South · Learner’s Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Virginia
Virginia issues learner’s permits at 15 years 6 months. The 9-month holding period and 45-hour log (15 after sunset) lead to a ceremony many Virginia teens remember: licenses are often presented by a judge at a court ceremony.
Virginia permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 15½ |
|---|---|
| Official name | Learner’s Permit |
| Supervised practice | 45 hours, including 15 after sunset |
| Minimum holding period | 9 months |
| Issuing agency | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Virginia?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 15½
- Practice hours
- 45 hours
- Waiting time
- 9 months
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 29/100. Easiest in the South: Arkansas (#1) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? Wyoming makes you hold the permit for just 10 days — the next-shortest wait is 12× longer. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Virginia permit date · ⚔️ Compare Virginia with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Virginia
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 15½ . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Virginia driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Virginia’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Virginia residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Virginia requires 45 hours, including 15 after sunset. Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Virginia, that's 9 months. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Good to know in Virginia
- In much of Virginia, first licenses are formally presented at a juvenile court licensing ceremony attended by a parent or guardian.
Virginia learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Virginia?
The minimum age is 15½. Virginia calls this credential the Learner’s Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Virginia require?
Virginia requires 45 hours, including 15 after sunset. A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Virginia?
The minimum holding period is 9 months before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Virginia?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Virginia an easy state to get licensed in?
Virginia ranks #41 of 50 on our Ease Score (29/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.