A learner’s permit in Virginia allows new drivers to practice their skills on public roads under supervision, providing a structured environment to gain practical experience. This guide outlines the process for obtaining and using a Virginia learner’s permit.
Virginia Learner’s Permit Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a learner’s permit in Virginia, an applicant must be at least 15 years and 6 months old and be a resident of the Commonwealth.
For applicants under 18, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is mandatory. This parental approval is required for all minors unless they are married or legally emancipated.
Required Documentation and Information for Your Application
Before visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) center, you must gather several original documents. You will need:
- One proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate or an unexpired U.S. Passport
- One proof of legal presence, which can often be the same document as your proof of identity
- Two proofs of Virginia residency, such as utility bills, bank statements, or school enrollment records
- Proof of your Social Security number, like a Social Security card or W-2 form; the DMV may be able to verify the number electronically if you know it
The application is Form DL 1P, “Application for a Virginia Driver’s License or Identification Card,” which can be downloaded from the DMV website or found at a service center. You must complete it with your full legal name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the consent section of the form. The application fee includes a $3 charge for the permit plus the prorated cost of a driver’s license, which is paid at the time of application.
Applying for Your Virginia Learner’s Permit
The application process takes place in person at a Virginia DMV customer service center. You will submit your completed Form DL 1P and supporting documentation, followed by a vision screening to meet the state’s minimum eyesight requirements.
The two-part knowledge exam is next. The first part tests your knowledge of traffic signs, and you must answer all 10 questions correctly. The second part covers general motor vehicle laws and safe driving practices, requiring at least an 80% score to pass. The Virginia Driver’s Manual is the study guide for this exam.
After passing the tests, you will pay the required fees and receive a temporary paper permit. The permanent learner’s permit card will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you fail the knowledge exam, applicants under 18 must wait 15 days to retest, and additional fees may apply.
Driving Rules with a Virginia Learner’s Permit
When driving, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat. A licensed sibling or legal guardian who is at least 18 may also serve as the supervising driver, who must be alert and able to provide assistance.
Permit holders under 18 are limited to one passenger under the age of 18, though this does not apply to family or household members. There is also a curfew prohibiting driving between midnight and 4 a.m.
The use of any mobile device while driving is prohibited for permit holders under 18. Violating these rules can lead to fines and permit suspension, which can delay your eligibility for a driver’s license. You must have your learner’s permit with you whenever you are driving.
Transitioning to a Provisional Driver’s License
To move from a learner’s permit to a provisional driver’s license, applicants under 18 must meet several requirements. You must hold the learner’s permit for a minimum of nine months and be at least 16 years and 3 months old. Completion of a state-approved driver education program, which includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, is also required.1Virginia Law. § 46.2-334. Conditions and Requirements for Licensure of Persons Under 18
You must document a minimum of 45 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 15 of those hours completed after sunset.2Virginia Law. § 46.2-335. Learner’s Permits; Fees; Certification Required A parent or legal guardian must certify the completion of these hours on the appropriate form.
The final step is to pass the behind-the-wheel road skills test, which can be administered by the DMV or a certified driving school. Once all requirements are met, you will be issued a provisional license. This license carries its own set of restrictions, such as limits on passengers and nighttime driving, until you reach a certain age.