Eight-hour Driver's Manual course
For applicants who have failed the knowledge exam three times
Overseen by Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Who can take it
Applicants who fail the knowledge exam or road skills test three times must complete the matching knowledge or in-vehicle part of a driver education course before a fourth attempt.
What the source says
“Driver's license applicants who fail the knowledge exam or road skills test three times, must successfully complete the applicable knowledge or in-vehicle component of a driver education course before they can take the examination a fourth time.”
Virginia DMV: Driver Training for Applicants Failing Three Times, read October 7, 2026
Students aged 18 or older may complete the 8-hour Driver's Manual course in a classroom or online.
What the source says
“Students age 18 or older may complete an 8-hour Driver's Manual course, either in a classroom or online.”
Virginia DMV: Driver Training for Applicants Failing Three Times, read October 7, 2026
- Course length
The Driver's Manual course is an eight-hour course based on the Virginia driver's manual, for people who have failed the knowledge test three times; it may be taken in a classroom or online through a DMV-licensed driving school.
What the source says
“The Driver's Manual course is an eight-hour course based on the Virginia driver's manual and designed for individuals who have failed the knowledge test three times. This course may be taken either in a classroom or online through a DMV-licensed driving school.”
Virginia DMV: Online Driver's Manual Course Licensing Requirements, read October 7, 2026
- Taking it online
The online course must be completed through a DMV-licensed online driver training school or through VADETS.
What the source says
“The online course must be completed through a DMV-licensed online driver training school or through VADETS.”
Virginia DMV: Driver Training for Applicants Failing Three Times, read October 7, 2026
- Deadline
The Driver's Manual course must be completed after the date of the third knowledge test failure.
What the source says
“The completion date of the driver's manual course must be after the date of your third knowledge test failure.”
Virginia DMV: Driver Training for Applicants Failing Three Times, read October 7, 2026
- Who approves it
The Virginia DMV licenses and regulates driving schools.
What the source says
“The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles licenses and regulates driving schools as outlined in the Virginia Code.”
Virginia DMV: Driver Training, read October 7, 2026
- Good to know
Classes taken at a driver improvement clinic do not meet the three-failure requirement.
What the source says
“Classes taken at a driver improvement clinic do not meet this requirement.”
Virginia DMV: Driver Training for Applicants Failing Three Times, read October 7, 2026