Driver Training

About Driver Training Schools

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles licenses and regulates driving schools as outlined in the Virginia Code. Driving schools are inspected regularly and reviewed for compliance with all rules and regulations.

Many high school students choose a driver training school to conduct the training rather than completing the training at their high school, as not all high schools offer driver education.

CDL Driver Training Schools

Drivers need to meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's minimum training requirements to obtain one of the following:

  • A Class A or Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) for the first time
  • Upgrade of an existing Class C to a Class A or B or an existing Class B to a Class A CDL.
  • A hazardous materials endorsement (HME), a passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time

Applicants applying for a class A or B CDL or the P or S endorsement must complete both theory and behind the wheel training prior to completing the CDL road skills exam.

Applicants applying for an HME must complete the theory portion of ELDT prior to taking the Hazmat knowledge exam at DMV. For more information on ELDT requirements, visit Entry-Level Driver Training.