Class A Driver Training School Application Process

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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.
  • 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.

  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.