Virginia Online Driver Education and Virginia Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Virginia Learner’s Permit or first Virginia driver’s license. Virginia has a Graduated Driver License Program for Virginia teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Virginia driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Virginia Learner’s Permit or Virginia Instruction Permit
When you turn 15 and a half, you can finally apply for a Virginia Learner’s Permit, otherwise known as a Virginia Instruction Permit. In order to apply, you’ll need:
Once you’re ready, make an appointment, then head on down to your local Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test, as well as a two-part written exam. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Virginia Learner’s Permit.
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21. However, you may also be accompanied by a family member if he/she is at least 18 years old and licensed. Of course, all passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Virginia Learner’s Permit with you at all times. Also, with a Virginia Learner’s Permit, you may not drive between midnight and 4AM, and you are allowed no more than 1 passenger under 18 (unless immediate family members). And finally, no cell phones while driving!
Once you’ve held your Virginia Learner Permit for 9 months have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Virginia Graduated License Program, the Virginia Driver License.
The Virginia Driver License or Virginia Provisional License
You can apply for your Virginia Driver’s License once you’ve held your Virginia Learner’s Permit for 9 months in good standing. However, you’ll need to make sure you meet these requirements:
Make an appointment and head on down to your local Virginia DMV again. Then you’ll have to take the dreaded Virginia road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Virginia Driver’s License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
Virginia Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are still a few restrictions you’ll have to keep in mind now that you have your Virginia Driver’s License:
- All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts
- No driving from midnight to 4AM unless in case of an emergency or when accompanied by a supervising driver
- No more than 1 passenger until you’ve held your Virginia Driver’s License for 1 year in good standing
- No cell phones while driving (not even a hands-free device)
Once you turn 18, these restrictions will no longer apply. Freedom!
Virginia Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Virginia Provisional Driver license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Virginia drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 bodily injury for one person
- $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $20,000 for property damage per accident
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Virginia mandatory liability insurance, your Virginia Learner Permit or Virginia Driver’s License could be suspended.
Virginia Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a Virginia teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Virginia drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Virginia has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Virginia DUI or Virginia DWI, your Virginia Learner Permit or Virginia Driver’s License will be suspended.
In general, upon your first conviction of a Virginia DUI, you’ll also face the following penalties:
- Jail 5 days to 10 days, depending on your blood alcohol level
- Fine $250 minimum
- Additional fine of $500-1,000 if a passenger under 18 is in the vehicle
- Virginia license suspension of 1 year
- Ignition Interlock Device possible (depending on BAC level)
- Alcohol Safety Action Program
And of course, further Virginia DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Virginia license suspension or even Virginia license revocation.
Currently, Virginia teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, even with hands-free devices!
Virginia Online Driver Education
Virginia teen drivers must take a Virginia approved driver education class. You can find more information about approved Virginia online driver education on the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle website.
Our online driver education course includes the following sections:
Chapter: 1
1 Important Course Information
2 Getting Your License
3 Summary
Chapter: 2
1 Getting Ready to Drive
2 Summary
Chapter: 3
1 The Laws and Rules of the Road
2 Summary
Chapter: 4
1 Visibility and Space Management
2 Summary
Chapter: 5
1 Sharing the Road: Signaling
2 Summary
Chapter: 6
1 Mobility and Gridlock
2 Summary
Chapter: 7
1 Highway Driving
2 Summary
Chapter: 8
1 Health and Safety
2 Summary
Chapter: 9
1 Drugs and Alcohol
2 Summary
Chapter: 10
1 Costs of Driving
2 Summary
3 Course Completion Affidavit
Chapter: 11
1 Final Exam Instructions
2 Final Exam
