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How to Get Your Virginia Permit License

The actual step-by-step process, from application to full license — not just what's on the exam. Confirm anything time-sensitive (fees, forms) with Virginia DMV directly.

Under 18

  1. Enroll in an approved driver education program

    Enroll in a Commonwealth of Virginia-approved driver education program: 36 classroom periods plus 14 in-car periods (7 driving, 7 observation), each 50 minutes.

    • Driver education enrollment record

  2. Apply for your learner's permit

    Apply starting at 15 years 6 months old. Pass the two-part knowledge exam — a perfect 10/10 on the road-sign section, plus 24/30 (80%) on the general-knowledge section — and a vision screening.

    • Parent/guardian consent

  3. Log 45 hours of supervised driving

    Log at least 45 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours after sunset, always under the supervision of a licensed adult.

  4. Hold the permit at least 9 months

    Virginia requires holding the learner's permit for a minimum of 9 months before applying for a driver's license.

  5. Apply for your driver's license at 16 years 3 months

    Once you've turned 16 years 3 months, met the 9-month holding period, and completed driver education, apply for your driver's license.

    • Supervised driving log
    • Driver education completion record

  6. Move to a full license

    Graduated-license restrictions on driving hours and passengers end automatically once you turn 18.

First-Time Applicant, Age 18-20

  1. Enroll in an approved driver education program

    Unlike many states, Virginia requires first-time applicants aged 18-20 to complete an approved driver education program too, not just applicants under 18.

  2. Apply for your learner's permit

    Pass the same two-part knowledge exam — a perfect 10/10 on signs, 80% on general knowledge — and a vision screening at a DMV customer service center.

    • Identification documents

  3. Hold the permit at least 90 days

    First-time applicants aged 18-20 must hold the learner's permit for at least 90 days, shorter than the 9-month requirement for applicants under 18.

  4. Pass the road test

    Complete the required driving practice and pass the road test to receive your driver's license.

First-Time Applicant, 21 and Older

  1. Apply for your learner's permit

    Pass the two-part knowledge exam and a vision screening at a DMV customer service center; driver education is not required for first-time applicants 21 and older.

  2. Practice and pass the road test

    Practice driving under the terms of your learner's permit, then pass the road test to receive your driver's license.

Notes

  • Virginia's knowledge exam can be taken by computer at a DMV customer service center or a participating high school, or as an oral exam by request — there is no remote/online testing option.
  • Exact fees and current driver-education provider requirements change over time — confirm the current process on the official Virginia DMV website before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-20