Virginia Online Driver Education and Virginia Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Virginia? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Virginia has implemented a graduated driver license program for Virginia drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Virginia.

Virginia Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You will be able to apply for an instruction permit in Virginia when you are 15 years and 6 months old, provided you have met the following requirements:

• Completed a state-approved drivers education course
• Your parent/guradian must certify that you have completed at least 45 hours of supervised driving practice (15 of which must be at night).

When you're ready to get your instruction permit, head down to your local driver's license office with the following paperwork:

• At least 2 valid forms of ID (for a list of acceptable ID documents, please visit the Virginia DMV website)
• Proof of residency in Virginia (again, for a list of acceptable documents verifying residency, please visit the Virginia DMV website)
• Social Security card
• Money to pay for your permit fee
• Have your parents sign your application

At the driver's license office, you will first be given a vision screening test, and then you will need to pass the written test before being issued an instruction permit.

Instruction Permit--Restrictions:

• When you drive, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat (the supervisor may be 18 years old if they are a family member)
• Everyone in the car must wear seat belts!
• No driving between the hours of 12 midnight and 4am
• Only 1 non-family passenger under the age of 18 is allowed to ride with you
• No cell phones while driving!

Virginia Provisional License

You may apply for your provisional license once you meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years and 3 months old
• Have held an instruction permit for 9 months, and maintained a clean driving record

When you're ready to upgrade to a provisional license, gather up all of the required paperwork you took with you last time plus your instruction permit, and head back down to the driver's license office. You will need to pass a road test to get your provisional license.

Provisional License--Restrictions:

• You may not drive unsupervised between the hours of 12 midnight to 4am unless in case of an emergency (sorry, a hamburger craving is not an emergency!)
• You may only carry 1 passenger for the first year of having your provisional license
• Everyone in the car must wear seat belts
• No cell phones while driving (no, not even ones that are "hands-free")

After you turn 18, these restrictions will be lifted.

Virginia Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Virginia is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $20,000--property damage per accident

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Virginia Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in South Carolina, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST South Carolina DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• 5-10 days in Jail (depending on your blood alcohol content level)
• $250 fine (minimum)
• An extra fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 if a minor passenger (under 18) is in the car
• 1-year suspension of your driver's license
• Installation of interlock device
• Enrollment in an Alcohol Safety Action Program (at your expense!)

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Virginia Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Virginia law currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones while driving (that includes ones with "hands-free" devices)

Virginia Drivers Education

For more information on state-approved drivers education courses which new teen-aged drivers are required to take, please visit the Virginia DMV website.