In Virginia, you can begin the process of getting a driver's license when you are 15 1/2 years old. You start with a state-approved driver education course at your high school, then practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult while you have your learner's permit. Finally, you can get your license once you are eligible.

Teens have a higher crash rate than more experienced drivers. This learner's permit is designed to prevent crashes and fatalities, as well as injuries, by giving adolescent drivers more practice before they are licensed.

Teen driver education must be done in 36 classroom periods. Topics include alcohol safety and drug abuse, organ and tissue donation, motorcycle awareness, and aggressive and distracted driving. Unless you are homeschooled, you must take the course at your high school or a private driver training school.

There are only 14 in-car instruction periods required―seven periods of driving, and seven of observing. Of course, you will need much more practice than this to become a proficient driver. Practicing outside of driver's ed will allow you to become a better, safer driver.

Once you complete the driver's education course successfully, you will receive a completion certificate. This gets sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) so they can issue your permanent driver's license.

If you're under 18 years old, your parent or legal guardian must sign the certificate to attest to your good academic standing and authorize you to get a license. Your parent must also certify that you have driven for at least 45 hours (15 of those after sunset). You will receive your license at a court ceremony with your parent or legal guardian present.

New Juvenile Residents Already Licensed

If you are between 16 and three months and 19 years of age and move into Virginia, you can exchange your out-of-state license under certain conditions. You must have successfully completed driver education while you lived in another state. The course must have had at least 36 classroom periods and 14 in-car instruction periods (seven driving, seven observing).

As with other license applicants, you must also show proof of legal presence, proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents are listed on the DMV's official website.

If you have not completed a driver education course, the DMV may give you a temporary six-month license to give you time to take the course here.

Adult Drivers

Driver education requirements for teens are pretty straightforward: teens between the ages of 16 and three months and 19 generally must take a driver education course (unless the teen is a new resident who already has a license―see above).

But what about the applicant who is older than 19?

He, too, must complete a driver education course, unless:

• He's held a driver's license in another state, US territory, or country.

• He's obtained a learner's permit and held it 30 days before taking the driving test.

If you're older than 19 and either of the above apply to you, you don't have to complete a driver education course. For more information about your requirements, visit the state's information on first-time drivers.

Special Information for Parents and Legal Guardians

Parents, you are under no obligation to allow your teen to drive. Until he or she turns 18, your child will need your permission to get a learner's permit and a license.

For further information about your rights and responsibilities as the parent or guardian of a juvenile driver, see the Virginia DMV's publication, Parents in the Driver's Seat.

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