A family-facing reference for permit readiness, supervised driving, restrictions, the two-part knowledge exam, and the rule change beginning January 1, 2027.
Verify before relying on this information.
Requirements can change. Families should confirm current forms, fees, documents, appointments, restrictions, and effective dates directly with Virginia DMV before a permit, license, road test, or submitted driving record.
Current teen learner path
As of July 2026, a learner may apply at age 15 years and 6 months. A qualified licensed driver must sit in the front passenger seat while the learner practices.
For applicants under 18, driver education and a nine-month learner's permit holding period apply.
Log at least 45 supervised hours, including 15 hours after sunset.
The supervising driver is generally at least 21; a legal guardian or sibling may qualify at age 18, 19, or 20.
Review Virginia's under-18 curfew, passenger, and wireless-device restrictions before each drive.
Requirements beginning January 1, 2027
Virginia DMV has announced a new first-time-applicant framework. The effective date and applicant age matter.
Under 18: driver education and the nine-month holding period remain.
Ages 18 through 20: driver education and a 90-day learner's permit holding period are required.
Age 21 or older: hold the permit for 60 days or complete driver education.
FirstMiles tracking focus
For Virginia profiles, keep permit issue date, applicant age, supervised totals, after-sunset totals, supervising driver, restrictions, and the next eligibility date easy to review.
Track 45 total supervised hours for the under-18 path.
Track 15 after-sunset hours separately.
Apply the correct holding period for the applicant's age and effective date.
Review the final record against Virginia DMV instructions before relying on it.
Two-part knowledge exam
Part 1 contains 10 traffic-sign questions and requires every answer to be correct. Part 2 covers laws and safe driving and requires at least 80 percent.
Use the April 2026 Virginia Driver's Manual as the primary study source.
If an applicant under 18 fails, the manual states a full 15-day wait before retesting.
Use original practice questions to learn the rules rather than trying to obtain state test items.
