Roadwise States Virginia Driving lessons The Learner's Permit Virginia driving lesson · Getting Licensed
The Learner's Permit A 2-minute lesson from the Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 2 minutes
Course unit Getting Licensed
Checkpoint questions 4
Source pages 33 A learner's permit lets you practice on real roads, but never alone. Someone licensed and alert must sit right beside you, ready to help. The rules below decide who can supervise you and how long you must hold the permit.
Know the rule
Whenever you drive, you must carry your valid driver's license or learner's permit with you.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Know the rule
Any misuse of your license or permit is illegal: you could be fined, sentenced to jail, or have your license suspended.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ 21 Minimum age of the licensed driver in the front passenger seat with a permit holder
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Know the rule
The supervising driver must hold a valid driver's license, be alert, and be able to assist you while you drive.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ A supervisor aged 18, 19 or 20 is allowed only if they are your: Legal guardian Brother or sister Half-brother or half-sister Stepbrother or stepsister Handbook p. 33 ↗ 60 days Permit holding period for applicants 19 or older, unless they present a driver's ed certificate
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Put it into practice
You're 16 with a permit. Your 19-year-old cousin offers to ride along. Not allowed: an 18- to 20-year-old can supervise only if they are your guardian or sibling (including half- and step-siblings). Your 19-year-old stepsister would be fine.
Know the rule
For more on getting a permit, see Parents in the Driver's Seat (DMV 16) at dmv.virginia.gov and DMV customer service centers.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ A useful reminder The supervisor sits in the front passenger seat, not the back seat.
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
A learner's permit lets you drive only when a licensed driver of what minimum age is in the front passenger seat? 18 21 25 19 Answer: 21
A learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver at least 21 years old sits in the front passenger seat.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ An 18, 19, or 20-year-old may supervise a learner's permit holder only if they are the permit holder's what? Cousin Aunt or uncle Legal guardian or sibling Driving instructor Answer: Legal guardian or sibling
An 18-, 19-, or 20-year-old may supervise only if they are the permit holder's legal guardian, brother, sister, half-sibling, or step-sibling.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ An applicant age 19 or older must hold a learner's permit for how long, or present a driver's education certificate, before applying for a license? 30 days 90 days 6 months 60 days Answer: 60 days
Applicants 19 or older must hold a learner's permit for 60 days, or present a driver's education certificate, before applying for a license.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ The licensed driver supervising a learner's permit holder must be alert and able to assist while the learner is driving. True False Answer: True
The supervising driver must hold a valid license, be alert, and be able to assist the permit holder while driving.
Handbook p. 33 ↗ Previous lesson Vision Screening & Standards Next lesson Driver's License, CDL & Other License Types About the source Roadwise’s Virginia course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 33. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Virginia’s DMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.