It has come to our attention through a number of our students that some private driving schools in Northern Virginia are conducting behind the wheel classes and issuing driver licenses without following Virginia law.
As a certified driver instructor, I want to remind all new drivers seeking to get their license that all behind the wheel programs should consist of seven hours of driving and seven hours of observing another student drive.
The behind the wheel program is not to be started until the student has practiced with an adult a minimum of 45 hours. Our understanding is a few of these driving schools are taking students out just for a couple of lessons and signing off on the license. When researching a driving school, make sure that you're getting the full complement of lessons that you have paid for and are obligated to fulfill.
If you are concerned about a driving school not following the law you may contact the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Criminal Intelligence Division at
BCICID@vsp.virginia.gov