Driver's licenses; requirements for initial licensure, persons age 18 to 21.
This legislation updates Virginia's driver's license requirements for individuals between the ages of 18 and 21. Currently, drivers under 18 must complete a state-approved driver education program to obtain a license. This bill removes that specific requirement for residents who are 18, 19, or 20 years old, provided they have held a learner's permit for at least 60 days. For young adults in Arlington who did not take a formal driving course in high school, this change streamlines the path to independent driving by allowing them to bypass mandatory classroom instruction. The measure aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for young residents seeking reliable transportation for work or education, though officials emphasize the importance of continued focus on safe driving habits for all new, inexperienced motorists.