Virginia First-Time Drivers Ages 18–20 Face New Driver Ed and Permit Rules Starting Jan. 1, 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, Virginians ages 18 to 20 getting their first driver's license must complete an approved driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 90 days, according to the Virginia DMV.
Source announcement: 2026-11-06 · Takes effect: 2027-01-01
Who is affected and what changes
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles says that starting January 1, 2027, applicants ages 18 to 20 who are getting their first driver's license must meet two requirements before they receive it:
- Complete an approved driver education course
- Hold a learner's permit for at least 90 days
The DMV says the changes come from House Bill 1224. They apply to young adults who have never held a driver's license from Virginia, another state, a U.S. territory or another country.
The DMV lists the requirements by age group:
- Under 18 (unchanged): approved driver education course and a learner's permit held for at least nine months
- 18 to 20 (new): approved driver education course and a learner's permit held for at least 90 days
- 21 and older (unchanged): approved driver education course or a learner's permit held for at least 60 days
For first-time applicants 21 and older, the two options remain. They can hold a permit for at least 60 days, or they can complete an approved driver education course while holding the permit.
If you already have a learner's permit
The new rules also cover applicants who got their permit before January 1, 2027. The time they held the permit before that date counts toward the 90 days. In the DMV's example, someone who got a permit on November 1, 2026, reaches the 90-day mark on January 30, 2027. These applicants must also complete an approved driver education course and meet all other requirements before receiving a license.
What to do next
- Plan for driver education. When you finish a driver education program, the DMV says the driver training school sends the completion certificate directly to the DMV. You do not need to submit it yourself.
- Check your address. Once all requirements are met, the DMV mails the license to the address on file. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward driver's licenses. If you have moved, update your address with the DMV. See Do I need to tell the DMV when I move?
- Under 18? Your requirements do not change. The DMV says you may have to attend a court licensing ceremony with a parent or guardian. If a ceremony is required, the court mails a notice. If not, the DMV mails the license to your address on file.
Scam alert
The DMV also warns about fraudulent texts and emails about fines and suspensions. It says it will never send texts or emails about your fines or suspensions, or ask you to share financial details by text or email. Report and delete unwanted messages with your Delete and Report Spam options.
Key dates
- January 1, 2027: the new requirements take effect for first-time applicants ages 18 to 20.
Where to get official information
- Virginia DMV news release: New Driver's License Requirements for Young Adults Take Effect January 1, 2027
- The DMV points readers to its website and FAQ page for more information about the new requirements.
DMV Decoded is an independent, privately owned guide. It is not a government agency. For background, see our Virginia driver's license guide and our Virginia page for DMV offices, hours and booking.