Virginia DMV Announces New Driver License Rules for 18-to-20-Year-Olds

Virginia 18- to 20-year-olds will face new waiting periods before they can obtain their first driver’s license, according to a report from WSLS 10.

The Virginia DMV announced these updated requirements following the passage of House Bill 1224. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed the legislation into law this past April, and the new mandates are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

The changes create a tiered system for first-time applicants based on their age. While requirements for those under 18 remain unchanged, the state is implementing specific hold periods for learner’s permit holders in the 18-to-20 and 21-and-older demographics.

New driver’s license rules will take effect in Virginia starting in 2027

Under the new law, applicants between the ages of 18 and 20 must complete an approved driver education course and hold a learner’s permit for at least 90 days. This represents a specific window of supervised driving intended to bridge the gap between permit holders and licensed drivers.

For those applying for the first time at age 21 or older, the requirements shift slightly. These applicants must complete an approved driver education course or hold a learner’s permit for at least 60 days.

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The following table outlines the specific requirements for first-time applicants under the new mandate:

Age Group	Education Requirement	Learner’s Permit Hold Period
Under 18	Complete approved driver education course	At least nine months
18–20	Complete approved driver education course	At least 90 days
21+	Complete approved driver education course OR hold permit for 60 days	At least 60 days

The administrative process for completing these steps is designed to be automated. Once a driver training school finishes a student’s program, the school sends the completion certificate directly to the DMV. Applicants do not need to submit the certificate themselves.

First time driver s license requirements in virginia l

Once the DMV verifies that all requirements have been met, the agency will mail the driver’s license to the address the applicant has on file.

House Bill 1224 changes how the Commonwealth manages the transition from learner's permits to full licensure for young adults. While the rules for minors remain strict, the new 90-day and 60-day windows for older applicants establish a standardized period of experience before full driving privileges are granted.