We are dedicated to supporting drivers of all ages and skill levels on their journey to becoming confident and safe behind the wheel. We understand that the process of obtaining a Virginia learner’s permit or driver’s license can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve faced challenges such as failing the DMV test three times or looking into driver improvement programs.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions along with their answers. Our goal is to assist you every step of the way—let’s navigate this journey together! We are passionate about empowering drivers to feel secure and competent on the road.
What is the minimum age to get a learner’s permit in Virginia?
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a Virginia Learner’s Permit.
Can I take Driver’s Education before getting my learner’s permit?
Yes! You can start your 30-hour Driver’s Education course before receiving your learner’s permit.
Completing Driver’s Ed first can make it easier to pass the DMV learner’s permit test.
Once you complete the online Driver’s Ed course, you will need to schedule your in-person final exam at our location to receive your completion certificate.
We also offer a Learner’s Permit Prep class to help you get ready for the DMV test.
When can I get my driver’s license in Virginia?
If you’re under 18, you must:
1. Be at least 16 years and 3 months old
2. Hold your learner’s permit for at least 9 months
3. Complete a 30-hour Driver’s Education course and 90 Minute Parent/Teen meeting in high school or any other DMV certified Driving Training School
4. Complete Behind-the-Wheel training
If you’re 18 or older, you have two options:
1. Take the road test at the DMV after holding your learner’s permit for at least 60 days. OR
2. Waive the 60-day wait by completing:
a. A 30-hour Driver’s Education course
b.14 periods of Behind-the-Wheel training by selecting our Adult Waiver Course.
The Adult Waiver Course lets you skip the DMV road test wait and finish your licensing requirements faster.
What steps do I need to complete to earn a driver’s license in Virginia?
Virginia follows a graduated licensing system, so you’ll complete the process in stages:
Step 1 – Get Your Learner’s Permit
1. Must be at least 15 years and 6 months old
2. Pass the DMV knowledge and vision tests
3. Have a parent/guardian sign if you’re under 18
Step 2 – Complete Driver’s Education
1. Take a 30-hour Driver’s Education course (online or in person)
2. If taking the course online, you’ll schedule your in-person final exam at our location to earn your certificate
3. We also offer a Learner’s Permit Prep class to help you pass your permit test faster
Step 3 – Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training
1. Teens: 7-day BTW program (driving + observation) plus the DMV road test at the end
2. Adults: Can take private one-on-one BTW sessions or the Adult Waiver Course to skip the 60-day permit wait period
3. Must complete all state requirements, including 45 hours of driving practice for teens and 90 Min Parent/teen meeting.
Is Driver’s Education available online?
Yes! We offer a DMV-approved online Driver’s Education course for both teens and adults.
Once you finish the online course, you’ll need to schedule your in-person final exam at our location.
For teens, there’s one extra step: the 90-minute Parent/Teen Meeting, which is a required part of the 30-hour Driver’s Education program.
Students 17 and under must complete this 90-minute session with the same provider that delivers their 30-hour course.
Can I complete a Driver Improvement Clinic online?
Yes, we offer a DMV- and court-approved online Driver Improvement Clinic that you can take at your convenience.
Can I start Behind the Wheel while still taking Driver’s Ed?
Yes! If you’re taking your 30 Hours Driver’s Ed course with us, you’re welcome to start your Behind-the-Wheel lessons at the same time.
For example, if you’re currently enrolled in our Online 30 Hours Driver’s Ed, you can get behind the wheel right away without waiting to finish the course.
The only rule is that both your 30 Hours Driver’s Ed and Behind-the-Wheel must be with the same school—you can’t split them between two different providers.
How does the Behind-the-Wheel program work?
Behind-the-Wheel Training Options
🚗 Standard Behind-the-Wheel (Experienced Under 18 Only)
1.14 periods of in-car instruction (Virginia DMV requirement)
a.7 driving periods – you drive while another student observes
b.7 observation periods – you observe another student driving
2. Must have 45 daytime hours and 15 nighttime hours of driving practice before starting
3. Ends with a DMV road skills test—pass, and you’ll receive a temporary license valid for 6 months from your eligibility date
4. Includes real-time feedback and skill-building tips from a licensed instructor
⭐ PLUS Behind-the-Wheel (Under 18 Only)
1. 10-day program
a. 3 private one-on-one lessons first, to help you feel confident and comfortable
b. Followed by the standard 7-day Behind-the-Wheel schedule
2. Perfect for teens with limited driving experience before starting BTW
🏆 45-Hour Behind-the-Wheel (Teens & Adults)
1. Our most complete driver training program
2. 45 hours of one-on-one instruction covering all driving scenarios—residential, urban, highway, night driving, and complex traffic
3. Designed for nervous beginners or students who want maximum preparation before testing
4. Includes DMV road skills test at the end
Can I take a Driver Improvement course to add safe driving points to my record?
Yes! You can take our 8-hour Driver Improvement course to earn five (5) safe driving points on your license.
Just keep in mind—this option is only for voluntary attendance. If the Virginia DMV or a court has ordered you to take an 8-hour Driver Improvement course, the points benefit will not apply.
Do you offer private one-on-one driving lessons?
Private Driving Lesson Packages
60-Minute Evaluation & Readiness Lesson
A one-hour session designed to assess your current driving skills, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for improvement. Perfect for new students who want to know where they stand before committing to a full package, or for those preparing for the DMV road test and wanting professional feedback.
3-Day Private Lesson (1 Hour Each)
A short refresher focusing on specific skills such as basic vehicle control, parking, or other areas you’d like to improve. Ideal for drivers with some experience who want to sharpen certain skills.
5-Day Private Lesson (1 Hour Each)
Beginner-friendly lessons covering core driving skills like turning, lane positioning, and navigating light traffic. Great for building confidence behind the wheel.
7-Day Private Lesson (1 Hour Each)
Structured practice in different driving environments, including residential streets and light traffic. A great choice for students preparing for supervised driving or the DMV road test.
10-Day Private Lesson (1 Hour Each)
A well-rounded program that includes city driving, parking techniques, lane changes, and early highway driving. Perfect for those who want consistent progress and diverse driving experiences.
15-Day Private Lesson (1 Hour Each)
Comprehensive instruction across all road types, including rural, urban, and highway driving, plus detailed test preparation. Best for those seeking long-term skill building.
20-Day Private Lesson (1 Hour Each)
Our most complete private instruction option—covers every driving scenario, including complex traffic situations and defensive driving techniques. Ideal for nervous beginners or anyone who wants maximum preparation before testing.
Private & Behind-the-Wheel Option:
45-Hour Behind-the-Wheel
A full, one-on-one training program meeting Virginia’s 45-hour teen driver requirement. Covers everything from basic control to advanced driving scenarios, with a DMV road skills test at the end. Designed for beginners or anyone who wants comprehensive preparation before licensing.
Do you teach both teens and adults?
Absolutely! We provide driving instruction for students of all ages—from teens just starting their driving journey to adults who are learning for the first time, refreshing their skills, or preparing for a DMV test.
Our programs are tailored to each student’s experience level, learning style, and goals, so whether you’re 16 or 60, you’ll receive patient, professional, and personalized instruction to help you feel confident and safe behind the wheel.
Do you offer discounts, coupons, or seasonal promotions?
Yes, we do! We run seasonal discounts and special offers throughout the year.
You can often find our promotions on social media (Instagram and Facebook), in local high school newsletters and yearbooks, and in community newspapers. We recommend following us online so you never miss a deal.
I didn’t pass my learner’s permit test at the DMV three times—what should I do next?
If you’ve failed any part of the learner’s permit test at the DMV three times, you’ll need to complete an 8-hour Driver’s Manual Re-Examination course before you can try again. This course helps refresh your knowledge and prepare you to pass on your next attempt.
I didn’t pass my DMV road skills test—can you help me get ready for the next try?
If you’ve failed the DMV road skills test three times, Virginia requires you to complete seven periods of the driving portion of Behind-the-Wheel training before your fourth attempt. This is often called the 3-Times Failure Re-Certification Course.
Enroll in our Re-Certification – 3 Times Failure Course to get the focused, one-on-one coaching you need to improve your skills, build confidence, and pass your next test.
Is it possible to use a Blackstone Driving School car for my DMV road test?
Yes, you can! If you’ve failed the DMV road test three times and are enrolled in our in-car re-examination course, you’ll have the option to use one of our school vehicles for your next road test once you’ve completed the course.
Ask your instructor for more details and information on any associated fees.
I got a speeding ticket—what’s the best next step?
First things first—slow down! 🚗💨
Depending on the type of ticket you received (and whether it’s considered reckless driving), we recommend completing our 8-hour Driver Improvement course before your court date. This way, you can present the judge with a certificate of completion, which may help influence the outcome in your favor.
In some cases, the judge may require you to take a Driver Improvement course anyway—so completing it ahead of time can put you a step ahead.
Please note: We do not currently offer the 4-hour Aggressive/Reckless Driving course, but we plan to expand our services to include it in the future.
How much do your driving lessons and courses cost?
You can view all of our current courses and pricing on our Courses page here: View Courses & Pricing
How is my personal information handled?
We collect your personal information only for form completion and record keeping as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the DMV. All information you provide is kept private, secure, and confidential.
Do you offer driving lessons for students with disabilities or special needs?
We strive to provide the best possible service to every student, but there may be situations where our capabilities are limited. We welcome you to contact us directly so we can discuss your needs and explore how we can best assist you.
What does your lesson schedule look like?
It depends on whether you’re doing classroom or in-car instruction.
For in-car lessons, scheduling is coordinated directly between you and your instructor, based on your availability and the instructor’s route planning.
Do you offer pick-up/drop-off service for lessons?
Once your schedule is confirmed with your instructor, we offer free pick-up and drop-off at home within Stafford and Fredericksburg, unless you request otherwise. In some cases, your instructor may arrange to meet you at a designated location for pick-up and drop-off.
Our normal office hours are Monday to Friday (8 AM – 7 PM), Saturday (8 AM – 5 PM) and closed on Sundays.
24 Onville Road
Suite 101-02
Stafford, VA, 22556
We accept checks, money orders, zelle and all major credit cards for payment.
For scheduling purposes, please let us know about any planned absences as soon as possible so we can make the necessary adjustments.
In case of an emergency, contact us right away at (540) 203-9220 or (540) 300 – 2573.
How can I leave a review and enter your sweepstakes?
We love hearing from our students! Leave us a 5-star review on Google here: Leave a Review and you’ll be entered into our monthly sweepstakes.
At the end of each month, we’ll randomly select one winner to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. The winning review will be featured on our Instagram and Facebook pages along with your comment (with your permission).
What is your return policy?
Please note: If we do not receive both your payment and confirmation within 7 days of the confirmation email, your appointment will be canceled without further notice.
Same-day appointment cancellations will incur a 15% cancellation fee. Refunds are processed immediately upon request; however, it may take 5–7 business days for the funds to appear on your card.
Once classes have begun, any classes already held will be deducted from the refund amount, and the remaining balance will be subject to an additional 15% cancellation fee. Square processing fees are non-refundable and not included in any refund calculation.
What is your privacy policy?
Blackstone Driving School – Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Blackstone Driving School collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our website or services.
Information We Collect & Use
We collect personal information you voluntarily provide, such as your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and DMV-issued identification numbers. For in-car lessons, vehicles may be monitored using GPS, audio, or video for safety and location tracking.
Your information is used only to provide our services, respond to your inquiries, process transactions, and meet DMV or court requirements. We do not sell or rent your personal information.
Sharing Your Information
We only share your information with the Virginia DMV or other entities when required to fulfill your request or comply with the law.
Security
We use encryption and other safeguards to protect your information online and offline. Only authorized staff and DMV representatives have access to your data for necessary tasks like scheduling, billing, or compliance.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact us at:
📞 (540) 300-2573
📧 blackstonedrivingschool@gmail.com