Minimum Driving Age
- Learner’s Permit: Available at 15 years and 6 months.
- Provisional License: Eligible at 16 years and 3 months, after holding a learner’s permit for at least nine months and meeting other requirements.
- Full (Unrestricted) License: Available at 18 years old, granting full driving privileges.
Driver License Eligibility Requirements
Learner’s Permit Rules
- Supervision: Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older (or 18 if the driver is the legal guardian or sibling), seated in the front passenger seat.
- Holding Period: Must hold the learner’s permit for at least nine months before applying for a provisional license.
- Practice Hours:
- 45 hours of supervised driving, including:
- 15 hours at night
- 15 hours at night
- 45 hours of supervised driving, including:
- Driving Restrictions:
- No driving between midnight and 4 a.m., unless for specific exceptions such as work, school, or emergencies.
- For the first year, may carry only one passenger under 21, unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian in the front seat.
- After holding the license for one year, may carry up to three passengers under 21 in specific situations, such as traveling to a school-sponsored activity.
- No driving between midnight and 4 a.m., unless for specific exceptions such as work, school, or emergencies.
License Types
- Learner’s Permit: For practicing with a licensed adult.
- Provisional License: Allows unsupervised driving with certain restrictions.
- Full (Unrestricted) License: Full driving privileges granted at 18 years old.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles; must be at least 18 for intrastate and 21 for interstate commerce.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Required for operating motorcycles; applicants must pass a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a permit or license in Virginia, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity and Date of Birth: Such as a birth certificate or valid passport.
- Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card or approved document.
- Proof of Virginia Residency and Current Address: Two documents, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or school transcripts.
- Legal Presence in the United States: Required for Real ID & Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).
- Parental Consent: Required if under 18; parent or guardian must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized signature on the application.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Children under 8 years old: Must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.
- Children aged 8 to 17: Must wear a seatbelt in any seating position.
- Adults (18 and over): Required to wear seatbelts in the front seat.
- Penalties: Violations may result in fines.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Handheld Device Use: Prohibited for all drivers while operating a moving motor vehicle.
- Texting While Driving: Prohibited for all drivers.
- Hands-Free Use: Permitted for drivers aged 18 and over.
- Penalties:
- Fines and possible points on the driver’s record.
DUI Laws
- Legal BAC Limits:
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- Under 21: 0.02%
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- Penalties:
- First Offense:
- Fine: Up to $2,500
- Imprisonment: Up to 12 months
- License Suspension: 12 months
- Mandatory enrollment in alcohol and safety education program
- Fine: Up to $2,500
- First Offense:
Speed Limits
- School Zones: 25 mph during school hours
- Residential Areas: 25 mph
- Urban Districts: 35 mph
- Rural Highways: 55 mph
- Interstates: Up to 70 mph
Reckless Driving Laws
- Definition: Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Penalties:
- Classification: Class 1 misdemeanor
- Fine: Up to $2,500
- Imprisonment: Up to 12 months
- License Suspension: Possible upon multiple offenses
- Classification: Class 1 misdemeanor
Points System
- Point Accumulation:
- Various traffic violations result in points added to the driver’s record.
- Accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months can lead to license suspension.
- Various traffic violations result in points added to the driver’s record.
- Point Reduction:
- Completing a driver improvement clinic can reduce points.
- Points remain on the record for two years from the violation date.
- Completing a driver improvement clinic can reduce points.
Insurance Requirements
- Liability Insurance: Virginia requires minimum coverage of:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $20,000 per accident
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Proof of Insurance: Must be carried in the vehicle at all times and presented upon request by law enforcement.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal:
- Under 75: Every 8 years
- 75 and over: Every 5 years
- Under 75: Every 8 years
- Vision Test: Required at each renewal.
- Written/Driving Test: May be required if there are medical concerns or after certain violations.
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