Virginia Drivers License Instructions

DMV got you confused? Check out our easy instructions for earning your Virginia drivers license.

1. Take a DMV-approved Virginia drivers education course

2. Study for the Virginia learners permit written test

3. Apply for your Virginia learners permit

4. Take drivers training and practice driving under supervision

5. Apply for your Virginia drivers license

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5

1. Take a DMV-approved Virginia drivers ed course

In Virginia, all new drivers under 19 must complete a DMV-approved Virginia drivers education course.

The course includes 36 periods of classroom instruction and 14 periods of in-car driving instruction (7 of driving and 7 of driving observation).

Current Homeschooled Students:
If you are a Virginia homeschooled student, you can take the classroom portion conveniently online with our Virginia drivers education course!*

DriversEd.com is approved by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to provide online drivers education for current homeschooled students.

The required in-car driving instruction can also be taught at home if you are homeschooled. See the Virginia DMV Homeschooled HS-3 Information Sheet and the Parental Authorization Application (HS-1) for details.

*After you create a free DriversEd.com account, you will be able to access an application form that you will need to send in to us along with proof of homeschooled status.

2. Study for the Virginia learners permit written test

In order to earn a learners permit and eventually the Virginia drivers license, you must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. Surprisingly, 70% of test-takers don't pass on their first try.

You can pass your test the first time with proven, online Virginia practice permit tests. Randomly generated questions test your driving knowledge and prepare you for the real deal.

Note: Our Virginia drivers education course automatically comes with 50 free online practice permit tests.

3. Apply for your Virginia learners permit

When you're ready to take your written permit test, save time by making an appointment at your local Virginia DMV Customer Service Center.

To be eligible for your learners permit, you must:

Be at least 15½ years old.
Show two proofs of identity documents (one proof of legal presence and one proof of Virginia residency).
Show proof of your Social Security number. See the VA DMV's list of Acceptable Documents.
When you apply for a learners permit, also complete the application for your drivers license and pay the fees for both your permit and license.
Pass a vision test.
Pass a two-part written test. All 10 traffic sign questions in Part One must be answered correctly before you can take the 25-question general knowledge exam in Part Two. You must score at least 80% to pass Part Two.

Once you pass the written test, you'll be issued your learners permit.

Virginia (VA) learners permit restrictions:

You can only drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old seated next to you. The driver with you may be 18 if he or she is your legal guardian, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, step-brother or step-sister.

The driver accompanying you must hold a valid drivers license, be alert and able to assist you, and be legally permitted to drive.
Cell Phone Restrictions: If you're under 18, you cannot drive while using a cellular telephone or other wireless communication device.

Curfews: If you're under 18 and hold a learners permit or drivers license, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. If you have a license, you may drive during these hours only:

In an emergency
When traveling to and from work or a school-sponsored event
When accompanied by a parent or other adult acting in place of a parent
When responding to an emergency call as a volunteer firefighter or rescue squad personnel

Passenger Restrictions: With a permit, you cannot carry more than one passenger under 18. Passenger restrictions do not apply to family members.

Note that violations of either the curfew or passenger restrictions can lead to your drivers license being suspended.

4. Take drivers training and practice driving under supervision

Once you have your Virginia learners permit, you’ll need to practice driving. If you’re under 19, you must hold your learners permit for at least 9 months and:

Complete 14 periods of drivers training with a licensed driving school instructor.

Note: if you're a homeschooled student, your parent can instruct you in the 14 periods of drivers training once they've received a Letter of Authorization from the DMV.
Complete at least 40 hours of supervised practice driving (10 hours at night). All practice driving must be done with a licensed driver at least 21 years old next to you.

The driver accompanying you may be 18 years old if he or she is your legal guardian, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, step-brother or step-sister. The driver accompanying you must hold a valid drivers license, be alert and able to assist you, and be legally permitted to drive.

5. Apply for your Virginia drivers license

Virginia Drivers License Requirements

Homeschooled Students:
If you're a homeschooled student and have chosen to take online drivers education and at-home in-car instruction, you must visit a DMV Customer Service Center and successfully pass the road skills test.

You must be at least 16 years and 3 months old and have held your learners permit for at least 9 months (30 days if 19 or older). You must also present the Letter of Authorization your parent received from the DMV before you began in-car instruction.

Once you pass your road skills (driving) test, the DMV will issue a Virginia Homeschooled In-Car Driver Education Certificate (form HS-2). Your parent/guardian must sign this, and when accompanied by a valid Virginia learners permit, this HS-2 will serve as your drivers license.

Non-Homeschooled Students:
A road skills (driving) test is not required for applicants who have completed a drivers education course (36 periods of classroom instruction and 14 periods of in-car instruction by a licensed instructor).

You will receive a Certificate of Completion when you successfully complete a state-approved drivers education program. A copy of your certificate will be sent by your school instructor to the DMV for issuance of a permanent drivers license.

After you've held your learners permit for nine months, turned age 16 and 3 months, and completed Virginia drivers education, you will receive a notice that tells you when to appear in court for a licensing ceremony where you'll receive your permanent drivers license. You must appear before the judge with a parent or legal guardian to receive your license. Your parent, guardian, or foster parent must certify that you received at least 40 hours of in-car driving practice, 10 of which must have been completed after sunset.

Note: If you previously have been found guilty of any offense by a juvenile and domestic relations court in Virginia or any other state, you must obtain approval to be licensed from that court or a court in the city or county where you live.

Drivers license restrictions:

Cell Phone Restrictions: If you're under 18, you cannot drive while using a cellular telephone or other wireless communication device.

Curfews: If you're under 18 and hold a learners permit or drivers license, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. If you have a license, you may drive during these hours only:

In an emergency
When traveling to and from work or a school-sponsored event
When accompanied by a parent or other adult acting in place of a parent
When responding to an emergency call as a volunteer firefighter or rescue squad personnel

Passenger Restrictions: If you're under 18, you may not carry more than one passenger under 18 for the first year after receiving your drivers license. Passenger restrictions do not apply to family members. After you have held your license for one year, you may carry only three passengers under 18 until you turn 18.

Violations of either the curfew or passenger restrictions can result in the suspension of your drivers license.

Your Permanent Drivers License
You will receive a notice that tells you when to appear in court for a licensing ceremony where you will receive your permanent drivers license. You must appear before the judge with a parent or legal guardian to receive your license.

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