Class A Driver Training School Application Process

Before Applying

  • Review the law pertaining to driver training schools, including

  • Choose a school name

    Driver training school regulations prohibit schools from using a name that is the same or similar to the name of another current or former school or similar business or of using names considered to be offensive in nature. 

    Prospective applicants may submit a written request to the DMV Driver Training Work Center at dmvclu@dmv.virginia.gov to verify the school name is not the same or similar to the name of a current or former school licensed by DMV. 

    DMV will not hold or reserve the name of a driver training school pending receipt of an application. To secure a school name, the application and all supporting documents must be submitted to DMV. However, if DMV receives another application for the same or similar name, the decision as to who can use the name will be based on which application was received first.

  • Develop a course curriculum

    The DMV approved training course must consist of a minimum of 120 hours of instruction (a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction, and a minimum of 80 hours of in-vehicle instruction). See DMV's publication Class A Training School Curriculum Requirements (DTS 30) for additional information and requirements for submitting the curriculum for review. The curriculum must be approved before submitting an application to be licensed. 

    Important Information regarding your curriculum: Effective February 7, 2022, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and Virginia state law will require entry level drivers to complete theory and behind-the-wheel Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) before testing for their commercial driver's license (CDL) and related endorsements. If an applicant is interested in becoming an ELDT training provider, the curriculum must comply with federal regulatory requirements that appear in 49 C.F.R. 380 Appendices A through E. For more information on the requirements to become an ELDT training provider, refer to ELDT.

Submitting the Licensing Application

Applicants must submit:

  • An application (DTS 33A);
  • A Surety Bond Affidavit and Acknowledgement of Surety Form (DTS 22) for a surety bond in the amount of $100,000;
  • A copy of the student contract;
  • A Vehicle Insurance Certification Form (DTS 5);
  • Proof of a local business license, or letter from the locality indicating that a license is not required;
  • A national criminal history record;
  • An application fee of $150 and
  • Applications for at least one Class A driver training school instructor.

Note: Licenses must be renewed every two years.

Payment can be made:

  • By check or charge by mail, or by faxing in the DTS 101.
  • Electronically through the online "Payment Portal". Once licensing application documents are received and processing is completed, applicants will receive an email explaining how to activate the account.

The Payment Portal offers a safe and convenient way to make online payments for licensing and other fees. Select Log In for more information:

Log In

Applying to Become a Class A Driving School Instructor

In order to become licensed as a Class A driving school instructor, an applicant must:

  • Be employed by a DMV-licensed Class A driver training school
  • Possess a valid Virginia nonrestricted interstate commercial driver's license, with the appropriate vehicle classes and endorsements for the type of instruction they intend to provide and that has been held by the applicant for at least three years
  • Possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent
  • • In a format prescribed by the department, provide evidence that the applicant (i) has at least one year of previous Class A instructing experience, or (ii) has successfully completed a Class A driver training course and a minimum of 160 hours of Class A instructor training provided by the hiring school;
  • Provide certification that the applicant meets the physical requirements and any alcohol and drug screening requirements for commercial drivers as specified in the federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations;
  • Provide evidence of successful completion of in-service instructor training provided by the school prior to offering student instruction to include, but not limited to, the following topic areas:
    • Basic instructional skills;
    • Student teaching with a mentor;
    • Background in federal, state and local laws and ordinances;
    • Basic skills for operating commercial motor vehicles;
    • Safe operating practices;
    • Maintenance of commercial motor vehicles; and
    • Safe trip planning.
  • Provide a copy of the applicant's driving record with no more than 6 demerit points
    • Note: If the applicant holds a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) from a state other than Virginia at the time of licensing, the applicant must (i) maintain a valid CDL throughout the entire licensure period, and (ii) submit a copy of the applicant's driving record from the other state with the application. If the applicant is licensed as a Class A instructor by the department, the applicant must submit their driving record on a quarterly basis thereafter.
  • Submit an application signed by the applicant's employer (the driving training school owner/manager);
  • Provide a national criminal history record; and
  • Pay an application fee of $75

Note: Licenses must be renewed every two years.

National Criminal History Record

A national criminal history record, otherwise known as an identity history summary check, must be submitted with the application or received in our office no later than 60 days from the date of the application submission for each individual providing instruction or otherwise employed by or managing the school. Each owner or person authorized to engage in business on behalf of the owner of the school must submit a national criminal history record with the application.

DMV recommends that applicants apply for a national criminal history record at least 120 days prior to submitting an application to minimize the risk of not receiving it on time. To find out more, refer to the FBI's Identity History Summary Checks or telephone (304) 625-5590.

Important Information:

Effective February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will require minimum training requirements be met for individuals applying to:

  • Obtain a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license for the first time
  • Upgrade of an existing Class B to a Class A commercial driver's license
  • Obtain a hazardous material endorsement (HME), a passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time

Applicants for a class A or B CDL or a P or S endorsement must complete both theory and behind-the-wheel training prior to completing the applicable CDL road skills exam. Applicants for an HME must complete the theory portion of ELDT prior to taking the Hazmat knowledge exam at DMV. Any entity that wishes to provide this training, must comply with the requirements set out in 49 C.F.R. 380.719 and apply to appear on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. For entities interested in providing ELDT, information on the requirements and application process can be found at ELDT.