What a Virginia learner's permit lets you do

A Virginia learner's permit (also called a learner's license) lets you drive on public roads while you are learning, but only under specific conditions. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front passenger seat at all times. That person is responsible for supervising your driving.

The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You can use it to practice driving on any public road in Virginia, and you can also drive in other states as long as you follow Virginia's rules — the supervising driver requirement does not change when you cross state lines.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat whenever you drive with a learner's permit.
  • You cannot drive alone, drive at night between midnight and 5 a.m., or use a cell phone for any reason while driving.
  • You cannot drive on limited-access highways (interstates) unless your supervising driver holds a valid license and is sitting beside you.
  • Your permit is valid for one year, and you must pass a road test before you can get a regular driver's license.

Restrictions on when and where you can drive

Virginia has a curfew for learner's permit holders. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver in the car. This applies every day of the week, including weekends and holidays.

You also cannot drive on limited-access highways — which means interstates and other divided highways with controlled access points. If your route requires you to use I-95, I-81, or similar roads, you must take a different route or have someone else drive.

There is one exception: if you are driving to or from work or a school-related activity, you may drive on a limited-access highway between 5 a.m. and midnight, but only if your supervising driver is with you and holds a valid driver's license.

Cell phone and distraction rules

You cannot use a cell phone, smartphone, or any handheld device while driving with a learner's permit — not even at a red light or in stopped traffic. This includes texting, calling, browsing, or using GPS on your phone. The only exception is if you need to call 911 in an emergency.

If you need navigation, your supervising driver can hold and operate the phone, or you can use a mounted GPS device that does not require you to touch it while driving. Hands-free calling is also not permitted under Virginia's learner's permit rules, so even voice commands are off-limits.

Seat belt and passenger rules

You must wear a seat belt at all times while driving or riding in a vehicle. Your supervising driver must also wear a seat belt. Virginia law requires this regardless of your age or license type.

You can have passengers in the car with you, but the supervising driver must always be in the front passenger seat. Other passengers can sit in the back. There is no limit on the number of passengers you can carry, but the supervising driver's presence in the front is non-negotiable.

What happens if you break the rules

Driving without a supervising driver, driving during the curfew hours, or using a cell phone while driving are all violations of your learner's permit restrictions. Virginia police can stop you and issue a citation. The supervising driver can also be held responsible for allowing the violation to occur.

Violations can result in fines, and they may affect your ability to move forward to a regular driver's license. If you accumulate too many violations or are convicted of a serious traffic offense, the Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend or revoke your permit before the one-year period ends.

Moving from a learner's permit to a driver's license

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 90 days (or 60 days if you are 18 or older), you can take a road test. The road test is administered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles at a local DMV office. You must bring your permit, proof of identity, and proof of Virginia residency.

During the road test, an examiner will observe your driving for about 20 to 30 minutes. They will evaluate your ability to follow traffic laws, handle the vehicle safely, and respond to road conditions. If you pass, you can receive a regular driver's license. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a set period — usually a few days to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to school with a learner's permit?

Yes, as long as a licensed driver at least 21 years old is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive to school alone, even if it is during daytime hours. If school starts before 5 a.m., you would need to leave after 5 a.m. or have someone else drive you.

What if my supervising driver does not have a valid license?

You cannot drive. The person in the front passenger seat must hold a current, valid driver's license. An expired license, a suspended license, or a learner's permit does not count. If you are stopped and your supervising driver does not have a valid license, you can be cited for the violation.

Can I use GPS on my phone while driving?

No. You cannot touch or look at your phone for any reason, including GPS. Your supervising driver can hold the phone and give you directions, or you can use a separate GPS device mounted on your dashboard that you do not need to touch while driving.

Do the restrictions explore if I am driving in another state?

Virginia's learner's permit restrictions follow you across state lines. You must obey Virginia's rules — the supervising driver requirement, the curfew, and the cell phone ban — even when you are driving in Maryland, West Virginia, or other neighboring states.

What if I turn 18 while I have a learner's permit?

Your restrictions do not change. You still need a supervising driver in the front seat, you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you still cannot use a cell phone. The only difference is that you can take your road test after 60 days instead of 90 days.