What age you need to be to drive in Virginia

In Virginia, you can get a learner's permit at age 15 and a full driver's license at age 16. The age you start matters because it determines which restrictions explore to you — Virginia has different rules for drivers under 18 than it does for adults, and those rules change on your birthday.

If you are 15, you can explore for a learner's permit through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. With a permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present.

At 16, you can take the road test and move to a full license — but that license still comes with restrictions until you turn 18. Those restrictions are the reason age matters so much in Virginia: they shape what you can and cannot do behind the wheel for the next two years.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 15 to get a learner's permit and 16 to get a full driver's license in Virginia.
  • Learner's permit holders cannot drive alone or between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver.
  • Drivers aged 16 and 17 cannot use a cell phone while driving, cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and cannot carry more than one passenger under 20 years old.
  • At 18, all age-based restrictions end and you have the same driving privileges as any adult.
  • You will need a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency to get your first license or permit.

Restrictions for drivers aged 16 and 17

Once you turn 16 and pass your road test, you get a full license — but Virginia law still restricts what you can do with it. These restrictions last until your 18th birthday, when they all expire.

The most significant restriction is the passenger limit. You cannot carry more than one passenger under 20 years old in your car. This means you can drive one friend, but not two. The only exceptions are family members — you can carry as many family members as your car's seatbelts allow, regardless of their age.

You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. This includes texting, calling, and using GPS or navigation apps. The only exception is calling 911 in an emergency. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. — the same curfew that applied to your learner's permit.

These rules exist because crash rates are highest for new drivers aged 16 and 17. Virginia's restrictions are designed to reduce distractions and limit situations where inexperience is most dangerous.

How to get your learner's permit at 15

To get a learner's permit, you will need to visit a Virginia DMV office in person. Bring your birth certificate, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address).

At the DMV, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or the practice tests on their website. Many people take the test multiple times, so failing the first time does not prevent you from trying again.

Once you pass the written test, you will pay the permit fee (the amount varies by year but is typically under $20) and receive your permit. You can then drive with a supervising adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. Your permit is valid for five years.

How to get your full license at 16

To move from a learner's permit to a full license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held your permit for at least 90 days. You will need to schedule a road test at a Virginia DMV office. The road test includes basic driving skills — starting the car, turning, parking, and responding to traffic signals — and takes about 20 minutes.

You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of Virginia residency to the road test. You must also bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.

If you pass the road test, you will pay the license fee and receive your full license. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the road test, though each attempt requires a new fee.

What happens when you turn 18

On your 18th birthday, all age-based driving restrictions in Virginia end automatically. You no longer have a passenger limit, you can drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can use your phone while driving (though Virginia's general distracted driving law still applies). Your license itself does not change — you do not need to visit the DMV or pay a fee.

Your license will still expire on the date printed on it, which is typically eight years after you turn 16. When it expires, you will need to renew it at the DMV, but that is a separate process from turning 18.

Violations and what they cost

If you are caught breaking one of the age-based restrictions — driving alone on your learner's permit, carrying too many passengers as a 16 or 17-year-old, or using your phone while driving — you will receive a traffic citation. The fine varies depending on which rule you broke, but most violations result in fines between $100 and $250.

More importantly, violations can affect your insurance rates and your driving record. A violation stays on your record for three years in Virginia. If you accumulate too many violations, your license can be suspended. For drivers under 18, the threshold is lower than for adults — you can lose your license more quickly.

If you are cited for a violation, you have the option to contest it in traffic court. Many people choose to do this, especially for their first violation, because the judge may reduce the fine or dismiss the charge if you have a clean record otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to school if I have my learner's permit?

No. With a learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. Driving to school alone is not permitted. You can drive to school once you have your full license at 16, though the passenger and curfew restrictions still explore.

What if I turn 16 but haven't held my permit for 90 days yet?

You cannot take the road test until you have held your permit for at least 90 days. If you get your permit close to your 16th birthday, you will have to wait a few months before you can test for your full license. Plan ahead if you want to drive as soon as possible after turning 16.

Do I have to renew my license when I turn 18?

No. Your license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. You only need to renew when that date arrives, which is typically eight years after you first received it. Turning 18 does not require a trip to the DMV.

Can family members count toward the passenger limit?

Yes. The one-passenger limit for drivers aged 16 and 17 applies only to passengers under 20 who are not family members. You can carry as many family members as your car's seatbelts allow, regardless of their age.

What if I fail my road test?

You can retake the road test as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, though you will need to pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You can schedule another test as soon as a few days after failing, depending on DMV availability.