Preparing Teens for a lifetime of safe driving
Richmond’s Premium Behind‑the‑Wheel Training
smart scheduling.
serious safety.
student success.
smart scheduling. serious safety. student success.
Why Ready To Drive RVA?
Personalized coaching:
One instructor, two students per drive for real‑world observation and learning.
Upscale, safety‑first vehicles:
Consumer Reports recommended SUVs with dual controls and advanced safety features.
Transparent progress:
After each session, parents receive clear notes and next‑drive goals.
Clear communication and expectations:
We update students and parents every step of the way.
“We started Ready to Drive RVA because we wanted what every parent wants — calm, professional, high-quality instruction in a safe, modern vehicle, from people who actually care about teens learning to drive well. We teach skills for life, not just to pass a test.”
—Ashley Stalker and Jennifer Lamb, Founders, Ready to Drive RVA
ready to drive rva’s roadmap
Getting licensed in Virginia can be confusing — but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how the process works from start to finish, and how Ready to Drive RVA can help your teen every step of the way.
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There are two steps to applying for your learner’s permit:
Submitting the proper documents and fees, and
Taking the relevant tests.
Click here for the DMV License online, downloadable, application form
Visit the Virginia DMV to take the Knowledge & Signs Test.
If your teen fails, they must wait 15 days before retesting.
After 3 failed attempts, a Driver’s Ed classroom course is required before retesting. Ready to Drive RVA offers an online, self-paced course.
Must always drive with a licensed adult (21+ or 18+ if family member.)
Click here for the Interactive DMV Driver’s Study Guide complete with practice questions and quizzes
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Required by the DMV before earning a license.
Can be taken at school or online.
Ready to Drive RVA’s online self-paced course (coming soon) meets this requirement and includes final testing with us, in person as well as a discount when bundled with In-Car Behind the Wheel.
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Teens must complete 45 hours of driving with a parent or guardian:
30 hours in daylight
15 hours at night
Parents must certify completion on the official 45-Hour Driving Log.
Click here to download Virginia Department of Education’s Official 45-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide
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Before beginning Behind-the-Wheel, students must first complete:
36 periods (30 hours) of classroom instruction (at school or online), and
45 hours of supervised driving practice with a parent or guardian (30 daytime / 15 nighttime).
Once those are complete, it’s time for the fun part — Behind-the-Wheel training with a licensed driving school.
At Ready to Drive RVA, this includes:
7 driving sessions (50 minutes each)
7 observation sessions (50 minutes each)
Conducted in dual-control SUVs with DMV-licensed, professional instructors
Focus on scanning, awareness, confidence, and real-world decision-making
Upon successful completion, your teen will take their official road test with our instructor and receive a temporary driver’s license — no DMV appointment required. Met all of these requirements?
Click here to enroll in Ready to Drive RVA’s Behind-the-Wheel course now!
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The final road test is given by your Ready to Drive RVA instructor — not the DMV.
When your teen passes, they receive a temporary license valid for 180 days from when they are 16 and 3 months or the date they held their learner’s permit for 9 months. They must be at least 16 years and 3 months AND have held a learner’s permit for 9 months. This MUST be carried with the learner’s permit at all times. You cannot use the temporary license until the date of eligibility has been satisfied.
The official license will arrive by mail from the Virginia DMV or you will be summoned to a court hearing with a judge to receive the license.
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No more than one passenger under 21 (except family) during the first year.
The State of Virginia Curfew is between midnight and 4 a.m.
City of Richmond curfew is 11:00 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday - Thursday, and midnight to 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Henrico County curfew is 11:00 p.m. to 6 a.m.
No GPS or cell phone use — even hands-free.
Restrictions lift at age 18.
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Click here for the Virginia Department of Education Parent/Teen Driving Guide
Still have questions? Call or text us at (804) 441-1408 and we will be happy to help!
GET STARTED HERE
7 BTW drives with paired observation (50 minutes driving + 50 minutes observing per session)
Coming soon - online, self‑serve scheduling—no phone tag
Pick up and drop off flexibility on morning drives
Instructor‑administered road test on Day 7
Training in comfortable, safe SUVs
the parents’ role in the juvenile licensing process
Parents are in control of the licensing process and have the greatest influcence on teen behaviors.
Parents must:
Model safe driving behaviors
Grant DMV permission to issue your child a learner’s permit and a driver’s license
Provide your child with AT LEAST 45 hours of guided practice, 15 of which must be after sunset.
Sign a Temporary Provisional Driver’s License form and provide your DMV-issued driver’s license or ID number.
Determine when your child is ready to drive unsupervised.
Notify your insurance agent when your child receives a 180-Day Temporary Driver’s License
Establish family driving rules that include no passengers, limited or no driving at night, and zero tolerance for cell phone use and text messaging while driving.