Behind the Wheel

Everyone under the age of 18 who wishes to obtain a Virginia driver’s license is required to pass a state approved behind-the-wheel program. Each Hanover County high school has a Behind the Wheel (BTW) program. The BTW cost is currently $200.00 at all Hanover County Public Schools high schools. If you wish, you may take BTW at a state approved private driving school. The cost at a private driving school will vary with the school as each sets its own price.

If you choose a private school then you must show classroom completion with a DEC-1 card (green card). You can request a green card by filling out the online Google form. Please allow at least a 24 hour turn around to get the green card filled out and signed by administration. We will contact you when the green card is available for pick up in the front office.

In order to take BTW at Atlee High School the student must:

  • Successfully complete the classroom portion of driver’s education.
  • Have held a learners permit for at least six months. (Students must hold the learners permit for nine months to get a license.)
  • Complete the BTW application. Forms are available online.
  • Have completed and documented at least 50 hours of guided practice. At least 15 of those hours must take place after sunset.
  • Turn in the completed application, 50-hour sheet, COVID-19 acknowledgement form, and $200 to Mr. Withers. Checks are payable to Atlee High School and take one week to clear. Payments can also be made online. No payment is due until the student is scheduled to drive.

Once the paperwork is turned in, the student will be placed on the BTW list based on the date the student is eligible to get his or her driver’s license (nine months from the day their learner’s permit was issued). We will notify parents/students as soon as a spot with an instructor opens up. We have instructors that drive before school from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. and others that drive after school from 3:30 to 5:10 p.m. Please check the appropriate time you are available to drive.

Each student will drive for seven sessions. Each session lasts 100 minutes. Students will drive for 50 minutes and observe another student driver for 50 minutes. Students will be exposed to as many different driving experiences as time allows. We drive all year round, so do not worry if your date of eligibility is not until July or August.

Contact

Lee Withers
(804) 729-2139

Amanda Hopkins
(804) 723-2139

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