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 BTW program. The BTW cost is currently $200.00 at all HCPS 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.
In order to take BTW at Mechanicsville the student must:
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Successfully complete the classroom portion of driver’s education.
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Have held a learners permit for at least 6 months. (Students must hold the learners permit for 9 months to get a license.)
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Complete the BTW application (available in the main office).
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Have completed and documented at least 50 hours of guided practice. At least 15 of those hours must take place after sunset.
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Turn in the completed application, 50 hour sheet, and $200.00, to Mr. Wilton. Checks are to be made out to MHS and take one week to clear. Cash is accepted.
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 (9 months from the day their learner’s permit was issued). Parents will be notified as soon as a spot with an instructor opens up. We have instructors that drive before school from 6:30 am – 8:10 am and others that drive after school from 3:30 pm – 5:10 pm. Please let Mr. Wilton know if a student can not drive in the morning (because of an early morning class, for example) or after school (sports).
Each student will drive for 7 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 don’t worry if your date of eligibility isn’t until July or August.
Contact
David Wilton
(804) 723-2209