Driver Ed Rules & Resources
Obtaining a Virginia Learner's Permit
If the applicant is at least 15 years and six months old, a learner's permit may be obtained at a Department of Motor Vehicles customer service center after fulfilling several requirements. For details on the application and licensing process, go to www.dmv.state.va.us/
RECEIVING A 180 DAY PROVISIONAL LICENSE
A student must meet the following criteria to receive their TDL-180 Provisional License:
- Be at least 16 years and three months old;
- Have held a learner's permit for nine months;
- Successful completeion of a state-approved driver education classroom course to include attendance at the parent/teen mandatory 90-minute program and a hands-on driving skills program with minimum in-car mileage requirement;
- Parents have signed the PWCS Permission Form and the VA PPF-16 permisson form;
- Submission of the 45-hour driving log, at least 15 of which were after sunset;
Curfew Restrictions
If you are under age 18, Virginia law prohibits you from driving midnight to 4 A.M. except when driving:
- to or from a place of business where you are employed;
- to or from an activity that is supervised by an adult and is sponsored by a school or by a civic, religious, or public organization;
- with a licensed spouse age 18 or older, parent or other adult acting in loco parentis who is occupying the front passenger seat,
- in case of an emergency, including responding to emergency calls as a volunteer firefighter or rescue squad personnel.
Restrictions on the Number of Passengers
If you are under age 18, you may carry only one passenger under age 21, unless accompanied by a licensed parent, or other adult acting in place of a parent, in the front passenger seat. However, after you have held your license for one year, you may carry up to three passengers under age 21 in the following situations:
- Travel to and from a school-sponsored activity;
- A licensed driver 21 or older is in the front passenger seat; or
- In case of an emergency.
Learner's permit holders may not carry more than one passenger under age 18.
(Passenger restrictions do not apply to family members)
Violations of either the curfew or passenger restrictions can result in the suspension of your driver's license.
Cellular Telephone/Wireless Telecommunications Device Restrictions
Virginia's cellular telephone law prohibits the use of cell phones while driving, regardless of whether such device is or is not hand-held.
You can only use a cell phone or any other telecommunications device for a driver emergency and the vehicle must be lawfully parked or stopped.
