Virginia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program Explained

Virginia’s Graduated Driver Licensing program gives drivers under 18 supervised time to build experience before and after they receive a license. The two main stages are the learner’s permit and a driver’s license with teen restrictions. Use this overview with the current Virginia DMV rules for the details and exceptions.

Stage 1: Apply for a learner’s permit

You may apply at 15 years and 6 months. Applicants under 18 need written parent or legal guardian consent. The application includes a vision screening and a two-part knowledge exam: all 10 road-sign questions and at least 24 of 30 general-knowledge questions must be correct.

While driving with the permit, you need a licensed supervising driver in the front seat. The driver must generally be at least 21, or at least 18 if they are your legal guardian or sibling. Permit holders under 18 also have a midnight-to-4 a.m. curfew and a limit on passengers under 18, subject to family and other DMV exceptions.

Stage 2: Complete driver education and supervised practice

Before receiving a license under 18, you must complete a Virginia-approved driver education program, hold your permit for at least nine months, and be at least 16 years and 3 months old. The program includes classroom and in-car components. Your parent or guardian must certify at least 45 hours of supervised practice, including 15 hours after sunset.

Students under 18 also have a 90-minute parent/teen component. In Planning District 8 (including Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William counties and listed nearby cities), DMV requires the student and parent or guardian to complete it in person.

Stage 3: Drive under the restrictions that apply before age 18

• Curfew: Midnight to 4 a.m. Exceptions include certain work or adult-supervised organization activities, a qualifying adult in the front seat, and emergencies.
• Passengers: During the first year of licensure, generally only one passenger under 21 is allowed; after that year, up to three are allowed only in DMV-listed situations. Family-member exceptions apply.
• Devices: Virginia prohibits cell-phone and other telecommunications device use while driving. The emergency exception applies when the vehicle is lawfully stopped or parked.

When do teen restrictions end?

These restrictions apply while the driver is under 18. They do not replace other license conditions or make a person exempt from ordinary traffic laws. Read each exception in DMV’s current guidance rather than relying on a summary.