Taking off on the journey to get your driver’s license in Virginia is an exciting milestone. As a teenager who would love to drive or an adult who wants to be independent on the road, it is important to know the steps taken to achieve this goal. At 2020 Driving School, we’re committed to guiding you through each phase of the licensing process to be well prepared and confident on the road.
1. Eligibility Requirements: When Can I Get My License in Virginia?
Taking off on the journey to get your driver’s license in Virginia is an exciting milestone. As a teenager who would love to drive or an adult who wants to be independent on the road, it is important to know the steps taken to achieve this goal. At 2020 Driving School, we’re committed to guiding you through each phase of the licensing process to be well prepared and confident on the road.
To apply for a driver’s license in Virginia, you have to meet the following criteria:
- In terms of age, you should be at least 16 years and 3 months old.
- For residency, you must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- If you’re under 18, you need to complete a state-approved program of driver education.
- You need to have a written consent from a parent or legal guardian, unless you’re married or emancipated.
Such requirements ensure that all drivers have the necessary knowledge and skills to drive a vehicle safely.
2. The Learner’s Permit: The First Step
The first thing you need to get is a learner’s permit before you get a full driver’s license. Here’s how:
- You need to be at least 15 years old and 6 months old to get a learner’s license.
- You need to pass a written knowledge test covering traffic signs, laws, and safe driving procedures.
- You should undergo a vision test to make sure that you meet the minimum visual acuity requirements.
You need to hold your learner’s permit for at least 9 months to be able to apply to have a driver’s license if you’re under 18. This period allows you to gain supervised driving experience, which is essential for becoming a safe driver.
3. Driver Education: Building a Strong Foundation
If you’re someone under 18, you must complete a state-approved driver education program. This program usually includes:
- Classroom Instruction: This covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving techniques.
- Behind-the-Wheel Training: This provides practical driving experience under the guidance of a certified instructor.
- Parent-Teen Driving Agreement: It is an agreement that is made with a parent or a guardian to provide the guidelines on the practice of supervised driving.
At the 2020 Driving School, we provide a comprehensive driver education program that is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a responsible driver.
4. Road Skills Test: Demonstrating Your Abilities
Once you finish the required learner’s permit period and driver education, you are to take a road skills test and prove your ability to operate a vehicle safely. The test usually includes:
- This test evaluates your ability to control the vehicle during different manoeuvres.
- It evaluates how you comply with the traffic laws and regulations.
- It observes your ability to drive defensively and make sound judgment.
Our instructors are experts providing personalised training to help you prepare for the road skills test, to make sure you feel confident and ready.
5. Obtaining Your Driver’s License
On passing the road skills test, you can apply for your driver’s license. These steps include:
- Documentation: You need to provide proof of identity, legal presence, Virginia residence, and Social Security number.
- Application: You need to fill in the application form for the driver’s license.
- Fees: Pay the relevant licensing fee.
- Parental Consent: If you’re under the age of 18, you need to present a written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Getting Ready to Hit the Road
Getting your driver’s license is not just about passing a test; it’s about obtaining independence and confidence while you sit behind the wheel. After you get your driver’s education and receive a license, remember that learning never stops. With each trip you take, you become a safer and more skilled driver. So, buckle up, stay focused, and enjoy the freedom that comes with being a licensed driver in Virginia!
FAQs
1. How long do I have to change my license after moving to Virginia?
After you move to Virginia, you have 60 days to get a driver’s license in Virginia to legally drive here. And if you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must get a Virginia CDL within 30 days.
2. What is required to get a Virginia driver’s license?
For getting a driver’s license in Virginia, you’ll need to provide proof of identity, legal presence, Virginia residency, and a Social Security number. You also need to pass a vision, knowledge, and road skills test.
3. Can undocumented immigrants get a driver’s license in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia provides a driver’s privilege card to individuals who cannot prove their legal presence but are eligible as per other eligibility requirements, such as Virginia residency and tax filing.
4. What is proof of legal presence in Virginia?
Documents that can be used as a legal presence include a U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, or an employment authorization document. These documents can confirm your eligibility to legally live and work in the U.S.
5. Can non-US citizens get a driver’s license?
Yes, you can get a driver’s license being a non-US citizen if you have lawful status and can present a valid immigration document, residence proof, and identification that meet DMV requirements.
