Virginia DMV driving test, VA drivers license, CDL, motorcycle practice test

How to Obtain a Driver’s License in VA

Automobile License

You probably know that to operate a motor vehicle in Virginia, you will need a driver’s license. Like many other US states, VA has adopted the Graduated Licensing Program (GDL) to help beginning drivers get their driver’s licenses easier.

The Graduated Licensing Program consists of two stages:

• Learner’s permit. Consider applying as soon as you reach 15 years and 6 months of age. First and foremost, you are going to need your parent’s approval. Next, you have to bring in your identification documents, SSN, and proof of Virginia residency. You will also be asked to pass a vision screening, traffic signs test, and VA written permit test. The permit fee is $3;
• Restricted license. You are allowed to apply when you reach 16 years and 3 months of age and have held a learner’s permit for nine months. You will be asked to provide your identification documents and SSN. Vision screening and a Virginia DMV driving road test are mandatory. In addition, you must submit a driving log confirming that you have practiced forty hours of driving.

As soon as you turn 18, all driving restrictions are waived and you can enjoy free and unrestricted driving.

Motorcycle License

If you plan to operate a motorcycle, you will have to obtain a motorcycle license. The first step is to apply for a learner’s permit.

To qualify, you have to be 16. Get your parent’s permission, pass a vision screening, and VA written driver knowledge test and you’ll get your permit issued. You need to hold your permit for a minimum of nine months before taking the road test.

Next, schedule your driving test once you are ready to take it. Upon successfully passing it, you will earn a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.

Commercial Driver’s License

Getting a commercial driver’s license before actually operating a commercial vehicle in Virginia is obligatory.

To apply for a CDL, you have to be 18. Drivers younger than 21 are only allowed to drive within the state. You will also be asked to present proofs of US citizenship and residency.

First of all, you will have to earn a commercial learner’s permit. Here’s a typical procedure:

• bring in your identification documents, SSN and proofs of US citizenship and residency;
• undergo a medical check-up;
• pass a vision screening and written knowledge test;
• pay a $3 permit fee.

Upon successfully meeting the above requirements, you can then qualify for a commercial driver’s license. You will be asked to pass a driving test. Make sure to bring in your commercial learner’s permit for a test.

Typically, a commercial driver’s license is valid for eight years.

Driver-Start.com is a comprehensive online resource with a whole variety of learning materials, driving study guides and exam questions and also practice tests. We have already helped thousands of people successfully pass their driving exams and obtain their driver’s licenses. Make sure to go through our guides to get yourself ready too. We also offer a mobile app available for download from App Store  and Google Play .