Driver’s Education in Virginia

Read on to learn about the driving education requirements in Virginia for teens and adults.

***Coming this fall!

Did You Fail The Knowledge Exam 3 Times? We can help.

The Virginia DMV announced that, starting July 1, 2013, adults age 19 years or older who fail the knowledge test three (3) times may take the exam again after successfully completing a new “Driver’s Manual course”.

The program consists of an eight (8) hour classroom course based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual and is designed to better prepare individuals for the permit test at DMV. Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

This certificate will allow you to retake the permit exam. The driver’s manual course will prepare you to retake the permit exam by reviewing all materials in the Virginia Driver’s Manual. We offer flexible hours to accommodate your schedule.

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Driver’s Education in Virginia

Driver’s Ed is required if you’re a teenager applying for your first driver’s license with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

If you’re an adult who has never held a driver’s license, Driver’s Ed is an optional step that will reduce the amount of time you must hold a learner’s permit.

On this page, you’ll find information about Virginia’s driver’s education curriculum, eligibility requirements, and your options to complete a Driver’s Ed course.

VA Driver’s Education Eligibility Requirements

Virginia Driver’s Ed is available to teens and adult drivers applying for a driver’s license for the first time.

NOTE: Out-of-state Driver’s Ed courses may be accepted by the VA DMV for new residents who are transferring an out-of-state driver’s license. Please see “New-to-State Residents” below for more information.

Driver’s Ed for Teens

If you are younger than 19 years old, you must complete an approved Driver’s Ed or driver’s training course before you can obtain a VA driver’s license.

Additionally, you must:

• Obtain a learner’s permit (you must be at least 15 1/2 years old).
• Complete supervised driving.

Driver’s Ed for Adults

If you’re older than 19 years old and have never held a driver’s license, you must do one of the following before applying for your VA driver’s license:

• Complete a state-approved Driver’s Ed course, OR
• Hold a learner’s permit for at least 60 days.

New-to-State Residents

If you are at least 16 years and 3 months old but younger than 19 years old and want to convert your out-of-state driver’s license, you must either:

• Provide proof of completion of an out-of-state Driver’s Ed course that included at least: 30 hours of classroom instruction.
  6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, OR
• Obtain a temporary license valid for 6 months and complete a Virginia Driver’s Ed course or find your out-of-state completion certificate.

For more information, please see our Services page, which describes the courses you can expect in detail.