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Considering Homeschooling?
Considering Homeschooling?
The 45-Hours Requirement
In addition to taking a driver education course, Virginia law requires all teens under the age of 18 (including current and graduated homeschooled teens) to drive for at least 45 additional hours in guided practice sessions with an adult before obtaining their driver’s license. At least 15 of these hours should occur after sunset.
If neither parent has a valid driver’s license, a friend or relative can conduct the guided practice sessions.
The 45-hours requirement is to be seen as a minimum. The parent has the right to require additional hours if they believe that the teen is not yet ready to obtain a driver’s license. Some parents require far more than 45 hours experience before giving a minor permission to obtain a driver’s license.
This requirement does not apply to teens who are 18 years or older.
The DMV website has extensive information on how to comply with these requirements.
Learner’s permits are no longer handed out over the counter at the DMV, but are now mailed to the applicant.
Many driver training schools are now recommending that at least some of the 45 hours be done concurrently with the in-car/behind-the-wheel component. Some students have reported that they were asked to be nearly finished with the 45-hour requirement before registering with the school.
VaHomeschoolers Driver Education Pages:
This information is provided as a courtesy of The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers. It is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed attorney.
VaHomeschoolers is a non-profit public charity with 501(c)(3) status; your donation is tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.