Virginia Teen Driving Requirements: A Simple Guide for Young Drivers

Got a teen who wants to hit the road in Virginia? You don’t have to wade through legal jargon to figure it out. Below is a straight‑forward rundown of everything a teen driver needs – permits, restrictions, fees, and the rules that keep them safe and legal.

Getting Your Learner’s Permit

The first step is the Class 6 learner’s permit. Your teen must be at least 15 years and 6 months old and have a parent or guardian sign a Virginia Driver’s Education Completion Certificate. If they’ve taken a state‑approved driver’s ed course, that certificate replaces the 45‑hour classroom requirement.

Here’s what you’ll need for the DMV visit:

• Proof of identity – a birth certificate or passport.
• Proof of Virginia residency – a utility bill, lease, or school record.
• The completed application and a $5 fee for the permit.

After the paperwork, the teen will take a vision test and a written knowledge test. The test has 20 multiple‑choice questions about road signs, basic rules, and Virginia‑specific laws. A score of 16 or higher passes.

Once they have the permit, the law says they must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has held a valid driver’s license for three years. The supervising adult must sit in the front passenger seat at all times.

Full License Rules for Young Drivers

After holding the permit for at least nine months and completing at least 45 hours of supervised driving (including 15 hours at night), the teen can apply for a Class 1 provisional license. You’ll need the same ID documents and another $20 fee.

Virginia imposes a few key restrictions on drivers under 18:

• Curfew: No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it’s for work, school, or a medical emergency.
• Passenger limit: Only one non‑family passenger is allowed for the first six months after getting the license. After six months, up to three passengers are allowed, but all must be at least 21 years old.
• Seat belts: Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt. The teen driver can’t give a ticket to a passenger for not buckling up.
• Phone use: Hand‑held cell phones are prohibited while driving. A hands‑free system is allowed, but many teens still get caught. Better to avoid it altogether.
• DUI zero tolerance: Any detectable blood‑alcohol level (0.02% or higher) leads to immediate license suspension, hefty fines, and possible community service.

If your teen breaks any of these rules, the state can suspend the license for up to six months. A second violation within a year often means a longer suspension and possibly a requirement to retake the driving test.

Keeping your teen’s driving record clean also helps with insurance premiums. Many insurers offer lower rates for safe teen drivers, but a single violation can spike costs quickly.

Remember to renew the driver’s license before it expires. Virginia sends a renewal notice about two months in advance, and you can usually renew online for a small fee. If the license expires, the teen must retake the road test – a hassle you’d rather avoid.

Finally, make sure the car’s registration stays current. Driving with an expired tag in Virginia can lead to fines and points on the driver’s record, which is especially risky for a teen driver.

By following these steps and staying on top of the restrictions, your teen can enjoy the freedom of driving while staying safe and legal on Virginia roads.