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Driver Education

Classroom Instruction

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) provides driver education instruction in Health, Physical Education, and Classroom Driver Education 2 (HPE 2). HPE 2 is typically taken during 10th grade.

Students receive a minimum of 36 hours of classroom driver education instruction in HPE 2.

90-Minute Student/Parent Presentation

Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 22.1-205) requires students and their parent/guardian living in Planning District 8 – which includes Prince William County – to participate in an in-person, 90-minute student/parent presentation as part of the juvenile driver's licensing process.

Visit the Student/Parent Driver Education Presentation webpage to view presentation dates, times, and locations.

PWCS Behind-the-Wheel

PWCS offers an optional, in-car road and range (behind-the-wheel) program for our students to assist in their juvenile licensing process. 

About the Program

The program includes 14 hours of instruction, typically held over seven afternoons with two-hour sessions each day. Students receive both observation and hands-on driving experience in residential, open, and interstate driving environments. Behind-the-wheel instruction is offered after school and during the summer at all PWCS high schools. Sessions are available year-round, with limited availability during the summer.

After successfully completing both phases of the course and submitting the required 45-hour driving log, students are issued a Temporary Driver's License. The Temporary Driver's License becomes valid only after the student is at least 16 years and 3 months old and has held a valid Virginia learner's permit for at least nine months.

Eligibility Information

To be eligible to take Behind the Wheel, students must:

  • Have a valid Virginia learner's permit.
  • Attend a 90-minute Driver Education Student/Parent Meeting with a parent or guardian. Meetings are held throughout Prince William County.
  • Successfully complete Classroom Driver Education (receive the DEC – District 8 Certificate of Completion, also known as the Pink Card) or be currently enrolled in Health and Physical Education 2 Driver Education with a minimum C average.
  • Complete at least 10 hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a parent or guardian in a variety of driving environments, including residential streets, city roads, highways, and expressways, before registering for instruction.

How to Register

Registration for behind-the-wheel driver education is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit the PWCS Behind-the-Wheel webpage to complete the online Behind-the-Wheel registration by creating an account, entering the required student and parent or guardian information, selecting your school, and accepting the Terms of Service. Submit only one registration.

Before you begin, review your school's registration and scheduling information. Steps to schedule behind-the-wheel lessons may be different at each school.

Cost & Payment Information

The cost for this program is $240.

Pay the required $240 registration fee through Student Quick Pay.

  • Full payment is required before registration can be completed.
  • Accepted payment methods: Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, and Mastercard Debit.

Before you begin, review your school's registration and scheduling information. Steps to schedule behind-the-wheel lessons may be different at each school.

Behind-the-Wheel for Woodbridge High School Students

Registration and Scheduling Information

Contact Ms. Thomas for more information.

Contact Information