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Subcommittee backs bill encouraging school-run behind‑the‑wheel driver training
Summary
The House K‑12 Education Subcommittee reported House Bill 2213, a permissive measure urging school boards to expand affordable behind‑the‑wheel driver training to improve teen driving safety; the measure passed the subcommittee 8‑0.
Delegate McQuinn presented House Bill 2213, which would strongly encourage — but not require — school boards to provide or facilitate affordable, high‑quality behind‑the‑wheel driver instruction for high school students.
The bill’s patron, Delegate Lashrecse Aird McQuinn, said the measure grew from constituent advocacy following a 2019 crash in Yorktown in which several teenagers died and “no one had a driver’s license.” She said the bill aims to “ensure equitable access to affordable, high quality instruction” delivered by licensed teachers.
Tammy Guido McGee, who identified herself as the mother of a teen killed in 2019, testified in favor and said 36 Virginia school divisions currently do not offer behind‑the‑wheel training as part of driver’s education. “Passing House Bill 2213 will give parents an option,” she told the subcommittee.
Kristen Pettway, executive director of DriveSmart Virginia, and Ken Blackston of Henrico County Public Schools also testified in support; both told members public schools offering behind‑the‑wheel training would increase equitable access beyond what private driving schools can provide. Shane Riddle of the Virginia Education Association said the organization’s board supports the bill.
The committee reported the bill by roll call; the clerk announced the report as 8 to 0. The bill was recorded as reported out of subcommittee and will proceed through the legislative process.
Votes from the subcommittee and spoken testimony are reflected in the official record.
