Virginia Driving Laws: A Complete Guide

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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.

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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Legal BAC Limits:
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- Under 21: 0.02%
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

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

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.
Point Reduction:
- Completing a driver improvement clinic can reduce points.
- Points remain on the record for two years from the violation date.

Liability Insurance: Virginia requires minimum coverage of:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $20,000 per accident
Proof of Insurance: Must be carried in the vehicle at all times and presented upon request by law enforcement.

License Renewal:
- Under 75: Every 8 years
- 75 and over: Every 5 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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