Does Virginia Require Driver Education for Teens?

Virginia teenagers must satisfy several education and driving milestones before they receive a driver's license. This guide explains the required classroom and in-car training, the learner permit and practice rules, and which students can use National Driver Training's Virginia program.

Quick answer: Yes. Virginia residents under age 18 must complete an approved driver education program, hold a learner permit for at least nine months, and complete 45 hours of supervised driving, including 15 after sunset, before licensing. The approved driver education program includes classroom training, professional driving instruction and observation, and a road skills evaluation. NDT's direct Virginia online course is for eligible homeschool students; other students should verify approved partner-school enrollment options.

What driver education does Virginia require for teens?

Virginia's required program includes:
  • Classroom education: 36 sessions of 50 minutes each, equivalent to 30 clock hours. An approved online classroom component may be an option.
  • Professional in-car instruction: Seven driving sessions, each 50 minutes long.
  • In-car observation: Seven observation sessions, each 50 minutes long.
  • Road skills examination: Conducted as part of the approved program.
  • Additional home practice: 45 supervised driving hours, including 15 hours after sunset, documented by the parent or guardian.
  • Parent/teen component: Generally a 90-minute parent/teen education component, with limited legal exemptions.

Completing online lessons is only the classroom portion. Families must also arrange the required in-car instruction, observation, and testing through the appropriate approved provider or school.

Six steps for Virginia teens to complete driver education

  1. Confirm age and eligibility. Virginia teenagers generally may apply for a learner permit at age 15 years and six months; a license may be issued no earlier than age 16 years and three months when all other requirements are met.
  2. Get a Virginia learner permit. Meet the identification and testing requirements and begin the mandatory nine-month holding period.
  3. Enroll in an approved driver education program. Choose the school, licensed training provider, or authorized homeschool correspondence option appropriate to the student's circumstances.
  4. Complete classroom instruction and parent/teen education. The standard curriculum is 36 fifty-minute sessions, generally including the additional 90-minute parent/teen component for minors.
  5. Finish in-car training and supervised practice. Complete seven professional driving sessions, seven observation sessions, and at least 45 parent-supervised hours including 15 after sunset.
  6. Complete the skills evaluation and licensing process. Ensure that the approved program submits the required completion information and satisfy Virginia DMV's license issuance procedures.

Can a Virginia teen complete driver's education online?

Yes, the classroom component can be completed online through an approved option. However, online classroom education does not replace professional in-car training, supervised home practice, or the road skills evaluation. Students enrolling through a licensed driver training school should confirm that school's final-exam and training arrangements before starting.

Virginia recognizes a separate driver education pathway for approved homeschool students. National Driver Training offers a Virginia online driver education course for eligible homeschool students. The NDT course requires the appropriate home-instruction approval before the student begins. Students who are not homeschooled may be able to use NDT coursework through a participating licensed partner driving school; direct homeschool checkout should not be used by ineligible students.

How long must a Virginia teen hold a learner permit?

At least nine months before receiving a driver's license while under 18. Driver education completion does not waive that minor holding period. The earliest usual learner-permit age is 15 years and six months, and the earliest usual licensing age is 16 years and three months.

How much practice driving is required?

The parent or guardian must certify at least 45 hours of guided driving practice, including 15 after sunset. These hours are distinct from the professional instruction and observation sessions required in driver education. Virginia's Department of Education provides a parent/teen driving guide to help plan and record supervised practice.

Do the January 1, 2027 changes affect teenagers?

Virginia is changing initial-license education requirements for applicants ages 18 through 20 beginning January 1, 2027. For students under 18, the core requirements remain: approved driver education, a nine-month permit holding period, and at least 45 supervised driving hours, including 15 after sunset. Families should follow the rules applicable at the time of licensing.

Explore Virginia Teen Driver Education with NDT

National Driver Training offers Virginia online classroom driver education for eligible homeschool students. Direct enrollment is restricted to eligible homeschool families with the required approval. Other Virginia students should investigate licensed partner-school options before purchasing.

Check NDT's Virginia Homeschool Course Eligibility

For an overview of available courses, visit NDT's Virginia teen driver education course.

Frequently asked questions about Virginia teen driver's education

Is driver education mandatory for Virginia drivers under 18?

Yes. Virginia residents under 18 must complete a Commonwealth-approved driver education program before receiving a driver license, in addition to the permit and practice requirements.

Can Virginia teen driver education be completed online?

The classroom component can be taken online through an authorized provider or qualifying approved correspondence option. The required in-car instruction and road skills evaluation must still be completed.

How long must a Virginia teen hold a learner permit?

At least nine months before receiving a Virginia driver license while under 18. The learner permit is generally available at age 15 years and six months.

How many supervised driving hours are required in Virginia?

At least 45 supervised driving hours, with a minimum of 15 hours after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian. These hours are distinct from professional in-car instruction and observation.

Does Virginia require a parent and teen driver education component?

Generally yes. The classroom curriculum includes a 90-minute parent/teen component for students under 18, with limited exceptions for emancipated or unaccompanied minors.

Can any Virginia teenager enroll directly in the NDT homeschool course?

No. NDT direct enrollment is designated for eligible Virginia homeschool students with required home-instruction approval. Other students should use an approved school or NDT partner driver training school, where available.

Related Virginia driver education resources

Official Virginia sources

Information reviewed October 28, 2026. Confirm current DMV requirements and NDT enrollment eligibility before purchasing a course.