Virginia is for Drivers: Your 2025 Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a License

Getting your first driver's license in Virginia is a significant milestone, opening up the freedom to explore everything from the Shenandoah Valley to the shores of Virginia Beach. To ensure that new drivers are safe, skilled, and responsible, the Commonwealth has a multi-step process, including a Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program for teenagers. This program is designed to help young drivers gain experience in lower-risk settings before earning full driving privileges. For adults, the process is more direct but still requires careful adherence to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requirements.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, whether you're a teen embarking on the GDL journey or an adult getting licensed for the first time in Virginia.

For Teen Drivers (Under 18): The Graduated Driver's Licensing Program

Virginia's GDL program is a proven method for reducing crashes among the state's youngest drivers. It's a two-stage process that systematically increases driving privileges as a teen demonstrates responsibility and skill.

Stage 1: The Learner's Permit

This is your official entry into the driver's seat, allowing you to legally practice driving with a licensed adult.

Eligibility and First Steps:

• Age: You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply.
• Driver Education: You must show proof of completion of the classroom portion of a state-approved driver education program.

How to Apply:

1. Gather Your Documents: Before heading to a DMV Customer Service Center, you must collect several critical documents to prove your identity and residency. You will need:
   • One proof of identity (e.g., an original birth certificate or U.S. passport).
   • One proof of legal presence.
   • Proof of your Social Security number (e.g., your original Social Security card).
   • Two proofs of Virginia residency (e.g., mail from your school, a bank statement).
   • A completed Application for a Virginia Driver's License (Form DL 1P), signed by a parent or legal guardian.
2. Pass the Tests: At the DMV, you must pass two parts of the knowledge exam and a vision screening:
   • Traffic Signs Test (Part One): You will be shown 10 traffic signs and must identify all 10 correctly to pass.
   • General Knowledge Test (Part Two): This is a multiple-choice test on traffic laws and safe driving. You must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly.
   • Vision Screening: A basic eye exam to ensure you meet the minimum vision standards.

Once you pass and pay the fee, you will have your picture taken and be issued your Learner's Permit.

Learner's Permit Rules:

• Supervised Driving: You may only drive when a licensed driver is seated beside you. This supervising driver must be at least 21 years old, or a parent, guardian, or sibling who is at least 18.
• 45-Hour Driving Log: Before you can get your provisional license, a parent or guardian must certify that you have completed at least 45 hours of supervised driving, with at least 15 of those hours occurring after sunset.
• Holding Period: You must hold your learner's permit for at least nine months.
• Passenger Limit: You may have no more than one passenger under the age of 21, unless they are an immediate family member.
• Cell Phone Use: All use of cell phones, including hands-free, is strictly prohibited.

Stage 2: The Provisional Driver's License

This is the next level of freedom, allowing you to drive alone but with some very important restrictions.

Eligibility:

• Age: You must be at least 16 years and 3 months old.
• Permit Duration: You must have held your Learner's Permit for at least nine months.
• Driver Education: You must have completed both the classroom and the in-car portions of a state-approved driver education program.
• 45-Hour Log: Your parent or guardian must certify the completion of the 45 hours of practice driving.

How to Apply:

1. Licensing Ceremony: If you are under 18, you will not receive your license at the DMV. Instead, you and your parent/guardian will attend a licensing ceremony at your local court to receive your provisional license. The DMV will send you a notice with the date and time.
2. Pass the Road Test: Your behind-the-wheel driving test is typically administered by your driver education instructor as part of the course. If not, you must schedule and pass a road test at a DMV office.

Provisional License Restrictions:

• Curfew: You may not drive between midnight and 4 a.m., with limited exceptions for work, school-sponsored activities, or emergencies.
• Passenger Limitation: The number of passengers under 21 you can carry is restricted. For the first year, you may only carry one passenger under 21 who is not a family member. After the first year (or when you turn 18), you may carry up to three.
• Cell Phone Use: The ban on all cell phone use while driving continues.

Final Stage: The Full, Unrestricted License

At age 18, your provisional license automatically converts to a full, unrestricted adult license, and all GDL restrictions are lifted.

For Adult Drivers (18 and Older)

If you are a new driver aged 18 or older, the process is more straightforward.

1. Get a Learner's Permit: You will follow the same application process as a teen (documents, two-part knowledge test, vision test), but you are not required to complete driver's ed beforehand.
2. Practice Driving: You must hold your permit for at least 60 days to practice driving with a licensed adult.
3. Complete Driver's Ed (or wait): If you are 18 or older and have held your permit for 60 days, you can either show proof of completing a driver's ed course OR you can wait until you turn 19 to take the road test without it.
4. Take the Road Test: Schedule and pass your road test at a DMV Customer Service Center.
5. Get Your License: After passing the road test and paying the fees, you will be issued your full, unrestricted driver's license.