Virginia driver license guide

Minimum age for a learner's permit

15 years and 6 months.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner's permit fee

$3 (no fee for homeless youth).Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit validity

A car learner's permit stays valid until you get your license or stop qualifying for the permit.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit tests

A written or automated knowledge test and a vision test.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Who must ride with a permit holder

A licensed driver 21 or older, a parent or legal guardian, or a brother or sister (including half- and step-siblings) 18 or older, seated beside you.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit passenger limit

No more than one passenger under 21, except family/household members or during approved driver training.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit night limit

No driving on a learner's permit between midnight and 4 a.m.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

School standing for minors

School-age applicants must be in good academic standing, or a custodial parent must give written authorization on a DMV form.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Retake after failing the knowledge test (under 18)

Wait at least 15 days.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

After three failed knowledge tests

You must complete a classroom driver instruction course (or, if 18+ or already done with classroom, a Virginia Driver's Manual course) before a fourth try.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision standard

At least 20/40 in one or both eyes, with or without glasses, and a 110-degree horizontal field (20/70 may qualify for a daylight-only license).Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Application details and proofs

The application lists your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and address; in person you may need proof of identity, residency and Social Security number.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long to hold the permit (under 18)

At least 9 months, or until you turn 18 if that comes first.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving hours (under 18)

At least 45 hours, 15 of them after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian on a DMV form.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License requirements under 18

At least 16 years and 3 months old, Virginia resident, approved driver education course, parent's signature on the application, and proof of school attendance.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education under 18

Every applicant under 18 must prove completion of a driver education program approved by the Department of Education.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Retake after failing the road test

Wait two days. After three failures you must complete in-car instruction at a licensed driving school first.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Provisional license passenger limit

Until 18: one passenger under 21 (family excepted). After the first year, up to three under-21 passengers for school activities, with a licensed driver 21+ beside you, or in emergencies.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Provisional license night limit

No driving midnight to 4 a.m. until 18, except for work, supervised school/civic/religious activities, with a parent beside you, or emergencies.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Getting a first license under 18

Original licenses for under-18s are sent to the local juvenile and domestic relations court, where a judge presents them at a ceremony (unless the court waives it).Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

First license at 18 or older

Until Jan 1, 2027: new adult drivers need a driving-school course or must hold a learner's permit 60 days before the road test. From Jan 1, 2027, applicants 18–20 need both a course and a permit held 90 days.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License fee

$2.40 per year of the license term (statutory base fee; DMV surcharges may also apply).Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

5 to 8 years, expiring on your birthday; at most 5 years if you are 75 or older.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal notice

DMV sends a notice within one year before expiration (by email if you ask). Not getting it does not extend your license.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewing without an office visit

Renewal is in person unless your DMV notice says you can renew another way.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal at 75 or older

Must renew in person and pass a vision test or bring an eye doctor's report from the last 90 days.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID credential

Virginia's REAL ID credential is the federal 'Real ID Driver's License or Identification Card'; you must show documentary proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driving on an out-of-state license

New residents 16 years 3 months or older may drive on a valid out-of-state license for their first 60 days of residency.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Teens moving to Virginia

Ages 16y3m–17 with another state's license can get a one-time 6-month temporary license; a permanent license needs proof of 30 classroom and 6 in-car hours of driver ed.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate fee

$5 for a duplicate license; $2 for a duplicate learner's permit.Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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