Virginia's Age Requirements for Getting a License

In Virginia, you can get your first driver's license at 16 years old, but only if you hold a learner's permit first. You cannot jump straight to a full license — the state requires a waiting period between the permit and the license to give new drivers supervised driving time.

If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit stage and go directly to a full driver's license. You still need to pass the written test and the road test, but you do not have to wait or hold a permit beforehand.

Virginia also issues licenses to people 17 years old under specific circumstances: if you are a high school graduate, a homeschool graduate, or have a GED, you can get a license at 17 without holding a learner's permit first. This is the only exception to the permit-first rule for drivers under 18.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Virginia, and you must hold the permit for at least 90 days before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • If you are 18 or older, you can go directly to a full driver's license without holding a learner's permit, but you still must pass both the written and road tests.
  • High school graduates, homeschool graduates, and people with a GED can get a full license at 17 without going through the learner's permit stage.
  • You must bring specific documents to the DMV, including proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

The Learner's Permit Stage for Drivers Under 18

If you are 16 and do not fall into the graduate exception, your first step is getting a learner's permit from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will need to pass a written test covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test is offered at any DMV office and costs a fee (fees vary and change periodically, so check the Virginia DMV website for current amounts).

Once you have your learner's permit, Virginia requires you to hold it for a minimum of 90 days before you can take the road test. During this time, you must drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

After the 90 days have passed, you can schedule a road test at any DMV office. The road test checks your ability to handle a vehicle safely in real driving conditions. If you pass, you receive your full driver's license on the same day.

Getting a License at 18 or Older

If you are 18 or older and have never held a Virginia driver's license, you can go directly to the DMV and take both the written test and the road test without holding a learner's permit first. There is no waiting period between the two tests — you can take them on the same day or on different days, depending on what the DMV office can schedule.

You will still need to bring the same documents as anyone else: a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your Virginia residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you are a new Virginia resident, bring documents showing when you moved to the state.

The written test covers the same material as the learner's permit test. The road test is the same length and difficulty as the one given to 16-year-olds. Once you pass both, you receive your full license when ready.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Virginia requires specific documents before you can get a learner's permit or driver's license. Bring your original birth certificate or passport (or a certified copy), a valid photo ID if you have one, and proof of your Social Security number — either a Social Security card or a tax document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

You also need proof that you live in Virginia. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you are under 18 and your parents' names are on the document, that is acceptable. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the DMV office what alternative proof they will accept.

Bring your learner's permit when you go to take the road test for your full license. If you have lost it, you can request a replacement at the DMV, though there is a fee.

Restrictions on Your License Until You Turn 18

Virginia places restrictions on new drivers under 18 to reduce accident risk. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency.

You also cannot drive with more than one passenger under 18 in the car (other than family members) for the first six months you hold your license. After six months, you can have up to three passengers under 18. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

If you are caught breaking these rules, you face fines and possible license suspension. Your insurance rates may also increase.

Renewing or Replacing Your License

Virginia driver's licenses expire every eight years. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to take another test — you just pay the renewal fee and submit your process.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. Bring the same documents you brought when you first got your license. There is a replacement fee, which varies.

If you move to Virginia from another state and already hold a valid driver's license, you do not have to take the tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia license at any DMV office by bringing your current license and proof of Virginia residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license before I turn 16?

No. Virginia law sets 16 as the minimum age for a learner's permit and driver's license. The only exception is if you are 17 and have graduated from high school, homeschool, or hold a GED — then you can get a full license without a permit.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test. There is a fee each time you test. Most DMV offices allow you to schedule another test within a few days or weeks, depending on how busy they are. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Do I need to take a driver's education course?

Virginia does not require a formal driver's education course to get a license. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some high schools offer them. Check with your insurance company to see if a course would lower your rates.

Can I get a license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Virginia issues licenses to legal residents regardless of citizenship status. You will need to bring proof of your legal residency status along with the other required documents. Contact your local DMV office to confirm what documents they need from you.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the road test?

You receive your license the same day you pass the road test. The DMV prints it on-site before you leave the office. If you need it mailed instead, ask the DMV staff about their mailing options.