Virginia Changes Driver’s License Requirements for Young Adults Starting January 1

Young adults planning to get their first driver’s license in Virginia will face new requirements beginning January 1, 2027.

Under a law approved by the General Assembly, first-time applicants ages 18 through 20 must complete an approved driver education course and hold a learner’s permit for at least 90 days before receiving their license.

The changes, established under House Bill 1224, replace the current system that allows adult applicants to choose between completing driver education or holding a learner’s permit for at least 60 days.

The new requirements apply to applicants who have never held a driver’s license in Virginia, another state, a U.S. territory, or another country.

What Changes for Each Age Group?

Beginning January 1, the requirements for first-time drivers will be:

• Under 18: Complete an approved driver education course and hold a learner’s permit for at least nine months. These requirements remain unchanged.
• Ages 18–20: Complete an approved driver education course and hold a learner’s permit for at least 90 days. Both are mandatory.
• Ages 21 and older: Complete an approved driver education course or hold a learner’s permit for at least 60 days. Applicants can still choose either option.

What If You Already Have a Learner’s Permit?

The new law also affects young adults who obtained their learner’s permits before January 1, 2027.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), time already spent holding a permit will count toward the new 90-day requirement.

For example, someone who received a learner’s permit on November 1, 2026, would complete the required 90 days on January 30, 2027.

However, that person must still finish an approved driver education course and satisfy all other licensing requirements before receiving a license.

How Will Drivers Receive Their Licenses?

Once an applicant completes an approved driver education program, the driving school will send the completion certificate directly to the DMV. Applicants do not need to submit the certificate themselves.

After applicants meet all licensing requirements, the DMV will mail the permanent driver’s license to the address on file.

DMV reminds applicants to keep their mailing address current because the U.S. Postal Service does not forward driver’s licenses.

What About Drivers Under 18?

The requirements for younger drivers remain unchanged. They must complete driver education, hold a learner’s permit for at least nine months, and document at least 45 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours after sunset.

Some younger applicants may also be required to attend a court licensing ceremony with a parent or guardian. If a ceremony is necessary, the court will mail a notice. Otherwise, the DMV will mail the license directly.

Planning Ahead

For 18- to 20-year-olds hoping to get their first license in early 2027, the new rules make advance planning important.

Applicants who already have a learner’s permit can keep accumulating the required days, but they must complete an approved driver education program regardless of how long they have held the permit.

More information, including approved driver education programs and answers to frequently asked questions, is available on the Virginia DMV website.