Types of Virginia Driver's Licenses
Commercial Driver's License
In addition to the driver’s license and photo ID card, Virginia issues a commercial driver’s license (CDL) which allows you to operate tractor-trailers, passenger buses, tank vehicles, school buses for 16 or more occupants (including the driver), or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. For more information about obtaining a CDL, refer to the Virginia Commercial Driver’s Manual, available at any DMV customer service center and at www.dmvNOW.com.
School Bus Driver's License
If you wish to operate a school bus designed to carry 15 occupants (including the driver), you do not need to obtain a commercial driver’s license. However, you will need to take the commercial driver and school bus tests to obtain the school bus endorsement on your driver’s license. You will be restricted to driving a bus designed to carry 15 occupants (including the driver). This restriction will be printed on your license. For information about licensing requirements to operate larger school buses, refer to the Virginia Commercial Driver’s Manual.
Motorcycle Driver's License
If you wish to operate a motorcycle in Virginia, you must pass the driver’s license two-part knowledge exam, the motorcycle knowledge exam and the motorcycle road skills test. If you already hold a driver’s license, you may add a Class M to your license. If you do not hold a driver’s license, you may obtain a driver’s license with a class M that only allows you to operate a motorcycle. For more information refer to the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual, available at any DMV customer service center or at www.dmvNOW.com.
Motorcycle Learner's Permit
- You must pass the motorcycle knowledge exam.
- If you do not currently hold a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license, you must also pass the driver’s license two-part knowledge exam.
- If you are under age 19, you must hold the motorcycle learner’s permit for at least nine months.
- You must wear an approved safety helmet.
- You must be supervised by a person at least 21 years of age who is licensed to operate a motorcycle, alert and able to assist you and supervising from a separate accompanying motorcycle or motor vehicle. No one, other than the operator, can be on the motorcycle.
- If you pass the Virginia Rider Training Program, the motorcycle skills test, and motorcycle knowledge exam maybe waived. If you are age 19 or older, the learner's permit holding period may also waived.
International Driver's License
An international driver’s license is a foreign translation of your existing DMV driver’s license for use when driving a vehicle outside the United States. It is invalid alone and must be used along with your valid DMV license in order to operate vehicles when you are out of the country. These licenses are issued by your local AAA but are not issued to persons whose driving privilege is under suspension or revoked.
If you are visiting in the U.S. from a foreign country, you may drive using your driver’s license issued by your home country. This license should be accompanied by an international driver’s license which provides a translation of your license. International driver’s licenses marketed by private sector businesses do not allow you to legally operate a motor vehicle. Sale of any document purporting to be a driver's license is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Obtaining a Photo ID Card
- You must be a resident of Virginia to obtain a photo ID card.
- You cannot hold an ID card if you hold any type of driver’s license.
- ID cards are available to adults and children.
- Your first Virginia ID card will generally expire when you reach an age divisible by five-20, 25, 30, 35, etc.
- Your ID card expires at the end of the month in which you were born.
- When you renew your ID card, it will generally be valid for five years.
- Children under age 15 may apply for a child ID card. The child ID card is valid until the child's 16th birthday.
- An ID card costs $10.00.
- You may exchange your valid Virginia driver's license for an ID card. If you are age 70 or older, there is no charge for the exchange for your first ID card.
- If you are authorized to be in the U.S. temporarily, you will be issued an ID card valid only for the amount of time that you are legally permitted to stay in the U.S. The expiration of the ID card will be the same as the expiration date shown on the document used to prove legal presence.