Driver’s Ed in Planning District Eight

Q. I understand my teen and I must take a new 90-minute course in order for her to get a driver’s license. Where do we take the course?

A. You may or may not be required to take the course. A DMV law, passed in 2009 and modified in 2011, requires an additional 90-minute safety course for all teens who want to obtain a driver’s license in Planning District Eight. District Eight includes the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William, and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park.  All teens under age 19 and their parents must view the video and safety presentation entitled “Partners for Safe Teen Driving.” Parents and students living outside of these school divisions are not required to take the 90-minute class.

The course can be taken through public schools, driver-training schools, or through Fairfax County Public School’s Adult Community Education (ACE) program during the summer. The Fairfax Adult Community Education program is open to everyone, even those not living in Fairfax. Call 703-658-1201 to reserve a place in the summer classes (fee $30). Call your local school division to register for one of five courses scheduled throughout the school year. The course is not included in the approved correspondence courses for homeschoolers. Upon completion, the parent and student sign an Affirmation of Attendance as part of the in-classroom portion of the driver education curriculum.

UPDATE: You also have a new option for viewing the required component. Students and parents can now complete the program online at http://www.90minparentteen.org/.