Driver Education Info

First Time Drivers

You must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia and at least 16 years and 3 months of age to obtain a Virginia driver's license. To obtain a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years and 6 months of age. No exceptions will be made to these age requirements. If you are under age 18, you must provide written consent from one of your parents or your legal guardian unless you are married or emancipated.

If you are under age 19, you must complete a state-approved driver education program.

If you are age 19 or older, and you have never held a driver's license issued by Virginia, another state, a U.S. territory, or foreign country, or cannot show proof that you previously held such a license, you must show proof that: • you have passed an approved driver education course, or, • you have held a Virginia learner's permit at least 60 days before taking the DMV road skills test.

At any age, as a first time driver, you will be required to provide documents to prove identity, legal presence, Virginia residency, and, if you have one, Social Security number. Use the interactive document guide to determine which documents you will need to bring to DMV when you apply, or refer to "Acceptable Documents for Obtaining a Driver's License or Photo ID Card"

New ResidentsWithin 60 days of moving here, you must obtain a Virginia driver's license. However, if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must obtain a Virginia CDL within 30 days.

However, you must pass a vision screening test. If you are age 19 or older and you hold a valid driver's license issued by a country other than Canada, France or Germany, you may not be required to show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 30 days. However, you must pass the two-part knowledge exam, road skills test and a vision screening.

You must possess your driver's license for at least 60 days prior to obtaining a Virginia driver's license. If your current driver's license does not display an issue date, you will be required to provide proof of the date of issue (i.e. driver's transcript).

If your license has been suspended or revoked by another state, a Virginia license may not be issued until your driving record in that state is cleared and you meet Virginia requirements.

Getting Your Learner's Permit

When you apply for a learner's permit, you will also complete the application process for your driver's license and pay the fees for both the permit and license. You will be required to pass a vision screening and the two-part knowledge exam.

You may get your learner's permit when you reach 15 years and 6 months of age.

Learner's Permit Driving Restrictions

Possessing a learner's permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle when a licensed driver at least 21 years of age is seated beside you. The driver accompanying you may be 18 years of age if he or she is your legal guardian, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, step-brother or step-sister. This person must hold a valid driver's license, be legally permitted to drive, and be alert and able to assist you.

If you are between age 16 years, 3 months and age 18, your driver education certificate and a valid learner's permit allow you to drive without a licensed driver beside you - provided that you have held your learner's permit for nine months and the certificate is signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Getting Your Driver's License

If you are under age 19, you must hold a learner's permit at least nine months and provide proof of successful completion of a state-approved driver education program before you can receive a driver's license. In addition, your parent, guardian or foster parent must provide his or her driver's license or state-issued identification card number and certify that you received at least 45 hours of driver practice, 15 of which must have been competed after sunset. You will receive a certificate when you complete the driver education program.

Your parent's or legal guardian's signature on the certificate certifies that the statements made and the information submitted on the certificate are true and correct. Certifying false statements can result in prosecution.

Juvenile Licensing Ceremony

After you have held your permit nine months, are at least 16 and 3 months, and have completed driver education, you will receive a notice that tells you when and where to appear in court for a licensing ceremony. You will receive your permanent driver's license at this ceremony.

If you are under the age of 18 at the time of the court ceremony, you must be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian.

Age Requirements

To obtain a learner's permit in Virginia, you must be at least 15 years and 6 months of age.

Identification and Residency Requirements

Each time you apply for a learner's permit, you must present documents proving your identification and residency.

If you are under 19 years of age, you will be required to show one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, and one proof of Virginia residency, along with proof of your social security number (if you have been issued one). Use the interactive Document Guide to determine which documents to bring with you.

Completing the Application

When applying for a learner's permit, you must complete an Application for a Virginia Driver's License (form DL 1P). You may complete this form before or after coming to DMV. Use your full legal name. Abbreviations and nicknames will not be accepted.

If you are under age 18, your parent, custodial parent or legal guardian must provide written consent by signing your application. A court order showing that you are an emancipated minor is acceptable in lieu of written consent.

Behind the Wheel price for LCPS is $225 and students may sign up half way through the course (Module 5) with A/B average in the course. Students must have a learner’s license. Sign up is done through guidance.

Get the DMV Manual and STUDY!

Happy Birthday! I am 15-6 Months old.

Go to the DMV

Take the vision test, signs test (100%), and knowledge test (80% or better)

Get a 45 hr log book and start practicing with my parents/ guardian and record the hours: at least 15 at night.

Take behind the wheel for 7 days- 2 hours per day

Pass the road test

Get my TDL-180 when I am at least 16-3 months, had my permit for 9 months, and went with my parent to Parent Safe Teen Driving Night Presentation

Make sure I have car insurance- Start driving on own following passenger restrictions

Go to my licensing ceremony within 180 days and with my parent get hard copy license