Virginia DMV Licensing Guide in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Getting a Virginia driver’s license in 2026 requires you to meet the Virginia DMV’s eligibility, documentation, testing, and driver-training requirements. First-time drivers must meet the minimum age requirements, obtain a learner’s permit when required, complete applicable driver education and supervised driving requirements, and pass the required DMV tests before receiving a driver’s license.

Whether you are a teenager getting your first learner’s permit or an adult applying for a Virginia driver’s license for the first time, this guide explains the major steps and requirements you should know in 2026.

Virginia Driver’s License Requirements in 2026

The requirements for getting a Virginia driver’s license depend on your age and whether you have previously held a driver’s license.

For first-time drivers, Virginia DMV states that you must be a Virginia resident and at least 16 years and 3 months old to receive a driver’s license.

A Virginia learner’s permit is available beginning at 15 years and 6 months of age.

Additional requirements apply depending on your age and individual circumstances.

How to Get a Virginia Learner’s Permit

A learner’s permit allows you to practice driving with a qualified licensed driver before receiving your driver’s license.

To apply for a Virginia learner’s permit, you must submit the required documents and fees and complete the required DMV testing.

The DMV requires applicants to provide documentation such as proof of identity, legal presence, Virginia residency, and Social Security number when applicable.

Applicants must also complete a vision screening and pass the two-part knowledge examination.

How old do you have to be to get a learner’s permit in Virginia?

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a Virginia learner’s permit.

The Virginia DMV does not make exceptions to this minimum age requirement.

Do You Need Driver’s Education in Virginia?

Driver education requirements depend on your age and situation.

For Virginia residents under 18, completing a state-approved driver education program is required before receiving a driver’s license.

For adults, the requirements differ depending on whether the applicant has previously held a driver’s license and when the license application is being made.

Virginia’s approved driver education program includes classroom and in-car components. The program includes 36 classroom sessions, seven driving sessions, seven observation sessions, and a final road skills examination. Each session is 50 minutes long.

Virginia Driver Education Classroom Requirement

The classroom portion of Virginia’s approved driver education program consists of 36 classroom periods.

A state-approved driver education program also includes in-car instruction and the required road skills examination.

If you are looking for classroom driver education, learn more about our Driver’s Education Classroom course.

Our classroom Driver’s Education course is currently listed at $200.

What Does Driver Education Teach?

Driver education helps new drivers understand Virginia traffic laws, safe driving practices, road rules, and responsible driving habits.

Students learn information that can help them prepare for the knowledge and skills involved in becoming a safe driver.

The goal of driver education is not simply to pass a test. It is to help new drivers understand the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle.

Driver’s License Age Requirements in Virginia

Virginia DMV currently states that a first-time applicant must be at least 16 years and 3 months old to receive a driver’s license.

The requirements for obtaining the license also depend on the applicant’s age.

Drivers Under 18

Virginia residents under 18 must complete a state-approved driver education program.

They must also hold a learner’s permit for at least nine months before receiving a driver’s license.

The parent or guardian must sign the completion certificate to certify that the student has completed the required supervised driving, including at least 45 hours of driving, 15 of which occurred after sunset.

Drivers 18 and Older

For first-time drivers age 18 or older, requirements depend on the date of the license application and whether the applicant completes an approved driver education program.

Prior to January 1, 2027, a first-time applicant age 18 or older generally has the option of completing an approved driver education program or holding a learner’s permit for at least 60 days and completing the applicable DMV road-skills requirements.

Important Virginia DMV Changes Beginning January 1, 2027

Virginia has changes scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.

For first-time applicants age 21 or older, the applicant must either hold a learner’s permit for at least 60 days or successfully complete a state-approved driver education program while holding the permit.

For applicants age 18 through 20 who have never held a driver’s license, the new requirements include holding a learner’s permit for at least 90 days and successfully completing a state-approved driver education program while holding the permit.

Applicants under 18 will continue to have additional requirements, including completion of an approved driver education program and a minimum nine-month learner’s permit holding period.

Because these requirements can change how the licensing process works for different age groups, applicants should verify their individual requirements with the Virginia DMV before applying.

What Documents Do You Need for a Virginia Driver’s License?

First-time applicants must provide documents that establish their eligibility.

Depending on your situation, Virginia DMV requires documentation for:

• Identity
• Legal presence
• Virginia residency
• Social Security number, when applicable
• Name changes, if your current name differs from your documents

The DMV requires original documents and may require additional documentation depending on your circumstances.

Before visiting DMV, use the DMV’s document guide to determine exactly what you need to bring.

What Tests Are Required?

Virginia driver’s license applicants may need to complete several types of testing depending on their age and circumstances.

These may include:

• Vision screening
• Two-part knowledge examination
• Road skills test

The specific testing requirements depend on your age and whether you completed an approved driver education program.

If you are unsure which tests apply to you, check with the Virginia DMV before your appointment.

How Long Do You Need to Hold a Learner’s Permit?

The required learner’s permit holding period depends on your age and the applicable Virginia requirements.

For drivers under 18, the learner’s permit must generally be held for at least nine months before receiving a driver’s license.

Beginning January 1, 2027, first-time applicants age 18 through 20 will have a 90-day learner’s permit holding requirement in addition to completing an approved driver education program.

First-time applicants age 21 or older will have different options beginning January 1, 2027.

Always verify the requirement that applies to your age and situation with Virginia DMV before scheduling your licensing appointment.

Can You Take Driver’s Education Before Getting Your Learner’s Permit?

Driver education and learner’s permit requirements are separate parts of the Virginia licensing process.

If you are planning to take driver education, check with the driving school about enrollment requirements and the appropriate order for completing your training.

You can also prepare for the Virginia learner’s permit knowledge test with a dedicated Learner’s Permit Preparation course.

What Happens After Driver Education?

After completing an approved driver education program, students receive the applicable completion documentation.

Virginia DMV states that driver education completion certificates are submitted to DMV by the driver training school when required.

Students may also need to complete additional driving, testing, permit-holding, and documentation requirements before receiving a permanent driver’s license.

Driver education is therefore one part of the overall licensing process rather than the only requirement.

Why Choose Professional Driver Education?

A structured driver education program gives new drivers an opportunity to learn Virginia driving rules in an organized classroom environment.

Professional instruction can help students understand:

• Virginia traffic laws
• Road signs and rules
• Safe driving practices
• Driver responsibilities
• Hazard awareness
• Defensive driving concepts
• The importance of responsible decision-making

For students who need the classroom component of driver education, a state-approved course can also help satisfy applicable Virginia driver education requirements.

Virginia DMV Licensing Checklist for 2026

Before applying for your Virginia driver’s license, make sure you understand which requirements apply to you.

Basic checklist

1. Confirm that you meet the applicable age requirement.
2. Apply for your Virginia learner’s permit if required.
3. Complete the required DMV knowledge and vision testing.
4. Complete applicable driver education requirements.
5. Complete the required supervised driving.
6. Complete required in-car training when applicable.
7. Prepare your identity and residency documents.
8. Complete the applicable road skills examination.
9. Submit the required documentation and fees.
10. Confirm your individual requirements with Virginia DMV before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to get a learner’s permit in Virginia?

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a Virginia learner’s permit.

How old do you have to be to get a driver’s license in Virginia?

Virginia DMV states that you must be at least 16 years and 3 months old to receive a Virginia driver’s license. Additional eligibility and training requirements depend on your age and situation.

Is driver’s education required in Virginia?

Driver education requirements depend on your age and circumstances. Virginia residents under 18 must complete a state-approved driver education program before receiving a driver’s license. Different requirements apply to adults.

How many classroom periods are included in Virginia driver education?

A state-approved Virginia driver education program includes 36 classroom sessions. Each session is 50 minutes long.

How much does 2020 Driving School’s classroom driver’s education cost?

2020 Driving School currently lists its Driver’s Education Classroom course at $200.

Can I take driver’s education before getting my learner’s permit?

Driver education and learner’s permit requirements are separate. Check the current DMV requirements and the driving school’s enrollment instructions to determine the best order for completing your training.

How long do I have to hold my learner’s permit in Virginia?

The required holding period depends on your age and the applicable licensing rules. Drivers under 18 generally must hold the learner’s permit for at least nine months. Additional rules apply to first-time adult applicants.

What documents do I need to apply for a Virginia driver’s license?

Virginia DMV requires documents establishing identity, legal presence, Virginia residency, and Social Security number when applicable. Additional documentation may be required depending on your circumstances.

What tests are required to get a Virginia driver’s license?

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to complete a vision screening, knowledge examination, and road skills test.

Where can I take classroom driver’s education in Virginia?

Driver education programs may be offered through public schools, private schools, or DMV-licensed driver training schools. 2020 Driving School offers a classroom Driver’s Education course for students who need this component of their training.

Ready to Start Your Driver Education?

If you need the classroom component of Virginia driver education, learn more about the Driver’s Education Classroom course at 2020 Driving School.

Driver’s Education Classroom
$200
36 classroom periods

Enroll in Driver’s Education

Before enrolling or scheduling your DMV appointment, verify the requirements that apply to your age and situation with the Virginia DMV.