DRIVING TODAY
TOWARD A BRIGHTER
Tomorrow!
For youth in foster care, learning to drive is about much more than getting behind the wheel. A driver’s license can increase access to employment, education, community resources, and other opportunities that support independence and a successful transition to adulthood. Yet youth in foster care often encounter barriers that make obtaining a driver’s license more difficult.
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Virginia’s Drive to Thrive Program is designed to help remove these barriers!
What is Drive to Thrive?
Drive to Thrive provides financial and educational support for eligible driving-related needs for Virginia youth in foster care. So if you need assistance moving forward in the licensing process and car insurance process, you are in the right place.
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Who is eligible?
The program serves eligible youth in Virginia Foster Care and Fostering Futures. Drive to Thrive is the primary funding source for foster care youth ages 15½ to 18 and Fostering Futures participants ages 18 to 21.
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How does the process work?
If you are an eligible youth in Virginia Foster Care or Fostering Futures and you need financial support for one of the covered driving-related expenses, Drive to Thrive will either pay the driving school directly for you OR reimburse you for an expense you have already paid for. *Contact your Foster Care Worker/Family Service Specialist to get started.
Driver Education Courses
Behind-the-Wheel Training
DMV Expenses
Automobile Insurance
Insurance-Related Assistance
Private driver education courses when not available through the youth’s high school or if they missed the opportunity to complete the course in school
Private driving lessons and guided-practice assistance
Photo identification, learner’s permit, driver's license, title and registration fees
Eligible insurance premiums or reimbursement of the youth-related increase to a caregiver's policy
Certain additional liability coverage and an eligible insurance deductible
Area of Financial Assistance
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Examples
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What is covered under Drive to Thrive?
Vehicle purchases
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Vehicle repairs
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Fines
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Towing
Drive to Thrive funds CANNOT be used to purchase new or used cars
Drive to Thrive funds CANNOT be used for any car repairs
Drive to Thrive funds CANNOT be used for driver-related fines such as speeding tickets or parking tickets.
Drive to Thrive funds CANNOT be used to pay for towing charges
Area Not Covered
Examples
What is NOT covered under Drive to Thrive?
Join us for our monthly VIRTUAL educational webinars to learn about getting learner’s permits, driver's licenses, documents you need for DMV, driver education courses, car insurance and more.
Upcoming Educational Webinars
Register Today!
Monday
November 9, 2026
Monday
December 21, 2026
READY. SET. BREATHE!
Learning to drive is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you're nervous about getting behind the wheel, worried about taking your test, or frustrated because things aren't moving as quickly as you'd like, those feelings are normal.
Stop by our "Ready, Set, Breathe" page, which gives you practical tips to manage stress, build confidence, and stay calm as you move toward becoming a safe and confident driver.
Ready to get started?
Contact your Foster Care Worker/Family Service Specialist!