driver’s license, you need to be at least 16 years and three months old, and be able to provide proof of your identity and residence. You’ll also need to complete a state-approved driving course, pass a vision exam, and pass both the written and road tests.

Getting your driver’s license is equally exciting and nerve-wracking. One way to calm your nerves is to understand exactly what your state requires so you can prepare yourself to pass the tests with flying colors.

Not sure where to start?

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is here to give you a step-by-step guide to applying for and obtaining your driver’s license in the “Old Dominion” state.

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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Virginia?

The state of Virginia specifies that drivers need to be at least 16 years and three months of age to qualify for a driver’s license application. That means once you turn 16, you’ll have some time to gather up the following documents before heading to the DMV:

Proof of identification and legal presence: a valid passport, birth certificate, citizenship card, or valid permanent residency card (green card)

Social Security number: any tax forms or work-related documents including your SSN like a W-2 will work if you don’t have your Social Security card on hand

Proof of Virginia residency

: at least two documents with your name and full address, like bills or a mortgage statement

You can refer to this

document guide

for more information on valid documents that you can bring to the DMV depending on your citizenship status.

As part of your application, you may need to submit a medical report detailing any conditions that may impair your driving skills. The state of Virginia considers any condition altering the driver’s level of consciousness, vision, or motor skills to be of concern.

You can find a complete list of medical conditions on the

Virginia DMV website

to see if they apply to you.

What are the requirements for young drivers?

Unfortunately, you can’t get behind the wheel of a car as soon as you blow out your 16th birthday candles in Virginia. You’ll have to wait at least three months and get signed consent from a parent or legal guardian, and make sure you complete the following steps first:

Apply for a

Learner’s Permit

(must be at least 15 years and 6 months of age)

Complete a state-approved driver’s ed course

Demonstrate that you’ve completed 45 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (including 15 hours of nighttime driving)

When you apply for a license, your parent or legal guardian must sign off on your application.

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?

As a driver in Virginia with a license issued by another state or country, you may not need to take the knowledge or road exams to apply for a Virginia license. However, you’ll be required to pass a vision screening test to legally drive in the state.

There are some exceptions to keep in mind if you’re in Virginia for school, work, or other affairs, including the following:

Full-time students can drive with a license from a different state or country

Full-time, working students are considered a resident in terms of motor vehicle laws

Temporary non-residents can use their current license for a maximum of six months

How to get a driver’s license in Virginia

For new drivers: complete driver’s education

Before you can initiate the process of getting your license, you’ll need to fulfill Virginia’s

driver training requirements

. The curriculum covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and rules around alcohol use.

The course can be completed online or in a classroom. If it’s not offered through your school, you can explore options through an approved list of providers. Once you pass the course, you’ll receive a certificate from your course provider, and your completion will be electronically reported to the Virginia DMV.

Vision test

Sharp vision is crucial to your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. While not everyone has perfect 20/20 eyesight, each state has requirements for drivers to pass a vision test to demonstrate their ability to safely navigate the road.

Virginia requires drivers to have 20/40 vision or better in one or both eyes, and 110-degree vision in one or both eyes. If you fail the exam, you’ll be asked to see an eye care specialist. If you need corrective lenses of any kind to pass the test, you’ll be required to wear them when you drive.

Knowledge exam

After completing driver’s education and passing the vision test, you’ll be ready to move forward with the knowledge exam. You can schedule an appointment through the DMV to take the two-part knowledge exam at a

customer service center

or take it through your school.

You’ll be tested on your comprehension of traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and road signs. You’ll need to get at least 80% of the questions correct to pass.

Road test

The grand finale of your driver’s license acquisition is the road test, which can be scheduled

online

. On the day of your test, you’ll need to bring the following with you to your test site:

Your Virginia learner’s permit

Evidence of driver’s education completion OR a completed

In Car Maneuvers Observation Record

(adult drivers only)

An approved vehicle

Your vehicle will need to be registered, insured, and pass a safety check. After that’s all squared away, you’ll get behind the wheel and await guidance from your instructor. You’ll be asked to perform the following maneuvers:

Pull-in parking

Back-in parking

A three-point turn

Backing up for a distance of 50 feet

Obeying road signs

Changing lanes

Safely passing other vehicles

Your ability to look out for pedestrians and maintain proper driving posture will be evaluated as well. At the end of the exam, your instructor will break down any mistakes or comments, and if you pass—you’re ready to get your license!

You’ll need to present your documents to the DMV and pay a $20 to $32 fee to make it official. Although you’ll have to wait a few weeks to get your license in the mail, you’ll walk away with a provisional license.

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FAQs

What do I need for a Virginia driver’s license?

You need proof of identification, proof of residence, and your Social Security number to obtain your license in Virginia once you’re over 16 years old.

How much does it cost to get a Virginia driver’s license?

The driver’s license fee in Virginia is $20 to $32.

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