Virginia Driver Education & Licensing Resources
Find Your VIRGINIA Driving Course
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Why Choose DOT Driving School in Virginia?
DOT Driving School is your trusted source for Virginia driving courses, driver education, and free study tools designed to help Virginia drivers become safer and more confident behind the wheel. Tap any topic to learn more.
We offer a complete selection of online Virginia teen drivers education, Virginia adult driver education, defensive driving / traffic school, and other driver improvement courses. Our online courses are recommended for additional practice, skill development, and driver knowledge.
Getting licensed doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. We combine high-quality online education with powerful free study tools. Practice as much as you'd like with our Free Virginia Permit Practice Test, designed to closely match the Virginia DMV knowledge exam. Build real-world confidence with our Free Driver's License Simulator, where you can practice driving scenarios in a fun, interactive environment. Study Virginia road signs, review Virginia traffic laws, and strengthen your driving skills before ever getting behind the wheel.
From teens earning their first learner's permit and adults obtaining a Virginia driver's license to drivers completing defensive driving or traffic school requirements — or anyone who simply wants to become a safer, more knowledgeable driver — DOT Driving School provides everything you need in one convenient place. Our courses are 100% online, self-paced, affordable, and supported by free study tools that help Virginia drivers succeed.
Virginia driver's license, Virginia driving school, Virginia permit test, Virginia driver's education
How to Get a Virginia Driver's License
From your first learner's permit to a full Virginia driver's license, here's the general path most Virginia drivers follow. Always verify the latest requirements with Virginia DMV. Tap any step to expand the details.
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a Virginia learner's permit. A parent, guardian, or spouse must consent if you are under 18.
Study the Virginia Driver's Manual and pass the DMV knowledge exam — 10 road-sign questions (all must be correct) plus 30 general-knowledge questions (80% to pass) — and a vision test.
Complete a Virginia-approved driver education program: 36 classroom sessions plus 14 hours of in-car behind-the-wheel instruction (7 driving, 7 observation) with a licensed instructor.
Hold your learner's permit for at least 9 months and log 45 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night — with a licensed adult, certified by a parent or guardian.
Pass the road skills test (included with behind-the-wheel driver ed) to receive your provisional Virginia driver license at 16 years, 3 months, which restricts curfew and passenger limits for drivers under 18.
Your full, unrestricted Virginia driver license is issued at 18 when the provisional restrictions end.
Virginia Driver's Education Requirements
Virginia has specific driver education requirements for new drivers. Tap any topic to expand the details.
Virginia requires drivers under 18 to complete a state-approved driver education program of 36 classroom sessions plus 14 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction (7 driving and 7 observation) with a licensed instructor, commonly taken through high school or a driving school.
Teens must also log 45 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night — and hold the learner's permit for at least 9 months before receiving a provisional license.
Adults 18 and older do not have to complete driver education but must hold a learner's permit for 60 days and pass the knowledge and road tests. DOT Driving School connects you with recommended Virginia driver education and behind-the-wheel courses.
Virginia Permit Test Requirements
The Virginia permit test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. Tap any topic to expand the details.
The Virginia DMV knowledge exam has two parts: 10 road-sign questions (all 10 must be answered correctly) and 30 general-knowledge questions (80% to pass). It covers the Virginia Driver's Manual.
You must also pass a vision test. The learner's permit must be held for at least 9 months for drivers under 18 before a provisional license.
Before your DMV exam, practice with our free Virginia permit practice test — questions modeled on the Virginia knowledge exam covering road signs, traffic laws, and right-of-way rules. Take it as many times as you'd like to build confidence before test day.
Start the free practice test →Virginia Traffic School & Driver Improvement
Virginia offers a DMV Driver Improvement Program for point reduction and court-ordered driver improvement, plus insurance-discount defensive driving.
An 8-hour DMV-approved clinic that can award up to 5 safe driving points on your record and is required for drivers who accumulate demerit points or are court-ordered.
A course many Virginia insurers accept for a safe-driver insurance discount while reinforcing collision-avoidance and hazard-awareness skills.
Virginia Licensing Agency
Virginia driver licensing is administered by Virginia DMV. Tap any topic to expand the details.
Virginia driver licensing is administered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV issues learner's permits, provisional and full driver licenses, and ID cards statewide.
Learn about the Virginia DMV →Virginia Driver's License FAQs
Quick answers to the most common questions about Virginia learner's permits, driver education, and getting licensed.
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a Virginia learner's permit. A parent, guardian, or spouse must consent if you are under 18.
Yes. Drivers under 18 must complete 36 classroom sessions plus 14 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. Adults 18+ are not required to complete driver education but must hold a permit 60 days and pass the tests.
The knowledge exam has 10 road-sign questions (all must be correct) plus 30 general-knowledge questions, with 80% required to pass the general-knowledge section.
You must log 45 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night — with a licensed adult, certified by a parent or guardian.
Drivers under 18 must hold the learner's permit for at least 9 months before receiving a provisional driver license.
Yes. An 8-hour DMV-approved Driver Improvement Clinic can award up to 5 safe driving points and may be required if you accumulate demerit points or are court-ordered.
Disclaimer
Courses identified as “State Approved” are licensed, approved, or accepted by the applicable state agency, as specifically stated on the individual course listing. Not all courses offered through this website are state approved or state required.
DOT Driving School is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the DMV, DOT, FLHSMV, any state driver licensing agency, or any federal, state, county, or local governmental agency, except where a specific course approval or authorization is expressly stated.