Who is eligible to take this course?
Is there anything I need to do before I can take this course?
What do I need to do before I can get my permit?
What do I need to bring with me when I go to get my permit?
Will I need to take any tests at the DMV when I go to get my permit?
How long will I need to hold my permit?
Who is eligible to take this course?
The Virginia DMV only allows homeschooled students to do their drivers education course online. If you are homeschooled, the first step in getting your Virginia learners permit is to complete an online drivers education course such as the one we offer.
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.
- ● 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.
What do I need to do before I can get my permit?
Along with being 15 ½ years old, you’ll also need to take and pass your I Drive Safely drivers ed course before you can get your permit. Written consent is required from a parent/guardian if you are under the age of 18. Your parent/guardian must also provide their drivers license number or state-issued ID card number.
What do I need to bring with me when I go to get my permit?
When you apply for a learners permit, you must present:
- ● Proof of legal presence (legal presence means that a person is either a U.S. citizen or is legally authorized to be in the United States)
- ● Proof of Virginia residency
- ● Your Social Security number (if you have been issued one)
All documents must be originals and will be subject to verification.
When you apply for your permit you will also apply for your drivers license and pay both application fees. The parent or legal guardian who will be giving you behind-the-wheel driving instruction will also need to complete Virginia’s HS-1 (Home-Schooled In-Car Driver Education Parental Authorization Application) form.
Parents/legal guardians: You will also need to include a letter from the school division superintendent or designee acknowledging that the child is home-schooled, or a copy of notification to the school division superintendent or designee of your intent to home-school the child. Enclose the original proof of completion of the classroom portion of the driver education program, and mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Commercial Licensing Work Center
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001
Will I need to take any tests at the DMV when I go to get my permit?
Yes! You will need to take a vision test, as well as a two part knowledge exam. The knowledge exam is available in both English and Spanish. It’s taken on a computer and will test you on traffic laws, traffic signs, and overall technique when it comes to driving.
Part One consists of 10 questions. You must answer each question correctly prior to taking the 25-question Part Two exam. In order to pass Part Two, a score of at least 80% is required. Keep in mind that you can only take the exam one time in a business day. If you’re under the age of 18 and you fail, you will have to wait a full 15 days to retake the exam.
Once you pass your required testing, a Virginia DMV representative will take your picture and ask you to sign a signature pad. In most circumstances, your photograph and information will be processed while you wait. Your name will be called when your learners permit is ready.
How long will I need to hold my permit?
If you are under the age of 18 you must hold your learners permit for at least 9 months before you can obtain your drivers license. If you are over the age of 18 you must hold your learners permit for at least 30 days before you can obtain your license unless you present proof that you completed a state-approved driver education program.
