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Resources

Obtaining A Learner's Permit

If the applicant is at least 15 years and 6 months old and under 18, a learner's permit can 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 the DMV website.

Study for the learner's permit test and complete practice exams

Driver Education Resources

Teen Driver Safety

Teen Driving Restrictions

Virginia's driving restrictions are not meant to penalize teen drivers but to help them stay safe while they gain valuable driving experience. Studies have found that these restrictions work to reduce the number of car crashes among young drivers.

Curfew Restrictions

If you are under the age of 18, Virginia law prohibits you from driving from 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, a parent, or other adult acting in loco parents 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 Usage Restrictions

Phone down; it's the law!

Virginia’s cellular telephone law (§ 46.2-818.2) prohibits any person from holding a handheld personal communications device while driving a moving motor vehicle on highways in Virginia.