VIRGINIA  DRIVER’S EDUCATION

Summary of Virginia Graduated Licensing Law

Virginia has a two stage licensing process for minors.
  1. Learner’s License (at least age 15 ½ ) For families, we recommend DriverEdToGo Video-to use during the Learner stage. Shows the parent how to teach collision-free driving habits and provides unique teaching tools (mirrors, checklists, videos, audio instruction series, etc.).
  2. Regular License (at least age 16 + 3 months)
Virginia License Chart
Learner’s Permit
At least age 15 & 6 months

Requirements
Parent/Guardian consent under 18.

Vision & knowledge tests.

Restrictions
Licensed driver alert & able to assist seated next to student. Must be 21 or older, or 18 or older if legal guardian, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, step-brother or step-sister.

May not drive between midnight & 4 a.m.

No more than 1 passenger under 18. No restriction on family members.

 
Operator’s License
At least 16 & 3 months

Requirements
Under 18
Driver education certificate signed by parent/guardian & a valid learner's permit held minimum 9 months allow you to drive without supervision. You will receive notice when to appear in court with parent/guardian for licensing ceremony to receive your permanent driver's license.

Parent/guardian certify minimum 40 hours driving practice, 10 after sunset.

Under 19
Approved driver education course.  Driver Ed in a Box is an approved driver education course for those families who home school according to Virginia laws.

Hold Learner’s Permit minimum 9 months.

19 or Older
If you have not previously held a driver's license, proof of approved driver education course, or, held Virginia learner's permit minimum 30 days.

Restrictions
Age 16
No more than 1 passenger under age 18. No restriction on family members.

Age 17
No more than 3 passengers under age 18. No restriction on family members.

Under 18
May not driver between midnight & 4 a.m., EXCEPT:

  • In case of an emergency
  • Traveling to & from work or a school-sponsored event
  • Accompanied by parent or other adult acting in place of parent
  • Responding to emergency call as volunteer firefighter or rescue squad personnel