What Changes for Virginia First-Time Drivers Ages 18 Through 20 in 2027?

Virginia is changing its first-time adult driver licensing requirements on January 1, 2027. If you're 18, 19, or 20 and have never held a driver's license, learn how the new driver education and learner permit rules affect your next steps.

Quick answer: Beginning January 1, 2027, Virginia first-time driver-license applicants ages 18 through 20 must both complete a state-approved driver education program and hold a learner permit for at least 90 days. Previously, applicants 18 and older could choose between driver education and a 60-day learner-permit route. The new rule makes both steps mandatory for ages 18–20. The rules for first-time applicants 21 and older remain different.

What changes on January 1, 2027?

  • Before January 1, 2027: A first-time applicant age 18 or older may either complete approved driver education while holding a permit or hold a learner permit at least 60 days before the DMV road test.
  • Beginning January 1, 2027, ages 18–20: Both state-approved driver education and a permit held for at least 90 days are required before receiving a first driver's license.
  • Beginning January 1, 2027, ages 21 and older: The prior choice remains: approved driver education while holding a permit, or a 60-day permit hold followed by the DMV road test.

The Virginia DMV describes this change for first-time applicants who have never been licensed by Virginia, another U.S. state or territory, or a foreign country. A teen or adult with a different licensing history should check the applicable DMV category rather than assume this page applies.

Six steps for Virginia first-time drivers ages 18–20

  1. Check your age and intended licensing date. These new rules apply to first-time licenses obtained on or after January 1, 2027 while the applicant is age 18 through 20.
  2. Apply for a Virginia learner permit. Prepare identity, residency, and other DMV-required documents; pass the vision screening and two-part knowledge test.
  3. Plan the full 90-day holding period. Count the time from the date your learner permit is issued. Do not assume completing education shortens the mandatory waiting period.
  4. Choose a state-approved driver education provider. The complete program ordinarily includes 36 classroom sessions, seven driving sessions, seven observation sessions, and a final road skills examination. Each session lasts 50 minutes.
  5. Complete the classroom and in-car requirements. The classroom portion may be taken online through a Virginia DMV-licensed driver training school, but an online-only purchase is not the full program.
  6. Finish testing and certificate submission. The training school submits the completed driver education certificate directly to DMV. Meet any remaining application requirements before receiving a license.

Can the classroom portion be completed online?

Yes. Virginia DMV allows online classroom instruction through a DMV-licensed driver training school. However, the required in-car lessons, observation, and final road skills examination remain parts of the approved driver education program. A classroom-only certificate does not by itself meet the new full driver education requirement.

What if I get my learner permit before January 1, 2027?

A permit obtained in 2026 does not automatically exempt an applicant who will receive a first driver's license in 2027 while age 18–20. Virginia DMV frames the requirement around the date of licensure. Plan for the 90-day permit hold and approved education if your first license will be issued on or after the effective date.

What if I turn 21 before receiving my license?

Virginia DMV distinguishes applicants who are 21 or older from those ages 18–20. At 21 or older, first-time applicants still have the choice between completing an approved education program while holding the permit or holding the permit at least 60 days and taking the DMV road skills test. Verify the rule applicable to your age on your actual license application date.

Does NDT offer a course for Virginia's new 18–20 requirement?

National Driver Training provides Virginia online classroom coursework through participating DMV-licensed driver training schools. This can be relevant to eligible 18–20 applicants, but coursework alone is not the full program. Before purchasing, verify with the participating licensed school that it provides the required in-car instruction, observation and final road skills exam, and that it will submit the completion certificate to Virginia DMV.

Do not substitute a Virginia driver improvement or defensive-driving course for the required first-time driver education program. NDT's separately advertised homeschool teen course is not automatically an appropriate adult option.

Explore Virginia Driver Education with NDT

If you're preparing for your first Virginia license in 2027, find a participating DMV-licensed school that offers NDT's online classroom coursework as part of a full approved driver education program. Confirm course eligibility and the in-car portion before enrolling.

Course distinction: This eight-hour driver improvement clinic is for driver improvement, not the approved initial driver education course required for first-time licensing in Virginia. Follow the Virginia DMV driver education instructions above for licensing requirements.

View NDT Virginia Driver Improvement Clinic (not first-time driver education)

For a Virginia enrollment-path check, contact National Driver Training at 1-800-942-2050.

Frequently asked questions about Virginia's 2027 changes

When do the new Virginia rules for first-time drivers ages 18\u201320 begin?

January 1, 2027. First-time license applicants ages 18 through 20 must complete approved driver education and hold a learner permit for at least 90 days.

Can an 18- to 20-year-old skip driver education by holding a permit for 90 days?

No. Starting January 1, 2027, both the approved driver education program and a 90-day learner-permit period are required for first-time applicants ages 18\u201320.

Does a permit issued in 2026 avoid the new Virginia requirements?

Virginia DMV describes the new rules as applying to licenses obtained on or after January 1, 2027. A learner permit issued in 2026 does not by itself exempt an 18\u201320-year-old who will be licensed in 2027.

Can Virginia adults complete all required driver education online?

The classroom portion can be taken online through a Virginia DMV-licensed driver training school, but the full program also includes in-car instruction and a road skills examination.

What happens to first-time Virginia applicants age 21 or older?

Applicants 21 or older retain the choice to complete approved driver education while holding a permit or hold a learner permit at least 60 days and pass the DMV road skills test.

Can I buy an NDT online Virginia course and meet the full requirement?

Not automatically. NDT offers Virginia classroom coursework through participating DMV-licensed driving schools. Verify that the school can provide the complete approved program, including required in-car training and examination, before enrolling.

Related Virginia driver education resources

Official Virginia sources

Content reviewed October 28, 2026. Verify program availability and licensing rules with Virginia DMV and the participating licensed driving school before enrolling.