Bill > HB2213

This bill amends the existing Virginia Code regarding driver education programs to strongly encourage school boards to offer behind-the-wheel driver training either during school hours, before school, after school, or on weekends. The bill recognizes behind-the-wheel training as an essential school-to-work skill and an important step in helping teenagers obtain a driver's license and become well-educated drivers. While the bill does not mandate that schools provide this training, it emphasizes the importance of making behind-the-wheel instruction accessible to students by suggesting flexible scheduling options. The existing law already allows school boards to decide whether to offer driver education and whether it will be an elective or required course, and this amendment builds upon that framework by promoting more comprehensive driver training opportunities. The bill maintains other existing provisions of the driver education program, such as required curriculum components like instruction on alcohol and drug abuse, aggressive driving, and other safety topics, and allows school boards to charge fees for the program while also providing options to waive fees for students who cannot afford them.