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Beginner Drivers in Virginia

Getting behind the wheel of a car or other motor vehicle is a privilege, and requires a clear understanding of the rules of the road, along with the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. To drive legally in the State of Virginia, you will need a valid driver's license, car insurance, and a properly registered and titled vehicle.

LEARNER'S PERMIT

For most beginner drivers, the first step toward getting on the road is to obtain an instruction or learner's permit. You can get a learner's permit at the age of 15 if you are enrolled in a driver's education program. If you are not enrolled in a driver's education program, you can obtain a learner's permit if you are 15½ and have passed the knowledge test. For more information about learner's permits, see our Learner's Permit section.

THE WRITTEN KNOWLEDGE TEST

Most new drivers in Virginia are required to pass a written knowledge test, either when applying for an instruction permit or a driver's license. The test is administered at a local driver licensing office, and covers basic rules of the road and how to safely operate a motor vehicle. The test includes 25 questions, and to pass you will need to answer at least 20 questions correctly.

You can prepare for the test by studying the Virginia State Drivers Guide, and by taking practice tests. You must pass the knowledge test before scheduling a driving test.

THE DRIVING TEST

After passing the knowledge test, you must pass a driving test in order to get your Virginia driver's license. Before taking the driving test, you should practice driving with a certified instructor or qualified licensed adult. Many new drivers enroll in either a driver's education program or a licensed driving school to help them develop the appropriate skills and confidence.

To be eligible to take the driving test, you will need a vehicle in good working condition and proof of liability insurance for the vehicle. You must score at least 80 points out of 100 to pass the test.

GETTING YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE

Passing the knowledge and driving tests are the key requirements for obtaining a driver's license in Virginia. New drivers must also complete an application, provide proof of identity and residence, and pay the appropriate fee. For complete information about how to obtain a driver's license in Virginia, see our Applying for a License section.

INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION

It is illegal to drive an uninsured car in the state of Virginia, and therefore new drivers must ensure that they have the proper amount and type of insurance required by the State. Note that young drivers can often be covered under their parent or guardian's insurance policy. Enrolling in a driver's education program or a licensed driving school can often reduce your insurance premium. For more information, or to obtain competitive quotes on car insurance, see our Auto Insurance section.

In addition, new drivers planning to get their own car must ensure it is properly registered and titled before taking it on the road.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reviews of Beginner Drivers in Virginia

YOU HAVE TO GET THE LEARNERS PERMIT, AND IF YOU ARE 18 YOU CAN GO FOR THE DRIVERS TEST RIGHT AFTER YOU GET THE LEARNERS, IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, YOU HAVE TO TAKE BEHIND THE WHEEL AND GET YOUR LEARNERS PERMIT OR WAIT UNTIL 18, GOOD LUCK AND DRIVE SAFE.- I AM IN VIRGINIA, YOUR STATE MIGHT VARY, CALL YOUR DMV AND ASK, VERY SIMPLE.

youll are idiots asking if u got to take the drivers test yes u do i wouldnt want to get behind someone who hasnt done behind the wheel yet that just causes accidents

if you don't have a social security card..can u still get you permit?

I don't think so but call your dmv and ask.

I am a licensed 18yr old driver. Can a I let a learners permit licenses driver drive my vehicle?

i am 18 do i have to take behind the wheel befor i can get my learners permit or can i just go take the test

i am 18 do i have to take behind the wheel befor i can get my learners permit or can i just go take the test

i am 18 do i have to take behind the wheel befor i can get my learners permit or can i just go take the test

okay im 19 and i dont have my permit. i was curious about the time it takes from actually getting my permit to my license. my brother told me if your 18 or over you only have to wait 3 months for my license after getting my learners.

Im 19 and took the test but before u want to get your officail license u must take the permit test.i passed and have to wait a full 30 days for the road skills test,then if u pass u will earn your drivers license.

im 19 and wondering what i need to do to get my license? i have not had my permit yet.

Well I have a few questions that maybe someone can help me out on, I have Epilepsy & I do take medication for it & I've heard that you have to wait 6 months before you can get a license. Now I haven't had one since April of last year, & a long time ago I did get a written form saying I could drive & that was before my last episode. Do I still need a new form saying I can? & also I remember it saying that if you're over the age of 19 you have to hold a permit for a month before you have a license, did that change as well?

I am 20 Years old and still have my learners permit. Do I still have to take behind The Wheel to get my dirvers license? Or can I just go to the DMV and take the driving test and get it that way.

Go to DMV and take the Test and get your license

I just turned 19 last Wednesday, i have had my permit since July, how do i go about getting my drivers license?

im 18 and have my permit. turn 19 in may.

do i have to take Behind The Wheel?

and if so, is that it?

but if i turn nineteen what will i have to do to get my license then??

My daughter is almost 18 and has had her learners for about 15 months. Does she need to take behind the wheel or classroom to get her license?

Once she is 18, she can just go for the test if she has the learners permit and proof of residence, as well as money cost to get the drivers license, the test is driving on the roads, the intructer will ask you to change lanes, do a U turn, ect. ect., Very simple, you have to score an 80 or higher out of 100 to pass, good luck

just to be safe i would

well im having a very hard time trying to take this practice test, and im not for sure how. Im supposed to go on thursday to get my learners but i wanted to take this first. Someone want to help me find it?

i am 15 and a half and is getting my permit but i was told that if i have my permit and go straight into drivers ed i can get my license and be driving while im still at the age 15 and that is true because that's what im doing so i dont have to wait ................

my question is: why are the people waiting so long to get their licenses is it maditory that you must wait????

yes because technically u cant have a license untill you r 16 and 3 months i know

hey this is josh

Hey this is alvacona...

I've had my learner's permit since before I turned 19. I am now almost 20 and my permit will be expiring in June. What all do I need to do to get my license before June 6th? Since I'm 19, do I have to fill out the driving log of hours? Thank you.

no one month after you turn 19 you do not need to take a class do the driving logs or anything you jus go pay the money and take the test and hope you pass thats it

hello, I would like to know what I have to do go get my driver's license. I'm 18 and next month I'll be 19. Do I have to get the permit first anyway? Please explain me because I'm still confuse.

Thank you

yes and i believe you have to hold it any where from 30 days to nine months im not sure

hey whats up?

yo

ayeeeeee!!!!!

wats up???

i want to practice driver's test

I want to learn how to get a lisense and how todo it easy