First Time Drivers

You must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia and at least 15 years and 6 months of age to obtain a Virginia learner's permit. To obtain a driver's license, you must be at least 16 years and 3 months of age. No exceptions will be made to these age requirements. If you are under age 18, you must provide written consent from one of your parents or your legal guardian unless you are married or emancipated.

If you are under age 19, you must complete a state-approved Driver Education Program.

The driver education certificate of completion is considered part of the driver's license application. Your parent, guardian or foster parent must list his or her driver's license or state-issued identification card number and sign the certificate to certify that you have driven at least 45 hours,15 of which occurred after sunset, and that the statements made and the information submitted on the certificate are true and correct.

If you are age 19 or older, and you have never held a driver's license issued by Virginia, another state, a U.S. territory, or foreign country, or cannot show proof that you previously held such a license, you must show proof that:

• you passed an approved driver education course, or,
• you held a Virginia learner's permit at least 30 days before taking the DMV road skills test.

New Residents

If you are age 19 or older and you hold a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory, a Canadian province, France or Germany, you may not be required to:

• take the two-part knowledge Exam or the road skills test.
  
• show proof of successful completion of driver Education
  
• or
• hold a Learner's permit for 30 days

Out-of-State Students

If you are enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited school in Virginia and not employed, you may drive in Virginia with a valid out-of-state (or another country) driver's license and valid out-of-state license plates on your vehicle. If you are a full-time student and employed, you are considered a resident of Virginia for the purposes of motor vehicle laws only. This does not necessarily qualify you for in-state tuition rates. Therefore, you must apply for a Virginia driver's license and register your vehicle in Virginia. You must register the vehicle in Virginia even if it is owned by someone else.

Non-Residents

If you are a non-resident temporarily living in Virginia, you may drive with your home state or country driver's license and license plates for no more than six months. This does not apply to commercial vehicle drivers. If you become gainfully employed, you are required to hold a Virginia driver's license.

The above information is taken from DMV's website. For more Detailed and Updated Information On Requirements for obtaining a VA driver's Liscence Please visit your local DMV or go to www.dmvnow.com