How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Virginia?

You must be at least 15.5 years old to get a learner's permit in Virginia. You must hold your permit for at least 9 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Virginia?

Virginia intermediate license holders must be at least 16.25 years old. There is a curfew from 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Virginia?

In Virginia, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Virginia Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Virginia uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

15.5

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

16.25

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15.5
Holding period: 9 months
Supervised driving hours: 45 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 15 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16.25
Curfew hours: 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: First 12 months: 1 non-family passenger under 21; after 12 months: up to 3 passengers under 21. Family members exempt.
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines and license suspension; repeated violations may extend the provisional period

Virginia-Specific Information

Virginia requires 45 supervised hours with 15 at night, among the highest nighttime requirements. Permit holding period is 9 months. Intermediate license minimum age is 16 years 3 months. Cell phone ban for novice drivers may be secondary enforcement. Exceptions to curfew for work, school, and supervised driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Virginia gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Virginia at age 15.5. You must hold your permit for at least 9 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Virginia restricts driving between 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Virginia, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: First 12 months: 1 non-family passenger under 21; after 12 months: up to 3 passengers under 21. Family members exempt..

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Virginia at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.