education curriculum, with an exception for residents living in Planning District 8.

If you live in Planning District 8, you and a parent or guardian must complete the 90-minute parent/teen component in person. Planning District 8 is made up of the counties Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

You can read more about the 90 Minute Parent/Teen Component here!

Step 2: Get your Virginia Learner’s Permit

You must be at least 15 ½ and have successfully completed your drivers education course to earn a permit! You’ll need to take a vision exam at the DMV, as well as take and pass a two part knowledge exam to prove that you’re ready to hit the road.

Step 3: Earn your Virginia Drivers License

You’re eligible to hold a Virginia drivers license once you’re 16 years and 3 months old. If you’re under 18, you must hold your permit for at least 9 months. If you’re over 18, you only need to hold it for 30 days before you’re eligible for licensure. You’ll also need to pass a roads skills test to prove that you’re ready to drive on your own.