Learner’s Permit

At least age 15 & 6 months

Requirements
Parent/Guardian consent under 18.

Vision & knowledge tests.

Restrictions

Licensed driver alert & able to assist seated next to student. Must be 21 or older, or 18 or older if legal guardian, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, step-brother or step-sister.

• May not drive between midnight & 4 a.m.
No more than 1 passenger under 18. No restriction on family members.

Operator’s License

At least 16 & 3 months

Requirements
Under 18

Driver education certificate signed by parent/guardian & a valid learner's permit held minimum 9 months allow you to drive without supervision. You will receive notice when to appear in court with parent/guardian for licensing ceremony to receive your permanent driver's license.

Parent/guardian certify minimum 40 hours driving practice, 10 after sunset.

Under 19

Approved driver education course. Driver Ed in a Box is an approved driver education course for those families who home school according to Virginia laws.

• Hold Learner’s Permit minimum 9 months.

19 or Older

If you have not previously held a driver's license, proof of approved driver education course, or, held Virginia learner's permit minimum 30 days.

Restrictions
Age 16

No more than 1 passenger under age 18. No restriction on family members.

Age 17

No more than 3 passengers under age 18. No restriction on family members.

Under 18

May not driver between midnight & 4 a.m., EXCEPT:

• In case of an emergency
• Traveling to & from work or a school-sponsored event
• Accompanied by parent or other adult acting in place of parent
• Responding to emergency call as volunteer firefighter or rescue squad personnel