Info about when to take Behind the Wheel

1. REVIEW- LICENSING PROCESS
 Eligible for Learner’s Permit at 15 ½ years old
 Must drive for 45 hours (15 at night) with an adult while you
have your learner’s permit
 These have to be recorded and signed off on in your log book
 Must hold your Learner’s Permit for 9 months before you can
get your TDL-180 (driver’s license)
 Must pass classroom driver ed and receive DEC-1 (pink
card)
 D or better grade
 36 hours of classroom time
 Attend Partners for Safe Teen Driving w/ parent

2. WHEN TO TAKE BEHIND THE WHEEL
 Be near the end of your 9 months holding your learner’s permit
 Have driven at least 30 hours with an adult
 Have earned your DEC-1 or have a letter from teacher for co-
enrollment
 Can commit to meeting all 7 days of class, 2 hours each ($60 for
missed class to schedule a make-up)
 Feel confident that you will be able to pass the road test
 2 attempts given during class
 Pay $60 for a 3rd attempt
 If you fail 3 times you have to re-take the entire class over
 Behind the wheel is for refining your skills, not teaching you how
to drive
 There is an introductory course for learning the basics of driving:
https://aceclasses.fcps.edu/

3. HOW TO SIGN UP FOR BEHIND THE WHEEL
 Sign up for behind the wheel with FCPS one of
these ways:
 https://aceclasses.fcps.edu/
 Call 703-658-1290
 In person at the Adult and Community Education office:
Plum Center (6815 Edsall Rd, Springfield, VA 22151)
 The class costs $315
 Discounts are offered during the school year only
 $165 for those that receive FREE lunch
 $235 for those that receive REDUCED lunch

4. AFTER BEHIND THE WHEEL
 If you are eligible for your license you will receive your
Temporary Driver’s License (TDL-180)
 Eligibility
 DEC-1 card
 Held Learner’s Permit 9 months
 Completed driving log if under 18 years old (45 hours total, 15 after dark)
 Completed all required paperwork
 Successfully passed road skills test
 Parents must be present on final day for licensing
 The TDL is good for 180 days (6 months)
 Keep it with your Learner’s Permit
 Permanent license will be given by Juvenile and Domestic Court.
A postcard will be sent in the mail with your court date.