The role of a driving instructor in Virginia centers on developing responsible, safe drivers who understand the complexities of the highway transportation system. This profession requires specialized skills, including patience, effective communication, and comprehensive knowledge of state traffic laws and instructional methodology. The path to becoming licensed is regulated by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and involves meeting specific personal, educational, and professional standards. The structured process ensures all licensed professionals are properly qualified to educate new drivers.
Meeting Preliminary Eligibility Requirements
The Virginia DMV maintains clear entry standards regarding maturity and driving experience. An applicant must be at least 21 years of age and possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
A strong personal driving history is a prerequisite for this role. Applicants must document a minimum of five years of licensed driving experience, with at least two of those years occurring within the United States or a territory. Furthermore, the driving record must reflect no more than six demerit points, ensuring the instructor has not accumulated a poor history of traffic violations. The application process also requires a national criminal records check, which must be completed within 60 days of the application submission date.
Completing the Required Instructor Training Program
Once preliminary eligibility is established, the candidate must complete a mandatory educational program designed to impart instructional expertise. This training consists of six semester hours of DMV-approved coursework in driver education, typically fulfilled through two three-semester-hour courses taken at an accredited college or university.
The first course, “Introduction to Driver Education: Driver Task Analysis,” covers technical aspects of driving, including risk perception, space management, and vehicle control principles. The second course, “Instructional Principles of Teaching Driver Education,” concentrates on pedagogical methods, covering how to apply classroom and in-car teaching techniques effectively. This curriculum transforms a skilled driver into a competent educator, capable of delivering instruction that adheres to state standards. Candidates seeking an add-on endorsement through a Virginia teaching certificate complete similar training, including a minimum of 14 hours of supervised teaching experience behind the wheel and 14 hours of mentorship.
Applying for Your Virginia Instructor License
The formal application for licensure occurs after all training and background checks are complete. Applicants for a Class B (non-commercial passenger vehicle) instructor license must use the specific Instructor License Application form, DTS 34B. Required documentation includes a certified transcript confirming the completion of the six semester hours of coursework.
The application package must also include the results of the national criminal records check, which must be current within the last two months. A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for the two-year license period. A prerequisite for licensure is establishing a relationship with a licensed driver training school, as the application requires the employer’s certification of employment or application for employment. The completed application and all supporting materials are submitted to the DMV Driver Training Work Center in Richmond for final processing.
Understanding License Endorsements and Restrictions
A Virginia instructor license is categorized primarily by the type of vehicle the instructor is authorized to teach. The most common is the Class B license, which permits teaching non-commercial passenger vehicle operation. A separate Class A license exists for those who train applicants to operate commercial motor vehicles, such as tractor-trailers.
The license is restricted by the vehicle class and the condition of the instructor’s driving record. Class A instructors must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with all appropriate endorsements. Maintaining a driving record that does not exceed six demerit points is a continuing requirement for all instructors, and exceeding this limit can lead to restrictions or removal from duties.
Maintaining Licensure and Finding Employment
Instructors must actively maintain their professional credentials beyond initial licensure. The license is issued for a two-year period, typically expiring with the license of the employing driving school. To renew, instructors must submit a new application, pay the fee, and provide a new national criminal records check completed within 60 days of the deadline.
License maintenance requires continuing education, mandating that instructors attend annual training sessions approved by the DMV. This ongoing training ensures instructors remain current on changes to traffic laws, instructional best practices, and departmental policies. Since a license cannot be issued without an affiliation, securing employment with a DMV-licensed driver training school is necessary, whether private or public.