Other Licenses & Endorsements in Virginia

Special Licenses in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers specific licenses and endorsements for certain types of vehicles and driving professions.

To apply for a new driver's license class or endorsement, you'll generally need to visit your local Virginia DMV office and:

Complete a new application.
Pass a knowledge test.
Pass a driving test in the type of vehicle you want to drive.
Pay a new licensing fee.

On this page you'll find an overview of some of the classes and endorsements available to you.

For information about applying for a standard driver's license, please visit our pages on the following topics:

Commercial Driver's Licenses and Endorsements

Certain types of vehicles and driving professions will require you to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). For information about obtaining a VA CDL, please visit our Applying for a New CDL in Virginia page.

Bus Requirements in Virginia

To drive a bus, you must have a passenger endorsement on your commercial driver's license. To obtain this endorsement, you must:

Pass a written general knowledge test.
Pass a written passenger test.
Pass a written air brakes exam, only if the bus you'll be driving is fitted with air brakes.
Pass the bus driving skills test.

Other requirements such as age and driving experience vary with each school district.

For more information, please contact the Virginia DMV.

Shuttle Bus/Van

If your bus or van carries fewer than 16 passengers, you do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL). You only need a regular Virginia driver's license. Other requirements, such as age and driving history, vary with each employer.

Taxi & Chauffeur Licenses in Virginia

Virginia taxi licenses and permits are handled by municipal governments and, in some cases, local police departments.

To apply for a taxi chauffeur's license, you'll likely need to complete a For-Hire Intrastate Operating Authority Certificate or License Application (Form OA 144M). Instructions are included with the application.

Additionally, you may need to:

Be medically certified.
Pass a background check.
Maintain a clean driving record.

For more information, please contact the Virginia DMV.

Sport Vehicles in Virginia

Most sport vehicles do not require a special driver's license or endorsement, however, age restrictions may apply.

Certain vehicles may require you to hold a motorcycle license or endorsement. For more information, please visit our Motorcycle License in Virginia page.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

The following rules apply to ATVs in Virginia:

If you're younger than 12 years old, you are not permitted to ride an ATV of more than 70 CC.
If you're between 12 and 16 years old, you are restricted to ATV's of no more than 90 CC.

Personal Watercraft (PWC)

To operate a personal watercraft or jet ski in Virginia, the following will apply:

If you're 16 years old or older, you are not required to complete a boating safety course in order to operate a PWC.
If you're 14 or 15 years old, you must carry proof that you've completed a boating safety course.
If you're under 14 years old, you cannot operate a PWC.