Driver License Eligibility Requirements
First Time Drivers
You must be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia and at least 16 years and 3 months of age to obtain a Virginia driver's license. To obtain a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years and 6 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 18, you must complete a state-approved driver education program.
If you are age 18 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 have passed an approved driver education course, or,
- you have held a learner's permit at least 60 days before taking the DMV road skills test.
At any age, as a first time driver, you will be required to provide documents to prove identity, legal presence, Virginia residency, and, if you have one, Social Security number. Use the interactive document guide to determine which documents you will need to bring to DMV when you apply, or refer to "Acceptable Documents for Obtaining a Driver's License or Photo ID Card" (DMV 141) 
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New Residents
Within 60 days of moving here, you must obtain a Virginia driver's license. If you currently hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must obtain a Virginia CDL within 30 days.
If you are exchanging a foreign driver's license from France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan or South Korea, DMV must first verify the validity of your driver’s license with the foreign country prior to issuing you a Virginia driver's license. You will need to complete the "Exchanging a Driver's License from A foreign Country" application (DL 7) and submit it with a copy of your foreign license by mail or present your foreign license at a DMV customer service center. DMV will notify you by mail after your driver's license has been verified.
If you choose not to take advantage of this driver's license reciprocity program, you must pass the two-part knowledge exam and road skills test. However, you may not be required to show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 60 days if you provide satisfactory evidence that you held a foreign license
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If you are age 18 or older and you hold a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory, a Canadian province, France, Germany, Japan, or South Korea, you must pass a vision screening test. However, you may not be required to:
- take the two-part knowledge exam or the road skills test
- show proof of successful completion of a driver education course or hold a learner's permit for 60 days.
See How to Schedule a Driver License Service Appointment for instructions on how to schedule an appointment online.
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If you are age 18 or older and you hold a valid driver's license issued by Taiwan, you must pass the vision screening and knowledge exam. However, you may not be required to:
- take the road skills test
- show proof of successful completion of a driver education course or hold a learner's permit for 60 days.
If you prefer not to mail your DL7 application and a copy of your foreign license, see How to Schedule a Driver License Service Appointment for instructions on how to schedule an appointment online to submit these documents in person. After you receive your approval letter, see How to Schedule a Road Skills Test for instructions on how to schedule an appointment online.
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If you are age 18 or older and you hold a valid driver's license issued by a country other than Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan, you must pass the two-part knowledge exam, road skills test and a vision screening. However, you may not be required to show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learner's permit for 60 days.
See How to Schedule a Knowledge Test for instructions on how to schedule an appointment online.
If your license has been suspended or revoked by another state, a Virginia license may not be issued until your driving record in that state is cleared and you meet Virginia requirements.
[Back to Top]Military Personnel
If you are an active-duty member of the Armed Forces stationed in Virginia, you, your spouse and dependent children 16 years and 3 months of age or older may drive with a valid driver's license issued by your home state or country.
A vehicle registered in your name may be driven with valid out-of-state license plates if you are the sole owner. If the vehicle is co-owned and out-of-state plates are used, all co-owners must be active duty members of the Armed Forces. If all the co-owners are not active duty members, the vehicle must be registered in Virginia. You may register your vehicle in Virginia without obtaining a Virginia driver's license.
[Back to Top]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.
[Back to Top]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.
If you are serving a full-time church service or proselyting mission of not more than 36 months, not gainfully employed and the owner(s) of a vehicle that is titled and registered in another state, you are not required to title or register your vehicle in Virginia.
For more information, visit your local DMV customer service center or contact us.
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