For parents and kids who cherish traveling, the laws of driving in Virginia should be understood clearly. The process of the learner’s permit, riding lessons, and several steps is the road to a fully qualified driver. Drive Well Driving School, your trusted driving school in Leesburg, VA, and driving school in Ashburn, VA, has all the courses, including Behind The Wheel for Teens, to help guide young drivers in their journey towards maturity in driving.
Understanding the Driving Age in Virginia
Virginia has a graduated licensing system for teens to gain experience before being able to drive fully. So, for those interested in learning about all these milestones, here is the list:
Learner’s Permit: Aged 15 Years and 6 Months
Teens can apply for a learner’s permit before they turn 16 and six months old. To get a learner’s permit, apply for:
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass a two-part knowledge exam.
- Proof of identity, Virginia residency, and social security number.
The learner’s permit comes with certain restrictions as far as driving privileges go: with the learner’s permit, one can only operate a vehicle under the supervision of a licensed individual age 21 or older or an 18-year-old or older family member with a valid license.
Provisional Driver’s License—Aged 16 Years and 3 Months
The youngest who can apply for a provisional driver’s license is again 16 years and 3 months, provided they hold the learner’s permit for at least 9 months and have transitioned through the required driving education courses. The Behind the Wheel for Teens training had to be completed to gain practical experience under real-life driving conditions.
To earn a provisional license, teens have to:
• Complete a driver-training program sanctioned by the state.
• Spend 45 hours driving under supervision, of which 15 hours were during the nighttime.
• Pass a road skills test.
Drive Well Driving School provides customized training to teach the precious acumen in driving to teens to enable them to take the road examination.
Full Driver’s License (18 Years)
Upon turning 18, the teen holding a provisional license that has no violations automatically becomes a full, unrestricted driver.
Significance of Behind-the-Wheel for a Teen
The signing of a textbook driving school is a keystone in a teen’s journey toward becoming a safe and responsible driver. The Behind-the-Wheel for Teens program at Drive Well Driving School aims to:
• Provide on-road driving experience.
• Teach defensive driving.
• Build confidence in various traffic conditions.
Our state-certified educators ensure that the youth drivers develop the adequate skill set and judgment to safely deal with real-world driving situations.
Driving Restrictions for Teens in Virginia
For safety’s sake, several rules restrict provisional licenses for the safety of teen drivers in Virginia:
• Passenger Limit: Teens may carry only one passenger under the age of 21 (not related to family) during the first year. After the first year, they may carry three passengers under the age of 21.
• Night Driving: All driving is prohibited between midnight and 4 a.m., except when driving to work or school, emergencies, or other qualifying activities.
• Cell Phone Use: All drivers under 18 are prohibited from cell phone use, even if it is hands-free.
Benefits of Choosing Drive Well Driving School:
Wouldn’t you agree there are many good reasons for choosing Drive Well driving school? They’re conveniently located in Leesburg, VA, and Ashburn, VA, but above all, they have a commitment to excellence when it comes to driving education. Here are some reasons families trust us:
• Experienced Instructors, Therefore, our certified, patient instructors provide personal attention on tailored lessons to each learner’s acquisition pace.
• Comprehensive Curriculum Bring students through every aspect of safe driving, from highway driving to parking and defensive driving techniques.
• Flexible Scheduling With busy family schedules, it’s easy for teens to fit in their driving training.
Parental Guidance Tips on Supporting Teenage Drivers
Active participation in a teenager’s life highly influences their driving education. Here are some tips for parents:
1. Make it a Habit: Establish a regular schedule for practice sessions to reinforce skills learned in Behind The Wheel for Teens.
2. Model Safe and Responsible Driving: Teach your teenager the importance of speed limits and the absence of distractions while driving.
3. Stay Updated: Read current Virginia laws regarding driving for teens.
4. Encourage Open Communication: Discuss concerns or issues that make it difficult for your teen to drive.
Conclusion
Virginia has a long pathway to becoming a licensed driver, including knowing the requirements of the state and investing in excellent driver education. Drive Well Driving School—the leading driving school in Leesburg, VA, or the driving school in Ashburn—also provides intensive driver training that includes behind-the-wheel for teens, an initiative designed for the youth to help them acquire skills and the right levels of confidence necessary for safe driving.
