Driving School FAQ

Choose the Teen Behind-the-Wheel Program if the student is under 19 and needs to complete Virginia's required 7-session behind-the-wheel course and road test.

Choose Private Lessons if you want one-on-one practice for a specific skill, extra confidence, road test preparation, or refresher lessons. Private lessons are available to drivers of any age with a valid learner's permit or driver's license, but they do not replace the required teen program.

Getting a Virginia driver's license as a teen involves four steps. Albemarle Driving School handles steps 3 and 4: the behind-the-wheel training and the road test. Steps 1 and 2 happen before you come to us:

1. Complete classroom driver's education. Enroll in a state-approved driver's ed course, offered through your school or a private provider. When you finish, you'll receive a DEC1 card or Certificate of Classroom Completion. Keep it. You'll need it.
2. Get your learner's permit. Visit a Virginia DMV customer service center to pass the knowledge test and vision screening. You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old. Once issued, you'll need to hold the permit for at least 9 months and log 45 hours of supervised practice, including 15 at night.

Register here when you're ready for steps 3 and 4, or contact us with questions about where you are in the process.

For the teen program, use the teen program registration form. For private lessons, use the private lessons booking form. Include your scheduling preferences and any relevant details, and we'll reach out to confirm your first session.

To enroll in the teen behind-the-wheel program, the student must:

• Be under the age of 19
• Hold a valid Virginia learner's permit
• Have completed classroom driver's education
• Have a DEC1 card or Certificate of Classroom Completion

The teen program is $350 total. It includes all 7 required two-hour sessions, with 50 minutes of driving and 50 minutes of observation each session.

The road test happens during session 7. If the student passes, the instructor issues a temporary provisional driver's license on the spot. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or credit card. Credit card payments carry a 4% processing fee.

• The completed contract and registration form, emailed after registration
• Payment: $350 by cash, check, or credit card
• A photocopy of the learner's permit, front side only
• The student's DEC1 card or Certificate of Classroom Completion

Teen sessions run in two-hour blocks from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. We offer morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend options to work around school and family schedules.

Sessions begin and end at school or another agreed pickup and drop-off location. Teen program sessions are taught in pairs when possible. If the student has a friend they would like to pair with, include that name on the registration form. If not, we'll match the student with another student at a compatible time.

If the student passes the road test during session 7, the instructor issues a temporary provisional driver's license on the spot. No DMV visit is required after passing.

The temporary provisional license is valid for 180 days from the student's eligibility date. The permanent license is then issued by the Juvenile Domestic Relations Court, typically within three months.

Private lessons are one-on-one driving sessions for drivers of any age and experience level. They are useful for nervous beginners, licensed adults who want a refresher, students preparing for a road test, or anyone who wants help with specific skills like parking, highway driving, or building confidence.

Private lesson students need a valid Virginia learner's permit or driver's license. They do not need to have completed classroom driver's education first.

Private lessons are $75 per session, with a minimum of 2 sessions required. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or credit card. Credit card payments carry a 4% processing fee.

No. Private lessons and the teen behind-the-wheel program are separate. Private lessons are supplemental or standalone and do not replace Virginia's required 7-session teen behind-the-wheel program.

Fill out the private lessons booking form, describe what you'd like to work on, and include your scheduling preferences. Tom will be in touch to confirm your first session.

Use the contact form or email tom@albemarledrivingschool.com directly. We're happy to help.