A Class D is Virginia's standard driver's license for most adults

A Class D driver's license in Virginia is the regular license you get when you pass the written and driving tests. It lets you drive a passenger car, pickup truck, or van on public roads. You can drive alone or with passengers. Most people in Virginia hold a Class D.

Virginia issues Class D licenses to anyone at least 18 years old who passes the knowledge test and the road test, and who meets the vision and medical requirements. If you're under 18, you get a Learner's Permit first, then a Provisional License (Class CP), and finally a Class D at 18 if you've held the Provisional for at least 90 days without serious violations.

A Class D does not let you drive a commercial truck, a bus, or a motorcycle. Those require different license classes (Class A, B, or M). A Class D also does not let you drive for hire — you cannot use it to work as a taxi driver, rideshare driver, or delivery driver for a commercial company, though you can drive your own vehicle for personal use.

Key Takeaways

  • A Class D is Virginia's standard license for driving a passenger car or light truck for personal use.
  • You must be at least 18 years old, pass a written test and a road test, and meet vision and medical standards to get one.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a Learner's Permit and then a Provisional License (Class CP) before you can get a Class D.
  • A Class D does not permit you to drive commercial vehicles, buses, or motorcycles, or to drive for hire as a professional driver.
  • Virginia issues Class D licenses valid for eight years, and you must renew in person at a DMV office when they expire.

How to get a Class D if you are 18 or older

If you are 18 or older and have never held a Virginia license, you start by taking the written knowledge test at a Virginia DMV office. You need to bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or take a practice test on their website.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test at a DMV office. The examiner will watch you drive for about 15 to 20 minutes, testing your ability to start the car, turn, park, stop smoothly, and follow traffic laws. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance. You also need to bring your Learner's Permit (which you received after passing the written test) and your proof of identity.

If you pass the road test, the DMV issues your Class D license on the spot. The license is valid for eight years. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

How to get a Class D if you are under 18

Virginia requires a three-step process for drivers under 18. First, you get a Learner's Permit by passing the written knowledge test. You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old. You need the same documents as an adult: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. Your parent or guardian must sign the process.

With a Learner's Permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must follow all traffic laws and cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

After you have held the Learner's Permit for at least 90 days without serious violations (like reckless driving or a DUI), you can take the road test and get a Provisional License (Class CP). The road test is the same as for adults. With a Provisional License, you can drive alone during the day, but you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.

When you turn 18, your Provisional License automatically converts to a Class D. You do not need to take another test or visit the DMV unless your license is expiring soon.

What happens if you move to Virginia from another state

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written or road test. You can exchange it for a Virginia Class D license by visiting a DMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. The DMV will issue your new Virginia license, and you pay a fee (which varies but is typically under $50). Your new Virginia license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take both the written and road tests, just as if you were a new driver. If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Virginia will not issue you a license until the suspension or revocation period ends in your home state.

Renewal, expiration, and what to do if yours is suspended

A Virginia Class D license is valid for eight years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You must renew in person at a DMV office; you cannot renew online or by mail. To renew, bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Virginia residency. You will need to pass a vision test, but you do not need to retake the written or road test unless the DMV has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. A suspension is temporary — it ends on a specific date set by the court or the DMV. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. You must wait until the suspension ends, then visit a DMV office to reinstate your license. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof that the reason for suspension has been resolved (such as proof of payment or completion of a DUI program).

If your license is revoked, it is permanently cancelled. You cannot drive legally, and you must wait a set period (usually one to five years, depending on the reason) before you can reapply. Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually results from multiple DUI convictions or serious traffic violations. When the revocation period ends, you must reapply for a license, which means taking the written and road tests again.

Class D versus other Virginia license classes

Virginia offers several license classes for different types of driving. A Class A or Class B is a commercial license (CDL) required to drive large trucks or buses for work. A Class M is for motorcycles. A Class CP is the Provisional License for drivers under 18. A Class DJ is for drivers with certain medical conditions that require restrictions (such as corrective lenses or hand controls). A Class E is a chauffeur's license for professional drivers who drive passengers for hire.

If you want to drive for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, you need a Class E license, not a Class D. If you want to drive a commercial truck, you need a Class A or B license, which requires additional testing and a medical certificate. If you want to ride a motorcycle, you need a Class M license, which requires a separate written and road test focused on motorcycle safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive out of state with a Virginia Class D?

Yes. A Virginia Class D is recognized in all 50 states and most countries. You can drive in any state as long as your license is valid and you follow that state's traffic laws. Some states may have different speed limits or rules about cell phone use, so check before you travel.

What do I do if I lose my Class D license?

Visit a DMV office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of Virginia residency. The DMV will issue a new license with the same number and expiration date as your lost license. There is a replacement fee, usually under $20.

Can I get a Class D if I have a DUI conviction?

A DUI conviction results in a license suspension or revocation. You cannot get a new license until the suspension or revocation period ends. After it ends, you can reapply, but you may need to complete a DUI education program and pay reinstatement fees. Some DUI convictions also require an SR22 insurance form before you can legally drive again.

How much does a Class D license cost?

The cost varies depending on how long your license is valid for. An eight-year Class D typically costs between $60 and $75. If you are renewing, the cost is similar. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, the fee is usually lower, around $15 to $20. Fees may change, so check the Virginia DMV website for current prices.

Do I need to take a driving test again if I renew my Class D?

No. When you renew a Class D, you only need to pass a vision test. You do not retake the written or road test unless the DMV has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive, such as a recent serious traffic violation or a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely.