A step-by-step guide to getting your Virginia Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.
Virginia uses a graduated-licensing approach: first a Learner's Permit (supervised driving only, with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat), then a Driver's License after passing the road skills test. Teen-specific details — minimum age to apply, permit hold period, curfew hours, passenger limits, and wireless-device rules — are in Virginia DMV's Parents in the Driver's Seat (DMV 16) publication at dmv.virginia.gov. Virginia's all-driver hands-free law also applies to teens.
Requires a licensed driver age 21+ (or 18–20 sibling/legal guardian) in the front passenger seat. Applicants 19+: hold 60 days OR present a driver-education certificate. Teen minimum age: see DMV 16.
Allows you to operate any vehicle or small truck under 26,001 lb exempt from CDL rules. Under 18: road skills test given by a driver-training school. Vehicle for road test must pass Virginia safety inspection and have working brakes, belts, horn, lights, signals, mirrors, speedometer.
You have 60 days to obtain a Virginia driver's license after establishing residency, and 30 days to title and register your vehicle with Virginia plates. Notify DMV of any address change within 30 days — USPS will NOT forward a license.
Under 18: complete the classroom component of driver education through a driver-training school. 19 and older: either hold the learner's permit for 60 days OR complete driver's education before the first road skills test. See Parents in the Driver's Seat (DMV 16) for teen ages and detailed requirements.
Virginia has customer service centers across the Commonwealth — Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Arlington, Alexandria, Roanoke, Newport News and many more. Appointments are recommended at larger offices. Find a location and book at dmv.virginia.gov.
Check the current accepted-documents list at dmv.virginia.gov. In general you'll need:
Virginia's unrestricted vision standard is 20/40 or better with a 110° horizontal field. Bring glasses or contacts if you need them (your license will carry a "C" restriction meaning you must wear them when driving). Knowledge test: Part 1 (10 signs, must be 100%) + Part 2 (general knowledge, must be 80%+).
Current Virginia DMV application fees are posted at dmv.virginia.gov. Your license arrives by mail — DMV does not issue licenses at customer service centers for security reasons. If you fail the knowledge exam and are under 18, you must wait 15 days before retaking.
Under 18: finish driver education through a driver-training school. 19+: hold the permit for at least 60 days OR present a driver's-education certificate of completion. Then schedule a road skills test (driver-training school for under-18s, or a DMV examiner for 18+).
Provide a vehicle for the road skills test with: valid Virginia safety inspection sticker · current license plates, registration and decals · working brakes, safety belts, horn, lights, turn signals, mirrors and speedometer. Autocycles are NOT allowed for the road skills test (Manual §1).
For applicants under 18 the test is given as part of driver education. For 18+ without driver's ed, a DMV examiner administers it. The examiner may require a signed behind-the-wheel checklist (DMV form CSMA 19) certifying supervised practice. If you fail: wait 2 days to retake. Fail 3 times: complete the in-vehicle part of driver's education before a 4th attempt (Manual §1).
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual