If you are a  new resident of Virginia you have 60 days of moving here to obtain a Virginia Driver’s License. Unless you obtain a CDL (commercial drivers license) then it needs to be taken care of within 30 days.  If you are 19 or older and you hold a valid drivers license you may not be required to:

• take the two-part knowledge exam or the road skills test.
• show proof of successful completion of driver education or hold a learners permit for 30 days.

However, you must pass a vision test.  If your license is suspended or revoked by another state, you may not be-able to obtain a drivers license until your driving record in that state is cleared and you meet the Virginia requirements.

If  you are active duty military stationed in Virginia, you may drive with a valid driver’s license issued by your home state or country.   The cars registration may maintain as it’s out of state license plate if you are the sole owner.  If the vehicle is co-owned, all owners must be active duty military.  Your car may be registered in  Virginia without obtaining a Virginia driver’s license.

If you are an Out-of-State Student and enrolled full time at an accredited school in Virginia and not employed, you may drive in Virginia with a valid out-of-state driver’s license.  If you are a full time student and employed, you are considered a resident of Virginia for the purpose of motor vehicle laws only.  This does not necessarily qualify you for in state tuition rates.  Therefore, you must apply for a Virginia driver’s license and register your vehicle in Virginia.  You must register the vehicle in Virginia even if it is owned by someone else.

First time drivers must be a resident of the commonwealth of Virginia and at least 16 years ad 3 months of age to obtain a Virginia driver’s license.  To receive a learners permit you must be at least 15 years and 6 months of age.  If you are under age 18, you must provide written consent form one of your parents or your legal guardian unless you are married.  If you are under 19 you must complete a state-approved driver education program and hold your Virginia leaner’s permit for at least nine months.  Any other questions not answered here see the Virginia DMV web site.

If there is any thing you would like to know about in Virginia or have us write about send us a comment and we will be happy to check into it for you.

Next week will be how to Register your vehicle after you have made the move to Virginia.