Driver Education

10th grade students complete a 9-week course of classroom driver education

New 90-minute Parent-Teen Traffic Safety Presentation Requirement

Beginning September 1, 2010, a new Virginia law (§22.1-205) took effect requiring all students enrolled in classroom driver education to attend a 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety presentation.  The 90-minute presentation is connected to classroom instruction and must be completed in addition to successful completion of classroom instruction in order for a student to receive a DEC-1 card.  This new requirement does not apply to students who successfully completed classroom instruction prior to September 1, 2010 and received a DEC-1 card.  Students who completed driver education classroom instruction prior to September 1, 2010 do not need to attend the 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety presentation.

The 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety presentation will be offered five times throughout the school year at each high school.  It is recommended that students and their parent/guardian attend the presentation at their school during the quarter of driver education.

The program is available to FCPS students enrolled in grade 10 health and physical education at their school site or FCPS online campus at no charge.

Students who are completing classroom instruction through a commercial driving school or are home schooled should not attend the program at a FCPS school site.  These students may attend the 90-minute parent-teen traffic safety presentation offered by ACE (Adult and Community Education) at Plum Center.  Parents are responsible for registering in advance and applicable fees as designated by ACE.

Dates and times of the 90-minute parent-teen presentations are available from your local high school and through ACE.

Obtaining a Driver’s License in Virginia

Juvenile Licensing Requirements

Juvenile licensing requirements apply to everyone under age 19.

Driving Permit

  • Teens are eligible for a driver’s permit at age 15 years and six months. 
  • Teens must hold a permit for a minimum of nine months before being eligible for a driver’s license.  To obtain a permit, the teen accompanied by a parent or guardian must go to the DMV. 
  • Proof of residency and identity are required. 
  • Acceptable forms of identification are listed on the DMV website http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/applying_learners.asp. 
  • The student will need to pass the sign and knowledge test.

Classroom Instruction

  • Classroom driver education is required. 
  • The DEC-1 card is proof of completion. 
  • For students taking classroom instruction after September 1, 2010, the 90-minute parent-teen program is required.

In-car Instruction

  • In-car instruction is required. 
  • Students must have a driver’s permit to enroll in in-car instruction. 
  • Students must have completed classroom instruction or be concurrently enrolled in classroom and in-car with the same driving school.
  • Information on in-car instruction offered through Adult & Community Education

45-Hour Driving Log

  • Parent or guardian must complete and log 45-hours of driving time. 
  • The 45-hour guide should be used to complete this requirement. 
  • The 45-hours of driving time and completion of the log is required in addition to in-car instruction. 
  • The 45-hour driving guide is available from VA DOE acrobat

Temporary Drivers License & Licensing Ceremony

  • A temporary license will be issued by the in-car instructor after all of the requirements are met. 
  • The temporary license is valid for 180 days. 
  • During the 180 days, the parent/guardian and teen will receive notification of when to attend court for the licensing ceremony. 
  • Parent/guardian and teen must be on time for the ceremony and must dress appropriately. 
  • The license will be issued to the parent.

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Contact:

Elizabeth Payne
Health & Physical Education Coordinator
571-423-4553

Webpage Curator

Rebecca Tenally
rjtenally@fcps.edu

Last Updated

March 7, 2012