VA Senate · SB 396

Driver's licenses; requirements for initial licensure, persons age 18 to 21.

In plain English (AI summary)

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.

View original bill

Roll-call votes

Concur House Substitute
Mar 5, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
25 – 14 · 1 other
Full roll call
Roll call
Mar 3, 2026 · VA House · pass
91 – 7 · 1 other
Full roll call
Reported from Transportation with substitute
Feb 26, 2026 · VA House · pass
21 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute
Feb 24, 2026 · VA House · pass
10 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Reconsider
Feb 4, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Passage
Feb 4, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
22 – 18
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Passage
Feb 4, 2026 · VA Senate · fail
19 – 21
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed
Feb 2, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call