Virginia’s requirements for adult first-time drivers depend on their age and the date they receive their license. A major change takes effect January 1, 2027, so adults ages 18 through 20 need to plan around the new rule now.
This guide explains the current path through December 31, 2026, the requirements that begin January 1, 2027, and the difference between Abba’s classroom course and the full state-approved driver education program.
If you prefer a local landing page first, see driver education in Haymarket, driver education in Gainesville, driver education in Bristow, or driver education in Warrenton. Those pages explain whether online or Haymarket in-person classes tend to make the most sense for each area.
The Rule Through December 31, 2026
If you are 18 or older, have never held a driver’s license, and will receive your Virginia license before January 1, 2027, you have two paths:
- Complete a full state-approved driver education program while holding a learner’s permit. The full program includes classroom instruction, behind the wheel instruction, and the course road skills test. Completing the full program waives the 60-day permit holding period and a separate DMV-administered road skills test.
- Hold a Virginia learner’s permit for at least 60 days, complete the required behind the wheel checklist with a licensed driver, and pass the road skills test at DMV.
The important distinction is that the classroom course by itself does not qualify for these waivers. Abba’s $200 driver education course covers the classroom component. Students using the full-program path must also complete the required behind the wheel training, which is registered and priced separately.
See the Virginia DMV’s driver education requirements for the current rules.
Requirements Starting January 1, 2027
The following rules apply when the Virginia driver’s license is issued on or after January 1, 2027.
First-Time Drivers Ages 18 Through 20
If you are at least 18 but younger than 21 and have never held a license issued by a state, U.S. territory, or foreign country, you must:
- Complete a state-approved driver education program while holding your learner’s permit.
- Hold your learner’s permit for at least 90 days.
Both requirements apply. Completing driver education will no longer waive the permit holding period for this age group. If you received your permit before January 1, 2027 but receive your license on or after that date, the new requirements still apply.
First-Time Drivers Age 21 and Older
If you are 21 or older and have never held a driver’s license, you may either:
- Hold a learner’s permit for at least 60 days before taking the road skills test at DMV, or
- Complete a state-approved driver education program while holding the permit.
The Virginia DMV’s January 2027 FAQ explains the change and how it applies to permits issued before the effective date.
These first-time-driver rules generally do not apply if you can show that you previously held a license issued by another state, U.S. territory, or foreign country. DMV will determine which tests or training apply to your record.
What Counts as the Full Driver Education Program?
Virginia treats classroom instruction and in-car instruction as parts of one approved driver education program. For adults using driver education to meet a licensing requirement, completing a 30-hour classroom course alone is not the same as completing the full program.
At Abba Driving School:
- Driver education is the 30-hour classroom component. It costs $200 and is available online or in person.
- Behind the wheel is the in-car component. Adult lesson schedules and the full-program licensing path depend on the student’s age and circumstances, so confirm the required package and price with Abba before registering.
The classroom and in-car services are registered and priced separately. See our driver education cost guide and behind the wheel cost guide for details.
What Is the DTS D Certificate?
The Virginia Driver Training Certificate for students age 18 and older is commonly called the DTS D. A licensed driver training school issues it after the adult completes the required in-car portion of the approved program and passes the course road skills test.
It is not a classroom-only certificate. Completing Abba’s $200 classroom course does not by itself produce a DTS D or waive a DMV road test. Your driving school submits the required completion information to DMV after the full program requirements are met.
What the Classroom Course Covers
Adult driver education includes 30 hours of instruction covering:
- Virginia traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and pavement markings.
- Road signs and traffic-control devices.
- Defensive driving and hazard recognition.
- Impaired and distracted driving.
- Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, and large vehicles.
- Vehicle control, parking, emergencies, and driving in poor weather.
At Abba Driving School, adults can take this classroom component online or in person at our Haymarket office. The same classroom course can serve as the knowledge portion of a full driver education program when paired with the required in-car training.
How to Choose Your Path
Your age on the date of licensing, your target license date, and whether you have held a license before determine the right path.
- License before January 1, 2027: First-time drivers age 18 or older may complete the full approved program or use the 60-day permit and DMV road-test path.
- License on or after January 1, 2027, age 18 through 20: First-time drivers must complete the approved program and hold the permit at least 90 days.
- License on or after January 1, 2027, age 21 or older: First-time drivers may complete the approved program or use the 60-day permit and DMV road-test path.
- Previously licensed: Ask DMV which requirements apply based on where and when you were licensed.
The effective date is based on when you obtain the license, not simply when you obtain the learner’s permit. Review the DMV application process if your schedule is close to January 1, 2027.
How to Get Started
- Get your Virginia learner’s permit. The permit must be active while you complete the program and starts the required holding period when one applies.
- Register for the classroom course. Abba’s 30-hour driver education course costs $200 and is available online or in person.
- Add behind the wheel training when your path requires the full program. The in-car service is registered and priced separately. Confirm the adult package with Abba before registering.
- Complete the requirements for your age and licensing date. This may include a 60-day or 90-day permit period, the full approved program, or a DMV-administered road skills test.
- Follow DMV’s instructions for final licensing. The school submits program completion information when required, and DMV determines which documents and tests apply.
Register for driver education or review our adult behind the wheel lessons. For local details, start with Haymarket, Gainesville, Bristow, or Warrenton.