Driver Education Requirements - Learner’s Permit and Teen Driving Restrictions

Sep 29, 2026

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Driver Education Requirements for Prince William County outlines the process for obtaining a Virginia learner’s permit, including age eligibility, application steps, required identity documentation, and passing a knowledge and vision test. It specifies classroom driver education expectations, behind-the-wheel prerequisites, state-required instructional periods, and conditions for receiving a 180-day temporary provisional license. It also details teen driving restrictions covering curfew, passenger limits, safety belt requirements, and consequences of violating these laws, plus legal guidance on handheld device use and parenting tips for guided practice sessions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Requirements for Learner’s Permit

Classroom Driver Education Instruction

To Begin Behind-the-Wheel Instruction

Requirements to Receive a 180-day Temporary Provisional Driver’s License

Teen Driving Restrictions

Curfew

Passengers

Safety belts

REMINDER: PHONE DOWN. IT’S THE LAW

Parenting Tips for In-car Guided Practice Sessions

DRIVER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (Prince William County Example) Requirements for Learner’s Permit Completed at Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Office: • Must be at least 15 years and 6 months of age. • When applying for a learner's permit, you must complete an Application for a Virginia Driver's License (form DL 1P) . Complete driver license or driver privilege card application form. 􀁸 Check the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles web site at [https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/\#eligibility.asp](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#eligibility.asp) to find the list of documents that will be accepted for proof of identity and legal presence. • Pass a multiple-choice sign and knowledge test. • Pass a vision test. • Licensed driver over 21 must be seated next to teen driver with a learner’s permit. 􀁸 Student must hold a learner’s permit for at least 9 months and be at least 16 years and 3 months in age. Classroom Driver Education Instruction Classroom driver education is part of the Health and Physical Education II curriculum. All students will receive at least 36 class periods of in-class driver education instruction. This instruction must include units on organ donation, alcohol and drugs, motorcycle awareness, aggressive driving, and distracted driving. To Begin Behind-the-Wheel Instruction (in Prince William County Public Schools) The student must: • Have a valid learner’s permit. • Have driven a minimum of two hours with parent supervision before taking behind-the-wheel instruction. Ten hours of on-road driving is recommended before taking the range-and-road class. • Turn in the required signed permission form(s) . • Pay $240 online, money order, or check made out to Prince William County Public Schools. Behind-the-Wheel Driver Education Instruction • The state of Virginia requires 14 class periods of behind-the-wheel instruction. • Class periods consist of range and road instruction. The road skills test will be given by the instructor after the student has successfully completed the behind-the-wheel instruction. Requirements to Receive a 180-day Temporary Provisional Driver’s License • Student must hold a learner’s permit for at least 9 months and be at least 16 years and 3 months in age. • Student must successfully complete a state-approved driver education program, which includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. • Student must have a signed parent/guardian PWCS permission form, state form PPF-16 , and completed a tire and oil homework assignment • Parent/guardian must certify that their child has driven a motor vehicle for 45 hours, 15 of which must be after sunset. A log is in the 45-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide. • Juvenile Licensing Ceremony –(within 180 days) - Family will receive notice to appear in court - Judge presents permanent driver’s license to parents - Ceremonies may be waived and driver’s license mailed in certain circumstances Teen Driving Restrictions • Curfew – Drivers under 18 are prohibited from driving midnight to 4 a. m. except when driving: to work; to a school, civic or religious activity; with a licensed parent; or in case of emergency. Check with your locality for other curfew restrictions. • Passengers – Drivers under 18 may carry only one passenger under 21 unless with a licensed parent. After holding a license for one year, drivers may carry up to three passengers under 21 only if: - They are driving to a school-sponsored activity, or - A licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat, or - There is an emergency. - Passenger restrictions do not apply to family members. • Safety belts-Passengers younger than 18 years old who are occupying the front or rear seats of a vehicle must wear safety belts. Conviction of the curfew or passenger restriction laws can result in driver’s license suspension. REMINDER: PHONE DOWN. IT’S THE LAW It is illegal for any driver to hold a handheld personal communi

FAQs

What are the age and testing requirements for a Virginia learner’s permit?

Applicants must be at least 15 years and 6 months old. They must complete the required driver license application steps, then pass a multiple-choice sign and knowledge test and a vision test.

What prerequisites are required before starting behind-the-wheel instruction?

The student must have a valid learner’s permit, have driven a minimum of two hours with parent supervision beforehand, submit the required signed permission form(s), and pay the required fee as instructed by Prince William County Public Schools.

What restrictions apply to teen drivers under 18?

Drivers under 18 face curfew limits (midnight to 4 a.m. with specified exceptions), passenger limits (generally only one passenger under 21 unless exceptions apply), and safety belt requirements for passengers under 18. Violations can lead to driver’s license suspension.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by lilac