From Learner’s Permit to Licensed Driver
ages 18 - 20
APPLICATION
Your Road to Getting Licensed
through december 31, 2026
through december 31, 2026
path A
Hold the learner’s permit for at least 60 days.
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Practice driving with an eligible licensed driver.
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Complete the required Behind-the-Wheel Checklist.
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Schedule and pass the road skills test at DMV.
Under this pathway, completion of a Driver Education program is not required.
path B
Complete an Approved Driver Education Program
Complete a state-approved Driver Education program while holding the learner’s permit.
This includes the required classroom and in-car components and the end-of-course road skills evaluation.
Beginning January 2027
First-time drivers ages 18–20 must hold their learner’s permit for a minimum of 90 days before becoming eligible for a driver’s license.
This is an increase from the current 60-day requirement.
The applicant must successfully complete the required state-approved Driver Education classroom instruction while holding a learner’s permit.
The applicant must also successfully complete the required in-car driver training through an approved Driver Education program.
The in-car portion is separate from the classroom portion and provides hands-on driving instruction and experience.
The applicant must successfully complete the applicable road skills requirements as part of the approved Driver Education process.
For first-time drivers ages 18–20 beginning January 1, 2027:
Holding the learner’s permit for 90 days does NOT replace Driver Education.
Completing Driver Education does NOT eliminate the 90-day learner’s permit holding period.
you must complete both!
What If the Learner’s Permit Was Obtained in 2026?
If an individual is age 18–20 and receives a learner’s permit before January 1, 2027, but will obtain their driver’s license on or after January 1, 2027, the new Driver Education requirement will apply.
Obtaining the learner’s permit before the law changes does not automatically exempt the applicant from the new requirements.
If you're under 18
A student under age 18 must hold the learner’s permit for a minimum of nine months before becoming eligible to receive a driver’s license.
The minimum age to receive a Virginia driver’s license is 16 years and 3 months.
Students under age 18 must successfully complete a Virginia-approved Driver Education classroom course.
The classroom portion consists of 36 instructional periods and covers topics such as:
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Virginia traffic laws
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Traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings
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Safe driving practices
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Distracted and impaired driving
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Sharing the road
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Vehicle safety
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Responsible driving behaviors
The classroom portion may be completed through an approved public or private school, driver training school, or approved online Driver Education provider.
The classroom portion of Driver Education is separate from Behind-the-Wheel instruction.
Before licensing, the student must complete at least 45 hours of supervised driving practice, including:
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At least 15 hours after sunset
The required practice gives the student additional real-world driving experience outside of formal Behind-the-Wheel instruction.
A parent, guardian, or foster parent must certify completion of the required practice hours as part of the licensing process.
After completing the required classroom instruction and meeting the applicable eligibility requirements, the student must complete approved Behind-the-Wheel instruction.
Behind-the-Wheel consists of:
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7 driving periods
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7 observation periods
Each period is 50 minutes.
During Behind-the-Wheel, students receive hands-on instruction in areas such as vehicle control, turns, lane changes, intersections, parking, traffic management, and other skills needed to operate a vehicle safely.
As part of the Behind-the-Wheel program, the student must successfully demonstrate the required driving skills.
Once the student has successfully completed the required classroom and Behind-the-Wheel components, the driver training school submits the appropriate completion information to DMV.
To become eligible for licensing, a driver under age 18 must have:
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Reached at least 16 years and 3 months of age
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Held the learner’s permit for at least 9 months
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Completed the required Driver Education classroom course
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Completed 45 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours after sunset
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Successfully completed Behind-the-Wheel instruction and the required road skills evaluation
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Met all other applicable Virginia DMV requirements
Your Road to Getting Licensed
STEP
ONE
Get Your Virginia Learner's Permit
All first-time drivers begin by obtaining a Virginia learner’s permit. After the permit is issued, the remaining licensing requirements depend on the driver’s age. A learner’s permit allows a new driver to practice driving before becoming fully licensed. The minimum age to obtain a Virginia learner’s permit is 15 years and 6 months. To obtain a learner’s permit, an applicant must:
APPLICATION
Complete the appropriate DMV application.
DOCUMENTS
Provide the required identity, residency, Social Security number, and legal-presence documentation, as applicable.
VISION
Pass a vision screening.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
Pass the Virginia DMV two-part knowledge examination.
DMV FEES
Pay the applicable DMV fees.
Once the learner’s permit is issued, the individual may begin practicing with an eligible licensed driver and working toward the requirements for a Virginia driver’s license.
Before visiting DMV to apply for a Virginia learner’s permit, applicants should make sure they have the required original or otherwise DMV-accepted documents.
Depending on the applicant’s age and individual circumstances, DMV may require documentation establishing:
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Identity
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Legal presence in the United States
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Virginia residency
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Social Security number, if one has been issued
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Any additional documentation required based on the applicant’s individual circumstances
Examples of documents that may be accepted include a certified U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or passport card, Social Security card, and documents showing Virginia residency.
The exact number and type of documents required can vary based on the applicant’s age, citizenship or immigration status, and the type of credential being requested. Applicants should review the Virginia DMV Acceptable Documents Guide before visiting DMV to determine exactly which documents apply to their situation.
Applicants should also verify that the name and other identifying information shown on their documents are consistent. Additional documentation may be required when there has been a legal name change or when information does not match.
minimum age requirement
15 Years + 6 Months
STEP
TWO
got your permit? now choose your age.
After obtaining a learner’s permit, the requirements for becoming licensed differ based on the applicant’s age. Use the appropriate section below to determine which requirements apply.
ages 21 & Older
Your Road to Getting Licensed
Beginning January 1, 2027
path A
60-Day Learner’s Permit
The applicant may:
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Hold the permit for at least 60 days.
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Practice driving and satisfy the applicable requirements.
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Take and pass the DMV road skills test.
path B
Complete an Approved Driver Education Program
The applicant may successfully complete a state-approved Driver Education program while holding the learner’s permit.
Completing the approved program provides an alternative to the 60-day learner’s permit holding period.
OR
The new 90-day requirement specifically affects first-time drivers ages 18–20.
First-time drivers age 21 or older will continue to have two pathways after obtaining a learner’s permit.
Obtaining the learner’s permit before the law changes does not automatically exempt the applicant from the new requirements.
permit requirements QUICK REFERENCE
Under Age 18
Learner’s Permit: Required
Minimum Permit Holding Period: 9 months
Driver Education Classroom: Required
Supervised Practice: 45 hours, including 15 after sunset
Behind-the-Wheel: Required
Minimum Licensing Age: 16 years and 3 months
Age 18–20 Through December 31, 2026
Learner’s Permit: Required for a first-time driver
Current Pathway: Hold permit 60 days and take the DMV road skills test OR complete an approved Driver Education program
Age 18–20 Beginning January 1, 2027
Learner’s Permit: Required
Minimum Permit Holding Period: 90 days
Driver Education Classroom: Required
In-Car/Behind-the-Wheel Training: Required as part of the approved Driver Education program
Licensing Requirement: Both the 90-day permit period and Driver Education must be completed
Age 21 and Older Beginning January 1, 2027
Learner’s Permit: Required for a first-time driver
Pathway: Hold permit for at least 60 days OR successfully complete an approved Driver Education program while holding the permit
Additional Information
Licensing requirements may vary depending on an individual’s circumstances, including whether the person has previously been licensed in another state, U.S. territory, or foreign country.
Participants should verify current requirements and acceptable documentation with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles before beginning or completing the licensing process.
before you head to the dmv
When attending the DMV appointment with the youth:
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Valid Virginia driver’s license or ID
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Two residency proofs in the foster parent’s name at the youth’s placement address (if certifying residency)
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LDSS foster‑care placement agreement or letter confirming placement and address
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Court order or LDSS documentation clarifying guardianship or custody
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Any LDSS approval for Drive to Thrive or transportation funding
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Ability to sign the learner’s permit application for youth under 18 (unless emancipated)
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Contact information for the youth’s LDSS caseworker or IL coordinator
Core DMV requirements:
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One proof of identity
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One proof of legal presence
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Two Virginia residency proofs
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Proof of SSN (if issued)
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Any name‑change documents
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Original documents only
Foster‑youth‑specific items:
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LDSS placement agreement or letter confirming current placement and address
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School records, medical records, or government mail showing the youth’s name and current Virginia address
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Written confirmation of LDSS funding support
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Contact information for the LDSS caseworker or IL coordinator
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Transportation plan or documentation showing how behind‑the‑wheel practice will be completed
Before leaving home, confirm you have:
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Completed DL 1P application
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One proof of identity
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One proof of legal presence
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Two Virginia residency proofs
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SSN proof or electronic verification
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Name‑change documents
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Original documents (no photocopies)
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Printed online statements showing name, address, issuer, and date
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Payment for permit/ID and any REAL ID fee
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Correct residential and mailing addresses
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Backup documents in case DMV requests additional verification
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Foster‑care placement documentation (if applicable)
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LDSS contact information
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Drive to Thrive funding confirmation (if applicable)
Make sure you have everything you need before your DMV visit.
Proof of Identity
Bring one acceptable document showing full legal name and date of birth. Examples include: • Certified U.S. birth certificate • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card • Certain immigration or citizenship documents
Proof of Legal Presence
Bring one acceptable document showing U.S. citizenship or authorized presence. Examples include: • Certified U.S. birth certificate • Valid U.S. passport • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship • Qualifying immigration document
Proof of Virginia Residency
Bring two proofs: either two primary, or one primary plus one secondary. • Age 19+: proofs must show the applicant’s own name and current Virginia address • Under age 19: applicant may use their own proofs, or a parent/legal guardian may certify residency in person
Proof of Social Security Number
Bring one proof if issued. DMV may verify electronically. Examples include: • Social Security card • W‑2, 1099, or employer paystub showing all nine digits
standard id vs real id
standard
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Valid for driving or identification
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Displays “Federal Limits Apply”
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Standard fee applies
Applicants may choose a standard Virginia permit/ID or a REAL ID‑compliant version.
real
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Required for domestic flights and certain federal facilities
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Additional $10 REAL ID fee
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Federal REAL ID document rules apply
A certified U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport may satisfy both identity and legal presence.
Identity and Legal Presence
Identity documents must show full legal name and date of birth. Legal‑presence documents must show eligibility for a standard credential.
Common documents for U.S. citizens include:
• Official birth document issued by a U.S. state or territory
• Valid U.S. passport or passport card
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Common documents for eligible non‑U.S. citizens include:
• Permanent Resident Card (I‑551)
• Unexpired foreign passport with required visa/I‑94
• Employment Authorization Document (I‑766)
• Refugee/asylum documentation
DMV requires original documents. Photocopies and temporary documents are not accepted.
Proof of Virginia Residency
Bring two proofs. At least one must be from the primary list.
Primary examples include:
• Lease, mortgage, or rental agreement
• USPS change‑of‑address confirmation
• Virginia voter registration card
• Utility bill (gas, electric, water, sewer, cable, landline)
• Bank or credit‑card statement
• Paystub
• W‑2 or 1099 • Medical or dental bill
• Virginia personal‑property or real‑estate tax receipt
• Certified school records or report card
• Virginia Department of Education Certificate of Enrollment
Secondary examples include:
• Postmarked USPS mail
• Government correspondence
• Billing statements from recognizable businesses
DMV requires a Virginia residential street address.
Adult and Minor Residency Paths
Ages 15–17 (Minor Learner’s Permit Applicant):
• Applicant may use two proofs in their own name
• Or a parent/legal guardian may appear in person with two proofs
• Parent/legal guardian must sign the permit application unless the minor is emancipated
Age 18 (Adult, but under 19):
• Applicant may use two proofs in their own name
• Or a parent/legal guardian may still certify residency
• No parental signature required
Age 19+:
• Applicant must bring two proofs showing their own name and current Virginia address
• At least one proof must be primary
Social Security Number and Name Changes
Acceptable SSN proofs include:
• Social Security card
• W‑2
• Paystub
• SSA‑1099 or non‑SSA‑1099
Name‑change documents include:
• Certified marriage certificate
• Divorce decree showing name change
• Certified court order
• Documents connecting every name change from birth to current legal name
A marriage license signed only by an officiant is not accepted.
Participation in professional driving lessons, Behind-the-Wheel instruction, or other driver training does not guarantee that an individual will receive a Virginia driver’s license.
Students must demonstrate the knowledge, judgment, vehicle-control skills, and safe driving behaviors required to successfully complete the applicable licensing requirements. Additional practice or instruction may be recommended when a student needs more time to develop the skills necessary to drive safely and independently.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ultimately determines an individual’s eligibility for licensure based on applicable Virginia requirements.