Virginia DMV Approved

How to Get Your Virginia Driver’s License as a Teen

The licensing process has several steps — but don’t worry. We’ll walk you through every one and provide everything you need along the way.

1

Enroll in Driver’s Ed & Get Your Learner’s Permit (Age 15½+)

Start by enrolling in this online course. You can get your learner’s permit before or after enrolling — but we recommend completing at least Module 1 first. It covers everything on the DMV knowledge test and will help you pass on your first try.

When you’re ready, visit your local Virginia DMV Customer Service Center to get your permit:

  • Pass the vision test
  • Pass the knowledge and road signs tests
  • Bring the required identification documents
  • Have a parent or guardian sign your application if you’re under 18
Pro tip: Complete Module 1 before your DMV visit — it covers everything on the knowledge test and takes about 2 hours.
2

Complete Your 30-Hour Online Driver Education Course

Complete all required lessons, activities, and quizzes through our Virginia DMV-approved online driver education program.

The course is self-paced — study whenever it fits your schedule, on any device.
3

Complete the Parent/Teen Driver Education Component

Most Virginia teens under 18 are required to complete a 90-minute Parent/Teen Driver Education Program. In most areas of Virginia, this program can be completed online.

Students who reside in Virginia DMV District 8 may have additional requirements and should verify current rules for their area.
4

Schedule and Pass Your Final Exam

After completing the 30-hour online course, schedule an appointment to take your final exam at our local driving school office. On the day of your exam, be sure to bring:

  • Your learner’s permit
  • Any required course completion documentation
  • Any additional documents requested when scheduling your appointment
Once you pass the final exam, you’ll receive your classroom completion certificate.
5

Complete 45 Hours of Supervised Driving Practice

While holding your learner’s permit, you’ll need to complete:

  • 45 total hours of supervised driving practice
  • At least 15 hours of driving after sunset
A parent, guardian, or qualified adult will certify these practice hours when you’re ready for licensing.
6

Complete Behind-the-Wheel Driver Training

Virginia requires teen drivers to complete professional behind-the-wheel instruction. This training typically includes:

  • 7 driving sessions
  • 7 observation sessions
  • A final road skills evaluation
These lessons can be completed with our school or with any Virginia-certified driver training school that offers behind-the-wheel instruction.
7

Hold Your Learner’s Permit for at Least 9 Months

Virginia requires teen drivers to hold their learner’s permit for a minimum of 9 months before becoming eligible for a driver’s license.

You must also be at least 16 years and 3 months old before you can apply for your license.
8

Receive Your Virginia Driver’s License

After completing all requirements — including:

  • Holding your permit for at least 9 months
  • Completing the 30-hour driver education course
  • Passing the final exam
  • Completing behind-the-wheel training
  • Completing 45 hours of supervised practice driving

Congratulations! — your official Virginia Driver’s License will be issued.

Virginia Adult Waiver Program

Get Your License Faster with the Adult Waiver Program

Designed for adults 18+ who want to earn their driver’s license faster — bypassing the standard 60-day permit holding period and the DMV road skills test by completing training through a certified driving school.

1

Obtain a Virginia Learner’s Permit

Visit the DMV and:

  • Pass the vision test
  • Pass the knowledge and road signs tests
  • Bring the required identification documents
Once you pass, you’ll receive your Virginia learner’s permit and can begin practicing your driving skills.
2

Complete a Virginia-Approved Driver Education Course

Before qualifying for the Adult Waiver Program, you’ll need to complete a Virginia-approved driver education course. This can be completed through:

  • A 30-hour online driver education course, or
  • An approved classroom-based driver education program
Upon completion, you’ll receive your Driver Education Completion Certificate.
3

Enroll in the Adult Waiver Program

The Adult Waiver Program is designed for adults who are ready to learn, improve, and demonstrate safe driving skills under the guidance of a certified instructor. To participate, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a valid Virginia learner’s permit
  • Have completed driver education
4

Complete Your Behind-the-Wheel Training

Virginia’s Adult Waiver Program includes:

  • 7 driving sessions
  • 7 observation sessions
  • Professional instruction and evaluation by a certified driving instructor

These lessons are designed to help you build confidence, improve your driving skills, and prepare for your final evaluation.

These lessons may be completed with our school or any Virginia-certified driving school that offers the Adult Waiver Program.
5

Pass the Final Road Skills Evaluation

During your final behind-the-wheel session, a certified instructor will evaluate your driving skills and determine whether you have demonstrated the knowledge and ability required to operate a vehicle safely.

For qualifying students, this evaluation serves in place of the traditional DMV road test.
6

Receive Your Adult Waiver Certificate

After successfully completing all training requirements and passing the final evaluation, you’ll receive your Adult Waiver Certificate.

This certificate verifies that you have completed the required training and demonstrated safe driving skills.
7

Your License Is on Its Way

Once you complete all program requirements, your completion is reported directly to the Virginia DMV. Your Adult Waiver Certificate acts as a temporary license while you wait, and your permanent driver’s license will be mailed to you within approximately 20 days — no DMV visit required.


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