Virginia Driver's License
Requirements
Virginia driver's licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VA DMV). Virginia has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18, requiring a learner's permit at age 15 years 6 months, completion of an approved driver education program (36 classroom + 14 in-car sessions), and at least 9 months on the permit before the road test. Provisional license holders face curfew and passenger restrictions until age 18.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Virginia resident. VA DMV requires two proofs of Virginia residency at your physical address. Non-citizens must show valid lawful presence documents.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Virginia DMV website.
- One proof of identity (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport)
- One proof of legal presence in the United States
- Proof of Social Security number (or affidavit of ineligibility)
- Two proofs of Virginia residency (e.g., utility bill, lease, bank statement)
- Parental or guardian written consent (Form DL 19, if under 18)
- Driver education completion certificate (DEC) — required for under 18
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Virginia DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Virginia driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Complete a State-Approved Driver Education Program (Under 18)
All Virginia applicants under 18 must complete a state-approved driver education program. This includes a 36-session classroom phase (50 minutes each) and a 14-session in-car phase (7 driving + 7 observation), ending with a road skills examination. The program is offered by Virginia public high schools and licensed driving schools.
Pro tip: You can begin the classroom portion before getting your learner's permit, but the in-car phase requires the permit.
Apply for a Learner's Permit (Age 15 Years 6 Months)
Visit any Virginia DMV customer service center with required identity, legal presence, SSN, and residency documents. Under-18 applicants need parental consent (Form DL 19) signed at the DMV or notarized in advance. Pass the vision screening and 25-question knowledge test (need 20 correct, plus all 10 traffic-sign questions correct).
Pro tip: Make an appointment at dmv.virginia.gov — VA DMV offices have very long waits without one.
Hold Your Learner's Permit for at Least 9 Months
Under-18 permit holders must hold the permit for a minimum of 9 months before taking the road skills test, even if driver education is complete. During this period, practice driving with a supervising driver (parent/guardian or someone 21+ who has been licensed at least 1 year) in the front passenger seat. Drivers under 18 may not have more than one passenger under 21 unless a licensed adult 21+ is in the car.
Pro tip: Use the 9 months wisely — practice in rain, at night, on the highway, and in heavy traffic so the road test feels routine.
Pass the Road Skills Test
After 9 months on the permit and completion of driver education, pass the road skills examination. Under-18 applicants who completed an approved Behind-the-Wheel program through their driver education provider may have already passed the road skills test as part of the course — confirm with your provider. Otherwise, schedule the road test at any VA DMV office.
Pro tip: Many VA driver education providers test you in-house at the end of the in-car phase, which lets you skip the DMV road test queue entirely.
Get Your Provisional Driver's License
Once you pass, the DMV issues a provisional driver's license. Provisional license holders under 18 face restrictions: no driving between midnight and 4 a.m. (with limited exceptions for school, work, religious activity, or emergencies); no more than one passenger under 21 for the first year (after that, no more than 3 until age 18); no use of any handheld or wireless device while driving.
Pro tip: Three demerit-point violations on a provisional license result in license suspension for 1 year or until age 18, whichever is longer. Drive carefully.
Convert to a Full Driver's License at Age 18
At age 18, the GDL restrictions automatically expire. Your provisional license converts to a full driver's license at your next renewal. The standard 8-year Virginia driver's license costs $32. A REAL ID-compliant license requires additional documentation and a $10 one-time fee.
Pro tip: Consider upgrading to REAL ID at your first license renewal — you'll need it to board domestic flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply for a Virginia learner's permit at 15 years 6 months. The minimum age for a provisional driver's license is 16 years 3 months — you must be at least this age, have held the permit for 9 months, and have completed an approved driver education program.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Virginia DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.