Va. Code Ann. tit. 46.2, ch. 17

Va. Code Ann. tit. 46.2, ch. 17
in effect

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1700 Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Behind-the-wheel instructor" means an individual who meets the requirements for licensure under § 46.2-1708 and is employed by a training provider who provides behind-the-wheel training involving the actual operation of a commercial motor vehicle by an entry-level driver on a range or a public road. "Behind-the-wheel training" means training provided by a licensed behind-the-wheel instructor when an entry-level driver has actual control of the power unit during a driving lesson conducted on a range or on a public road. "Behind-the-wheel training" does not include time an entry-level driver spends observing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle when he is not in control of the vehicle. "Business records" means documents maintained by a driver training school, including all filed tax returns; Commission filings, if required by Title 13.1; beneficial ownership information filings, if required by 31 C.F.R. § 1010.380; vehicle registration and maintenance records; business licenses; insurance policies; and any documents required pursuant to § 46.2-1710 . "Class A licensee" means a driver training school that provides entry-level driver training in the operation of commercial motor vehicles as defined in § 46.2-341.4 . "Class B licensee" means a driver training school that provides training in the operation of any type of motor vehicle other than motorcycles and commercial motor vehicles as defined in § 46.2-341.4 . "Computer-based driver education course" means the classroom portion of driver education offered by a computer-based driver education provider through the Internet or other electronic means approved by the Department whose content and quality is comparable to that of courses offered in the Commonwealth's public schools. "Computer-based driver education provider" means a driver training school licensed by the Department in accordance with this chapter to conduct computer-based driver education courses. "Driver training school" or "school" means a business enterprise conducted by an individual, association, partnership, or corporation, for the education and training of persons, either practically or theoretically or both, to operate or drive motor vehicles, and charging a consideration or tuition for such services. "Driver training school" or "school" does not mean any institution of higher education, school established pursuant to § 46.2-1314 , school maintained or classes conducted by employers for their own employees where no fee or tuition is charged, schools or classes owned and operated by or under the authority of bona fide religious institutions, or by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, training programs for school bus operators established pursuant to § 22.1-181 , driver education programs established pursuant to § 22.1-205 , or schools accredited by accrediting associations approved by the Department of Education; however, if any such entity or program excluded from the definition of "driver training school" offers driver education and training through a contractual arrangement with another person for consideration, then that other person shall be considered a driver training school subject to the requirements of this chapter. "Driver training school owner" means (i) any person with an ownership interest in a driver training school and (ii) any person who contributed money or property to establish a driver training school and (a) is the spouse or child of or (b) cohabitates or has cohabited within the previous 12 months with a person with an ownership interest in a driver training school. "Entry-level driver" means the same as defined in § 46.2-341.4 . "Entry-level driver training" means the same as defined in § 46.2-341.4 . "FMCSA" means the same as defined in § 46.2-341.4 . "Instructor" means any person, whether acting for himself as a driver training school owner or as an employee of a driver training school, who teaches, conducts classes, gives demonstrations, or supervises persons learning to operate or drive a motor vehicle. "Key information" means the training provider name, address, phone number, type or types of training offered, training provider status, and any change in state licensure, certification, or accreditation status. "Ownership interest in a driver training school" means (i) the right to receive 10 percent or more of the annual gross or net sales from such driver training school in a year; (ii) if such driver training school is a partnership, a control or financial interest as a general or limited partner; (iii) if such driver training school is a limited liability company, a control or financial interest as a member or manager; (iv) if such driver training school is an association, membership; or (v) if such driver training school is a closely held corporation, ownership of stock or serving as a director or officer. "Range" means an area that is free of obstructions, enables the driver to maneuver safely and free from interference from other vehicles and hazards, and has adequate sight lines. "Theory instruction" means knowledge instruction on the operation of a commercial motor vehicle and related matters provided by a licensed theory instructor through lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, computer-based instruction, driving simulation devices, online training, or similar means. "Theory instructor" means an individual who meets the requirements for licensure under § 46.2-1708 and is employed by a training provider and who provides knowledge instruction on the operation of a commercial motor vehicle. "Training provider" means the same as defined in § 46.2-341.4 . 1990, c. 466; 2004, c. 587 ; 2016, c. 437 ; 2019, c. 750 ; 2024, cc. 107 , 121 ; 2025, c. 79 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1701 Licenses required for school and instructor; fees

No driver training school shall be established or continue operation unless the school obtains from the Commissioner a license authorizing the school to operate within the Commonwealth. The application for such license shall identify all driver training school owners and separately identify each manager and instructor employed by the driver training school. If such driver training school is an entity required to register with the Commission under Title 13.1, such application shall include evidence of such registration. No instructor shall perform the actions enumerated in the definition of "instructor" in § 46.2-1700 unless he obtains from the Commissioner a license authorizing him to act as driving instructor. Such license shall be valid for a period of two years. A nonrefundable license fee of $75 shall be paid to the Department by a person applying for an instructor license. The first license issued to an instructor shall expire on the same date the driver training school's license expires, and the first license fee may be prorated on a monthly basis. Thereafter, the renewal period for the instructor shall match that of the school. The Commissioner may require instructor applicants to complete training on the administration of any behind-the-wheel examination and may require such applicants to exhibit proficiency in the administration of such examinations. The Commissioner shall have authority to set and collect school and instructor licensing fees. All licensing fees collected by the Commissioner under this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and set aside as a special fund to meet the expenses of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Upon application of a driver training school licensed in accordance with this chapter, the Commissioner may license such driver training school using criteria established by the Commissioner pursuant to § 46.2-1702 to provide computer-based driver education courses using curricula approved by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may issue a two-year license to driver training schools, including computer-based driver education providers. A nonrefundable license fee of $150 shall be required with each such application. Such licensing fee shall be in addition to fees permitted under this chapter. 1990, c. 466; 2004, c. 587 ; 2016, c. 437 ; 2023, cc. 308 , 309 ; 2025, c. 79 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1701.1 Bond of applicants

The applicant shall file a surety bond in the amount of $100,000 for a Class A licensee and $5,000 for a Class B licensee. The bond shall be payable to the Commonwealth of Virginia and conditioned to protect the contractual rights of students. The bonding requirement for a Class A license may be reduced, at the discretion of the Department, on a showing by the school that no course of study for which tuition is collected lasts longer than thirty days or that the school collects no advance tuition other than equal monthly installments based on the length of the course of study. The minimum bond for any school shall be $5,000. The Department may collect against this bond in the case that the driver training school violates applicable state or federal law or regulation. 1991, c. 214; 2019, c. 750 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1701.2 Schools required to have established places of business

No license shall be issued or renewed to any driver training school unless it has an established place of business in the Commonwealth that: 1. Satisfies all local zoning regulations; 2. Has office space in which the driver training school houses all records required to be maintained under § 46.2-1701.3 and which: a. Is equipped with a desk, chairs, filing space, a working telephone listed in the name of the school, and working utilities; b. Complies with federal, state, and local health, fire, and building code requirements; and c. Meets all other place of business and recordkeeping requirements set forth in this chapter and established in regulations promulgated by the Department. 2004, c. 587 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1701.3 Records to be maintained; certification of classes

A. A driver training school shall maintain all student records, business records, and other records, as required by the Department, at its established place of business. The Commissioner may, on written request from a driver training school, permit records to be maintained at a location other than the established place of business for good cause shown. All records shall be preserved in original form or in film, magnetic, electronic, or optical media, including microfilm or microfiche, for a period of three years in a manner that permits systematic retrieval. All records required to be maintained by the provisions of this section or by regulation shall be available to the Commissioner or his agents during regular business hours or at any other reasonable time, as determined by the Commissioner. A driver training school shall ensure that all student records are stored securely so that only employees of such school can access the records, except as otherwise provided in this section. B. The failure of a driver training school to maintain or produce contemporary records that a person completed a course shall create a rebuttable presumption that such person did not complete such course. The Commissioner may require a school to use certificate forms provided by the Department to show completion of a course. The Commissioner may limit the number of certificate forms provided to a driver training school based upon criteria established by the Department, including the number of licensed instructors, the number of vehicles used by the school, and the types of courses taught by the school. The Commissioner may also require that a driver training school submit course completion information electronically in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner. 2004, c. 587 ; 2025, c. 79 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1701.3:1 Behind-the-wheel examinations

The Commissioner may require driver training schools to notify the Department, in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner, of a scheduled behind-the-wheel examination no less than 48 hours prior to administering such examination. 2025, c. 79 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1701.4 Reports and records of licensed computer-based driver education providers

The Commissioner may require annual, periodic, or special reports from computer-based driver education providers in a manner and form approved by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may require a computer-based driver education provider to file with the Department a true copy of any contract, agreement, or arrangement between such computer-based driver education provider and any person in relation to the provisions of this chapter. The Commissioner may prescribe the forms of any accounts, records, and memoranda to be kept by computer-based driver education providers and the length of time such accounts, records, and memoranda shall be preserved. 2016, c. 437 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1702 Certification of driver education courses by Commissioner

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commissioner shall have the authority to approve as a driver education course satisfying the requirements of § 46.2-334 any course that is offered by any driver training school licensed under the provisions of this chapter if he finds that the course is of comparable content and quality to that offered in the Commonwealth's public schools. In making such finding, the Commissioner shall not require that the instructors of any driver training school meet the certification requirements of teachers in the Commonwealth's public schools. However, the Commissioner shall deny an instructor application or revoke an instructor's license to provide a driver education course satisfying the requirements of § 46.2-334 if such instructor has been convicted of a felony in violation of § 18.2-48 , 18.2-61 , 18.2-63 , 18.2-64.1 , 18.2-67.1 , 18.2-67.2 , 18.2-67.3 , 18.2-67.5 , 18.2-355 , 18.2-361 , 18.2-366 , 18.2-370 , 18.2-370.1 , 18.2-371.1 , or 18.2-374.1 or has been convicted of any offense that requires registration on the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry pursuant to § 9.1-902 . Any comprehensive community college within the Virginia Community College System shall have the authority to offer the courses required by the Virginia Board of Education to become a certified driver education instructor in Virginia on a not-for-credit basis so long as the courses include the same content and curriculum required by the Department of Education, enabling individuals who complete those courses to then teach driver's education in Virginia driver education training schools upon official certification by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Virginia Department of Education shall provide the curriculum, content, and other information regarding the courses required to become certified driver education instructors in Virginia to any comprehensive community college within the Virginia Community College System. The content of each course must be accurate and rigorous and must meet the requirements for the Department of Education's Curriculum and Administrative Guide for Driver's Education, which includes the Board of Education's standards of learning. Except for schools in the Commonwealth's public school system and providers of correspondence courses approved by the Board of Education pursuant to subsection F of § 22.1-205 , only those driver training schools that are licensed as computer-based driver education providers shall be authorized to administer computer-based driver education courses, including the parent/student driver education component of the driver education curriculum as established in § 22.1-205 . The content and quality of such computer-based driver education courses shall be comparable to that of courses offered in the Commonwealth's public schools. The Commissioner may establish minimum standards for testing students who have enrolled in computer-based driver education courses. Such standards may include (i) requirements for the test site; (ii) verification that the person taking the test is the person enrolled in the course; (iii) verification of the identity of the student using photo identification approved by the Commissioner; and (iv) maintenance of a log containing the name and title of the licensed instructor monitoring the test, the test date, the name of the student taking the test, and the student's time-in and time-out of the test site. Computer-based driver education providers shall not issue a certificate of completion to a student prior to receiving proof of completion of the additional minimum 90-minute parent/student driver education component pursuant to § 22.1-205 . Any driver training school licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall be authorized to provide the 90-minute parent/student driver education component of the driver education curriculum pursuant to § 22.1-205 . Only public schools and those driver training schools that are licensed as computer-based driver education providers shall be authorized to administer the parent/student driver education component of the driver education curriculum through a virtual, computer-based program. Completion of such education component shall satisfy the requirement for the additional 90-minute parent/student driver education component so long as there is participation of the student's parent or guardian and the content provided is comparable to that which is offered in the Commonwealth's public schools and emphasizes (a) parental responsibilities regarding juvenile driver behavior, (b) juvenile driving restrictions pursuant to this Code, (c) the dangers of driving while intoxicated and underage consumption of alcohol, and (d) the dangers of distracted driving. The Commissioner shall have authority to approve any driver education course offered by any Class A licensee if he finds the course meets the requirements for such courses as set forth in this chapter and as otherwise established by the Department. Class A licensees shall not be permitted to administer behind-the-wheel examinations unless authorized pursuant to § 46.2-326.1 . Driver education courses offered by any Class B licensee shall be based on the driver education curriculum currently approved by the Department of Education and the Department. In addition to programs authorized pursuant to this chapter, the Commissioner may authorize driver training schools to administer programs pursuant to § 46.2-324.1 and subsection B of § 46.2-325 . The Commissioner may accept, in lieu of requirements established by the Department of Education for instructor qualification, (1) 20 years' service with the Virginia Department of State Police by a law-enforcement officer who retired or resigned while in good standing from such Department or (2) (i) 20 years' service as a traffic enforcement officer with patrol experience with any local police department by a law-enforcement officer who has been certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services pursuant to § 15.2-1706 , (ii) who retired or resigned while in good standing from such department, and (iii) who has been certified to teach driver training by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. 1990, c. 466; 1991, c. 214; 2004, c. 587 ; 2014, cc. 666 , 685 , 753 ; 2016, c. 437 ; 2017, c. 144 ; 2018, cc. 521 , 619 ; 2019, cc. 78 , 155 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 136 ; 2022, c. 708 ; 2025, c. 79 ; 2026, cc. 537 , 538 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1702.1 Instructor identification; training involving the operation of a motor vehicle

When conducting behind-the-wheel training or any other training in which a student of a driver training school is driving or operating a motor vehicle, the instructor conducting such training shall display, or cause to be displayed, the license authorizing him to act as a driving instructor issued pursuant to § 46.2-1701 in such motor vehicle in a location that is clearly visible to the student and in a holder approved by the Commissioner that may be removable. Such license shall be displayed for the duration of any such training. 2026, c. 521 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1703 Authority to promulgate regulations

The Commissioner may promulgate regulations necessary to (i) enforce the provisions of this chapter, (ii) provide adequate training for students, (iii) protect student and public safety, and (iv) carry out the other provisions of this chapter. These regulations may include curriculum requirements, contractual arrangements with students, obligations to students, facilities and equipment, qualifications and other requirements for instructors, driver training school owner or manager requirements, surety bond requirements, and financial stability of schools. 1990, c. 466; 1991, c. 214; 2004, c. 587 ; 2025, c. 79 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1704 Action on applications; hearing on denial

The Commissioner shall act on any application for a license under this chapter within 30 days after receipt by either granting or denying the application. The Commissioner shall deny an application when it does not satisfy the requirements of this chapter and any regulations promulgated pursuant to § 46.2-1703 , or when the applicant has committed an act prohibited pursuant to subsection A of § 46.2-1707 . The Commissioner may deny an application when the applicant was previously granted a license pursuant to § 46.2-1701 and such license was revoked or suspended. Any applicant denied a license shall, on his written request made within 30 days of the denial, be given a hearing at a time and place determined by the Commissioner or his designee. All hearings under this section shall be public and shall be held promptly. The applicant may be represented by counsel. Any applicant denied a license may not apply again for a license for 60 days from the date of denial of the application. The Commissioner or his designee may, for good cause shown, grant an applicant whose license has expired one or more 30-day extensions. 1991, c. 214; 2025, c. 79 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1705 Suspension, revocation, cancellation, or refusal to renew license; limitations on operations; imposition of monetary penalties

A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, (i) no license issued under this chapter shall be suspended, revoked, or cancelled or renewal thereof denied; (ii) no limitation on operations shall be imposed pursuant to subsection F; and (iii) no monetary penalty shall be imposed pursuant to § 46.2-1706 , unless the licensee has been furnished a written copy of the complaint against him with the grounds upon which the action is taken and has been offered an opportunity for an administrative hearing to show cause why such action should not be taken. B. The order suspending, revoking, cancelling, or denying renewal of a license, imposing a limitation on operation, or imposing a monetary penalty, except as otherwise provided in subsection E, shall not become effective until the licensee has had 30 days after notice of the opportunity for a hearing to make a written request for such a hearing. If no hearing has been requested within such 30-day period, the order shall become effective and no hearing shall thereafter be held. A timely request for a hearing shall automatically stay operation of the order until after the hearing. C. Notice of an order suspending, revoking, cancelling or denying renewal of a license, imposing a limitation on operation, or imposing a monetary penalty and advising the licensee of the opportunity for a hearing shall be mailed to the licensee by registered mail to the school address as shown on the licensee's most recent application for license and shall be considered served when mailed. D. A licensee whose license has been revoked may reapply for a license after a period to be determined by the Commissioner after considering (i) the number and severity of current violations, (ii) the number and severity of past violations, (iii) any past revocations or suspensions, (iv) highway safety concerns, and (v) public safety concerns. If an instructor license has been revoked due to a conviction of (a) driving under the influence, (b) reckless driving, (c) refusal to submit to alcohol or drug testing, or (d) vehicular manslaughter, such period shall be no less than 10 years. No licensee who has been denied renewal shall apply for a new license within 180 days of such action. E. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B, an order suspending, revoking, cancelling, or denying renewal of an instructor license shall be effective immediately if the order is based upon a finding by the Commissioner (i) that the instructor's driving record is such that he is not presently qualified to act as an instructor or (ii) that he is otherwise a danger to the safety of his students or the public. Such finding by the Commissioner shall be based on records of driver's license suspension or revocation, upon records of conviction of serious motor vehicle related offenses punishable as a misdemeanor or felony including driving under the influence or reckless driving, and upon such other criteria as the Commissioner may establish by regulation. Notice of the order of suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial shall be in writing and mailed in accordance with subsection C. Upon receipt of a request for a hearing appealing the suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial, the licensee shall be afforded the opportunity for a hearing as soon as practicable, but in no case later than 30 days from receipt of the hearing request. The order shall remain in effect pending the outcome of the hearing. F. If the Commissioner makes a finding that the conduct of a licensee is in violation of this chapter or regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, he may suspend, revoke, cancel, or refuse to renew the license of such licensee or may order the licensee, in accordance with subsections A, B, and C, to limit the types of driver education training provided, restrict the use of the licensee's training vehicles, or both. Whenever the Commissioner takes action limiting operations under this subsection, the Commissioner shall require the licensee to post conspicuous notice of the Commissioner's action under this subsection at the same location as the licensee's license was issued under this chapter, as soon as the Commissioner's order becomes effective. Orders of the Commissioner limiting operations and requiring posting of notices shall remain in effect until (i) the time period for the limitations or restriction has expired and the Commissioner makes a finding that the violations causing the imposition of such limitations or restrictions have been remedied by the licensee or (ii) the Commissioner's order is lifted as the result of an appeal under § 46.2-1704 or by a court of competent jurisdiction. No investigation of a licensee, driver training school owner, or employee of a driver training school shall terminate or abate upon the surrender of a license required pursuant to § 46.2-1701 , nor shall any such surrender impair the Commissioner's ability to impose any sanction or remedy authorized pursuant to this chapter. G. If the Commissioner makes a finding, after conducting a preliminary investigation, that the conduct of a licensee (i) is in violation of this chapter or regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter and (ii) such violation constitutes a danger to public safety, the Commissioner may issue an order suspending the licensee's license to operate a driver training school. Notice of the suspension shall be in writing and mailed in accordance with subsection C. Upon receipt of a request for a hearing appealing the suspension, the licensee shall be afforded the opportunity for a hearing as soon as practicable, but in no case later than 30 days from receipt of the hearing request. The suspension shall remain in effect pending the outcome of the hearing. H. The Commissioner may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew any license issued pursuant to this chapter for any conduct prohibited pursuant to § 46.2-1707 . 1991, c. 214; 2000, c. 179 ; 2004, c. 587 ; 2025, c. 79 ; 2026, cc. 537 , 538 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1706 Civil penalties

In addition to any other sanctions or remedies available to the Commissioner under this chapter, the Commissioner may assess a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for any violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation promulgated thereunder. The penalty may be sued for and recovered in the name of the Commonwealth. 1991, c. 214.

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1707 Unlawful acts; prosecution; proceedings in equity

A. It is unlawful for any person to engage in any of the following acts: 1. Practicing as a driver training school or as an instructor without holding a valid license as required by statute or regulation; 2. Making use of any designation provided by statute or regulation to denote a standard of professional or occupational competence without being duly certified or licensed; 3. Performing any act or function that is restricted by statute or regulation to persons holding a driver training school or instructor license or certification without being duly certified or licensed; 4. Materially misrepresenting facts in an application for licensure, certification, or registration, including applications pursuant to § 46.2-1701 ; 5. Willfully refusing to furnish the Department information or records required or requested pursuant to statute or regulation; or 6. Violating any statute or regulation governing the practice of any driver training school or instructor regulated pursuant to this chapter. Any person who willfully engages in any unlawful act enumerated in this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, the third or any subsequent conviction for violating this section during a 36-month period shall constitute a Class 6 felony. B. In addition to the provisions of subsection A, the Department may institute proceedings in equity to enjoin any person from engaging in any unlawful act enumerated in this section. Such proceedings shall be brought in the name of the Commonwealth in the circuit court of the city or county in which the unlawful act occurred or in which the defendant resides. 1991, c. 214; 2004, c. 587 ; 2025, c. 79 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1707.1 Notification of offenses by licensees; report

A. For purposes of this section, "penalty" means any disciplinary action taken by the Department against an instructor or driver training school, including civil or monetary penalties and license suspensions, revocations, cancellations, or refusals to renew. B. The Department shall establish and maintain a public, searchable database containing any penalty that occurred on or after January 1, 2022. Such database shall be searchable by the name of any instructor or driver training school licensed by the Department. The database shall include in any results related to a driver training school any penalties assessed against such driver training school and any instructors employed by such driver training school at the time of the offense. C. Driver training schools shall notify, in writing, students and prospective students, and, if such student or prospective student is a minor, the parent or legal guardian of such student or prospective student, of any penalty that involves such driver training school or an instructor employed by such driver training school at the time of the offense. Such notification shall include any penalties assessed within the preceding 24 months. The driver training school shall notify existing students, and if such student is a minor, the parent or legal guardian of such student, of any penalties assessed against such driver training school or an instructor employed by such driver training school at the time of the offense within 24 hours of the determination of the Department. D. The Department shall annually by November 1 submit a report to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees on Transportation detailing penalties assessed by the Department in the preceding year. 2026, cc. 537 , 538 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1708 Licenses required for school and instructors

A. A Class A driver training school shall not provide entry-level driver training in the Commonwealth until it has (i) been licensed pursuant to this chapter and (ii) provided the Commissioner with its unique Training Provider Registry number issued by FMCSA pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 380.703 in a form prescribed by the Department. B. To become a Class A driver training school an applicant shall include with its application evidence that: 1. The curriculum used for theory instruction and behind-the-wheel training complies with the curriculum requirements prescribed by the Department; 2. The facilities used for entry-level driver training for both theory instruction and behind-the-wheel training comply with all federal and state safety requirements; 3. The instructors employed by the applicant driver training school are licensed under this section; 4. The applicant driver training school (i) uses written assessments that comply with the requirements prescribed by the Department to determine the driver trainee's proficiency in the knowledge objectives of each unit of instruction in the curriculum and (ii) requires driver trainees to achieve an overall minimum score of 80 percent for passage of the theory instruction portion of the course; and 5. The applicant driver training school instructors evaluate and document the driver trainee's proficiency in the behind-the-wheel skills in accordance with the curriculum requirements prescribed by the Department. C. The Commissioner shall not license a behind-the-wheel instructor or theory instructor unless the applicant provides evidence that his commercial driver's license has not been disqualified, canceled, suspended, or revoked due to any of the disqualifying offenses identified in 49 C.F.R. § 383.51, unless his commercial driver's license was reinstated more than two years prior to the application date, and that he either: 1. Currently holds a commercial driver's license of the same class or higher with all endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which training will be provided and has at least two years of experience driving a commercial motor vehicle requiring a commercial driver's license of the same or higher class or the same endorsement; or 2. Currently holds a commercial driver's license of the same class or higher with all endorsements necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle for which training will be provided, and has at least two years of experience as a behind-the-wheel commercial motor vehicle instructor. D. The Commissioner may issue an order suspending, revoking, cancelling, or denying renewal of a training provider's license, certification, or authorization to provide training effective immediately if the order is based upon the removal of the school from the federal Training Provider Registry pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 380.723. Notice of such order shall be in writing and mailed to the training provider by registered mail to the address as shown on the training provider's most recent application and shall be considered served when mailed. Upon receipt of a request for a hearing appealing such order, the training provider shall be afforded the opportunity for a hearing as soon as practicable, but in no case later than 30 days from receipt of the hearing request. The order shall remain in effect pending the outcome of the hearing. 2019, c. 750 ; 2020, c. 546 ; 2024, cc. 107 , 121 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1709 Business and equipment requirements

A. A training provider shall: 1. Permit the Department and FMCSA to conduct random examinations, inspections, and audits of its records, facilities, and operations that relate to the entry-level driver training program without prior notice; 2. Use vehicles that comply with all federal and state safety requirements and are in the same group and type that the driver trainees intend to operate for the commercial driver's license skills test; 3. Require all driver trainees to certify that they will comply with state and federal laws and regulations and local laws related to alcohol and controlled substances testing, age requirements for driving commercial vehicles, medical certifications, licensing, and driver records; 4. Verify that all accepted behind-the-wheel applicants hold a valid commercial learner's permit or commercial driver's license; 5. Electronically transmit, by midnight of the second business day after the driver trainee completes the training, the driver trainee's certification information through the federal Training Provider Registry website including: a. Driver-trainee name, license or permit number, and state of licensure; b. Type of class or endorsement training the driver trainee completed; c. Total number of clock hours the driver trainee spent to complete the behind-the-wheel training, if applicable; d. Name of the training provider and its unique Training Provider Registry number; and e. Date or dates of successful training completion. 6. Update the Entry-Level Driver Training Provider Registration Form once every two years; 7. Report to FMCSA changes to key information on the Entry-Level Driver Training Provider Registration Form within 30 days of such changes; 8. Maintain documentation of the school's licensure, registration, certification or authorization to provide training in Virginia; 9. Ensure that all records specified in § 46.2-1710 are available to FMCSA or its authorized representative, upon request, and provide such records to FMCSA within 48 hours of such request; and 10. Administer both the range and public road portion of the behind-the-wheel curriculum. B. If a training provider receives notice of proposed removal from FMCSA pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 380.723, the training provider shall (i) notify all current driver trainees and driver trainees scheduled for future training of such receipt and (ii) provide a copy of the notice to the Department within one business day of receiving such notice. C. If a training provider is removed from the federal Training Provider Registry by FMCSA pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 380.723, such training provider shall (i) cease providing entry-level driver training upon receipt and in accordance with FMCSA guidance and (ii) provide the Department with a copy of the notice of proposed removal within one business day of receipt. No training conducted after the date of removal from the federal Training Provider Registry shall be considered valid. 2019, c. 750 ; 2020, c. 546 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1710 Records to be maintained

Each training provider shall retain, in addition to any other records that entity is required to retain by Virginia law or regulation, the following records: 1. Self-certifications by all accepted applicants for behind-the-wheel training attesting that they will comply with state and federal laws and regulations and local laws related to alcohol and controlled substances testing, age requirements for driving commercial vehicles, medical certifications, licensing, and driver records, as required by subdivision A 3 of § 46.2-1709 ; 2. A copy of all driver trainee commercial learner's permits or commercial driver's licenses; 3. Instructor qualification documentation indicating driving or training experience for each instructor and copies of commercial driver's licenses and applicable endorsements held by behind-the-wheel instructors or theory instructors; 4. The Training Provider Registration Form submitted to the federal Training Provider Registry pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 380.703; 5. Lesson plans for theory instruction and behind-the-wheel training curricula; and 6. Records of individual entry-level driver training assessments completed pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 380.715. Such records shall be maintained for at least three years from the date the record was generated or received by the training provider. If any document or record has expired or been canceled, the most recent, valid record shall be maintained. 2019, c. 750 .

Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1711 Government entities authorized to provide entry-level driver training

Any government entity, including the military, any comprehensive community college in the Virginia Community College System established by the State Board for Community Colleges pursuant to Chapter 29 (§ 23.1-2900 et seq.) of Title 23.1, or any department, agency, or instrumentality of a local government, is authorized to provide entry-level driving training to driver trainees, provided that such government entity complies with the requirements of this article. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-1708 , no government entity or trainer employed by a government entity will be required to be licensed by the Department to provide entry-level driver training. 2019, c. 750 .
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter17/Fetched: 10/16/2026