{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-325.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-325.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-325.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-325.html"}],"law_id":66333,"edition_id":1,"section_id":66333,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-325","catch_line":"Examination of applicants; waiver of Department’s examination under certain circumstances; behind-the-wheel and knowledge examinations","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-365; 1954, c. 454; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-369; 1966, cc. 375, 595; 1968, c. 176; 1976, c. 8; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c. 847; 1997, c. 841; 2007, c. 190; 2008, c. 735; 2012, cc. 215, 222; 2013, c. 272; 2014, cc. 53, 256, 685; 2016, c. 381; 2017, c. 73; 2019, c. 745; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 139.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Department shall examine every applicant for a driver’s license before issuing any license to determine (i) his physical and mental qualifications and his ability to drive a motor vehicle without jeopardizing the safety of persons or property and (ii) if any facts exist which would bar the issuance of a license under §§ 46.2-311 through 46.2-316, 46.2-334, or 46.2-335. The examination, however, shall not include investigation of any facts other than those directly pertaining to the ability of the applicant to drive a motor vehicle with safety, or other than those facts declared to be prerequisite to the issuance of a license under this chapter. No applicant otherwise competent shall be required to demonstrate ability to park any motor vehicle except in an adequate parking space between horizontal markers, and not between flags or sticks simulating parked vehicles. Except as provided for in § 46.2-337, applicants for licensure to drive motor vehicles of the classifications referred to in § 46.2-328 shall submit to examinations which relate to the operation of those vehicles. The motor vehicle to be used by the applicant for the behind-the-wheel examination shall meet the safety and equipment requirements specified in Chapter 10 (§ 46.2-1000 et seq.) and possess a valid inspection sticker as required pursuant to § 46.2-1157. An autocycle shall not be used by the applicant for a behind-the-wheel examination.\n\t\t\tPrior to taking the examination, the applicant shall either (a) present evidence that the applicant has completed a state-approved driver education class pursuant to the provisions of § 46.2-324.1 or 46.2-334 or (b) submit to the examiner a behind-the-wheel maneuvers checklist, on a form provided by the Department, that describes the vehicle maneuvers the applicant may be expected to perform while taking the behind-the-wheel examination, that has been signed by a licensed driver, certifying that the applicant has practiced the driving maneuvers contained and described therein, and that has been signed by the applicant certifying that, at all times while holding a learner’s permit, the applicant has complied with the provisions of § 46.2-335 while operating a motor vehicle.\n\t\t\tExcept for applicants subject to § 46.2-312, if the Commissioner is satisfied that an applicant has demonstrated the same proficiency as required by the Department’s examination through successful completion of either (1) the driver education course approved by the Department of Education or (2) a driver training course offered by a driver training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.), he may waive those parts of the Department’s examination provided for in this section that require the applicant to drive and park a motor vehicle.B\n\nAny person who fails the behind-the-wheel examination for a driver’s license administered by the Department shall wait two days before being permitted to take another such examination. No person who fails the behind-the-wheel examination for a driver’s license administered by the Department three times shall be permitted to take such examination a fourth time until he successfully completes, subsequent to the third examination failure, the in-vehicle component of driver instruction at a driver training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.) or a comparable course approved by the Department or the Department of Education. In addition, no person who fails the driver knowledge examination for a driver’s license administered by the Department three times shall be permitted to take such examination a fourth time until he successfully completes, subsequent to the third examination failure, the classroom component of driver instruction at a driver training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.) or a comparable course approved by the Department or the Department of Education or, for (i) persons at least 18 years old or (ii) persons less than 18 years old who have previously completed the classroom component of driver instruction, a course of instruction based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual, which may be conducted in a classroom or online, offered by a driver training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.) or a comparable course approved by the Department or the Department of Education. Providers of the Virginia Driver’s Manual course online shall ensure that the certificate of completion is issued to the same person who took the course in a manner prescribed by the Department. All persons required to complete the in-vehicle component of driver instruction or the classroom component of driver instruction pursuant to this section shall be required after successful completion of the necessary courses to have the applicable examination administered by the Department.\n\t\t\tThe provisions of this subsection shall not apply to persons placed under medical control by the Department pursuant to § 46.2-322.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":240834,"text":"The Department shall examine every applicant for a driver’s license before issuing any license to determine (i) his physical and mental qualifications and his ability to drive a motor vehicle without jeopardizing the safety of persons or property and (ii) if any facts exist which would bar the issuance of a license under §§ 46.2-311 through 46.2-316, 46.2-334, or 46.2-335. The examination, however, shall not include investigation of any facts other than those directly pertaining to the ability of the applicant to drive a motor vehicle with safety, or other than those facts declared to be prerequisite to the issuance of a license under this chapter. No applicant otherwise competent shall be required to demonstrate ability to park any motor vehicle except in an adequate parking space between horizontal markers, and not between flags or sticks simulating parked vehicles. Except as provided for in § 46.2-337, applicants for licensure to drive motor vehicles of the classifications referred to in § 46.2-328 shall submit to examinations which relate to the operation of those vehicles. The motor vehicle to be used by the applicant for the behind-the-wheel examination shall meet the safety and equipment requirements specified in Chapter 10 (§ 46.2-1000 et seq.) and possess a valid inspection sticker as required pursuant to § 46.2-1157. An autocycle shall not be used by the applicant for a behind-the-wheel examination.\n\t\t\tPrior to taking the examination, the applicant shall either (a) present evidence that the applicant has completed a state-approved driver education class pursuant to the provisions of § 46.2-324.1 or 46.2-334 or (b) submit to the examiner a behind-the-wheel maneuvers checklist, on a form provided by the Department, that describes the vehicle maneuvers the applicant may be expected to perform while taking the behind-the-wheel examination, that has been signed by a licensed driver, certifying that the applicant has practiced the driving maneuvers contained and described therein, and that has been signed by the applicant certifying that, at all times while holding a learner’s permit, the applicant has complied with the provisions of § 46.2-335 while operating a motor vehicle.\n\t\t\tExcept for applicants subject to § 46.2-312, if the Commissioner is satisfied that an applicant has demonstrated the same proficiency as required by the Department’s examination through successful completion of either (1) the driver education course approved by the Department of Education or (2) a driver training course offered by a driver training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.), he may waive those parts of the Department’s examination provided for in this section that require the applicant to drive and park a motor vehicle.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":240835,"text":"Any person who fails the behind-the-wheel examination for a driver’s license administered by the Department shall wait two days before being permitted to take another such examination. No person who fails the behind-the-wheel examination for a driver’s license administered by the Department three times shall be permitted to take such examination a fourth time until he successfully completes, subsequent to the third examination failure, the in-vehicle component of driver instruction at a driver training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.) or a comparable course approved by the Department or the Department of Education. In addition, no person who fails the driver knowledge examination for a driver’s license administered by the Department three times shall be permitted to take such examination a fourth time until he successfully completes, subsequent to the third examination failure, the classroom component of driver instruction at a driver training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.) or a comparable course approved by the Department or the Department of Education or, for (i) persons at least 18 years old or (ii) persons less than 18 years old who have previously completed the classroom component of driver instruction, a course of instruction based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual, which may be conducted in a classroom or online, offered by a driver training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.) or a comparable course approved by the Department or the Department of Education. Providers of the Virginia Driver’s Manual course online shall ensure that the certificate of completion is issued to the same person who took the course in a manner prescribed by the Department. All persons required to complete the in-vehicle component of driver instruction or the classroom component of driver instruction pursuant to this section shall be required after successful completion of the necessary courses to have the applicable examination administered by the Department.\n\t\t\tThe provisions of this subsection shall not apply to persons placed under medical control by the Department pursuant to § 46.2-322.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13718,"edition_id":1,"name":"Obtaining Licenses, Generally","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12772,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:39","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:39","permalink":{"id":226437,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13718,"identifier":"4","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12772,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licensure of Drivers","identifier":"3","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12771,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225629,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12772,"identifier":"3","token":"46.2\/II\/3","url":"\/46.2\/II\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12771,"edition_id":1,"name":"Titling, Registration and Licensure","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225627,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12771,"identifier":"II","token":"46.2\/II","url":"\/46.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":74834,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-323","catch_line":"Application for driver's license; proof of completion of driver education program; penalty","url":"\/46.2-323\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-323","metadata":false},{"id":65529,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-323.01","catch_line":"Issuance of credentials; relationship with federal law","url":"\/46.2-323.01\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-323.01","metadata":false},{"id":61204,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-323.1","catch_line":"Certification of Virginia residency; nonresidents not eligible for credentials; penalty","url":"\/46.2-323.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-323.1","metadata":false},{"id":73056,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-324","catch_line":"Applicants and license holders to notify Department of change of address; fee","url":"\/46.2-324\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-324","metadata":false},{"id":57804,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-324.1","catch_line":"Requirements for initial licensure of certain applicants","url":"\/46.2-324.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-324.1","metadata":false},{"id":66333,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-325","catch_line":"Examination of applicants; waiver of Department's examination under certain circumstances; behind-the-wheel and knowledge examinations","url":"\/46.2-325\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-325","metadata":false},{"id":63436,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-326","catch_line":"Designation of examiners; conduct of examination; reports","url":"\/46.2-326\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-326","metadata":false},{"id":61645,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-326.1","catch_line":"Designation of commercial driver's license skills testing examiners","url":"\/46.2-326.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-326.1","metadata":false},{"id":75238,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-327","catch_line":"Copies of applications; record of licenses and learner's permits issued, suspended, or revoked","url":"\/46.2-327\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-327","metadata":false},{"id":64850,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-328","catch_line":"Department to issue licenses; endorsements, classifications, and restrictions authorizing operation of certain vehicles","url":"\/46.2-328\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-328","metadata":false},{"id":55310,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-328.1","catch_line":"Licenses, permits, and special identification cards to be issued only to United States citizens, legal permanent resident aliens, or holders of valid unexpired nonimmigrant visas; exceptions; renewal, duplication, or reissuance","url":"\/46.2-328.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-328.1","metadata":false},{"id":54709,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-328.2","catch_line":"Department to issue documents; veteran indicator","url":"\/46.2-328.2\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-328.2","metadata":false},{"id":61156,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-328.3","catch_line":"Driver privilege cards and permits","url":"\/46.2-328.3\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-328.3","metadata":false},{"id":66576,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-329","catch_line":"Special restrictions on particular licensees","url":"\/46.2-329\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-329","metadata":false},{"id":55697,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-330","catch_line":"Expiration and renewal of licenses; examinations required","url":"\/46.2-330\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-330","metadata":false},{"id":78255,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-331","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/46.2-331\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-331","metadata":false},{"id":74767,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-332","catch_line":"Fees","url":"\/46.2-332\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-332","metadata":false},{"id":57057,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-333","catch_line":"Disposition of fees; expenses","url":"\/46.2-333\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-333","metadata":false},{"id":87183,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-333.1","catch_line":"Surcharges on certain fees of Department; disposition of proceeds","url":"\/46.2-333.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-333.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":57804,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-324.1","catch_line":"Requirements for initial licensure of certain applicants","url":"\/46.2-324.1\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-324.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":63436,"structure_id":13718,"section_number":"46.2-326","catch_line":"Designation of examiners; conduct of examination; reports","url":"\/46.2-326\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-326","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-325\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 17 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1954, chapter 454; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1966, chapters 375 and 595; in 1968, chapter 176; in 1976, chapter 8; in 1984, chapter 780; in 1989, chapter 727; in 1995, chapter 847<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 841<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 190<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 735<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 215<\/a> and 222<\/a>; in 2013, chapter 272<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 53<\/a>, 256<\/a>, and 685<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 381<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 73<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 745<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":80192,"section_number":"46.2-1702","catch_line":"Certification of driver education courses by Commissioner","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1702\/"},{"id":61610,"section_number":"46.2-300","catch_line":"Driving without license prohibited; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-300\/"},{"id":60901,"section_number":"46.2-319","catch_line":"Refusal or revocation of license for certain fraudulent acts in obtaining a driver's license","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-319\/"},{"id":57804,"section_number":"46.2-324.1","catch_line":"Requirements for initial licensure of certain applicants","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-324.1\/"},{"id":64850,"section_number":"46.2-328","catch_line":"Department to issue licenses; endorsements, classifications, and restrictions authorizing operation of certain vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-328\/"},{"id":61156,"section_number":"46.2-328.3","catch_line":"Driver privilege cards and permits","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-328.3\/"},{"id":55697,"section_number":"46.2-330","catch_line":"Expiration and renewal of licenses; examinations required","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-330\/"},{"id":78428,"section_number":"46.2-337","catch_line":"Examination and road test required for license to operate motorcycle; regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-337\/"},{"id":77576,"section_number":"46.2-400","catch_line":"Suspension of license of person not competent to drive; restoration of license; duty of clerk of the court","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-400\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":56760,"section_number":"46.2-1000","catch_line":"Department to suspend registration of vehicles lacking certain equipment; officer to take possession of registration card, license plates and decals when observing defect in motor vehicle; when to be returned","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1000\/"},{"id":85494,"section_number":"46.2-1157","catch_line":"Inspection of motor vehicles required","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1157\/"},{"id":87240,"section_number":"46.2-1700","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1700\/"},{"id":80708,"section_number":"46.2-311","catch_line":"Persons having defective vision; minimum standards of visual acuity and field of vision; tests of vision","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-311\/"},{"id":77772,"section_number":"46.2-312","catch_line":"Persons using bioptic telescopic lenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-312\/"},{"id":80892,"section_number":"46.2-316","catch_line":"Persons convicted or found not innocent of certain offenses; requirement of proof of financial responsibility in the future for certain offenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-316\/"},{"id":81924,"section_number":"46.2-322","catch_line":"Examination of licensee believed unable to drive safely; suspension or restriction of license; license application to include questions as to abilities of applicant; false answers; examination of applicant; physician's, advanced practice registered nurse's, or physician assistant's statement","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-322\/"},{"id":57804,"section_number":"46.2-324.1","catch_line":"Requirements for initial licensure of certain applicants","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-324.1\/"},{"id":64850,"section_number":"46.2-328","catch_line":"Department to issue licenses; endorsements, classifications, and restrictions authorizing operation of certain vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-328\/"},{"id":55605,"section_number":"46.2-334","catch_line":"Conditions and requirements for licensure of persons under 18","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-334\/"},{"id":80637,"section_number":"46.2-335","catch_line":"Learner's permits; fees; certification required","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-335\/"},{"id":78428,"section_number":"46.2-337","catch_line":"Examination and road test required for license to operate motorcycle; regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-337\/"}],"permalink":{"id":226459,"object_type":"law","relational_id":66333,"identifier":"46.2-325","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-325","url":"\/46.2-325\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-325\/","token":"46.2\/II\/3\/4\/46.2-325","dublin_core":{"Title":"Examination of applicants; waiver of Department’s examination under certain circumstances; behind-the-wheel and knowledge examinations","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-325","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall examine every applicant for a driver<\/span>’s license before issuing any license to determine (i) his physical and mental qualifications and his ability to drive a motor vehicle<\/span> without jeopardizing the safety of persons or property and (ii) if any facts<\/span> exist which would bar the issuance of a license under §§ 46.2-311<\/a> through 46.2-316<\/a>, 46.2-334<\/a>, or 46.2-335<\/a>. The examination, however, shall not include investigation of any facts<\/span> other than those directly pertaining to the ability of the applicant to drive a motor vehicle<\/span> with safety, or other than those facts<\/span> declared to be prerequisite to the issuance of a license under this chapter. No applicant otherwise competent shall be required to demonstrate ability to park any motor vehicle<\/span> except in an adequate parking space between horizontal markers, and not between flags or sticks simulating parked vehicles. Except as provided for in § 46.2-337<\/a>, applicants for licensure to drive motor vehicles<\/span> of the classifications referred to in § 46.2-328<\/a> shall submit to examinations which relate to the operation of those vehicles. The motor vehicle<\/span> to be used by the applicant for the behind-the-wheel examination shall meet the safety and equipment requirements specified in Chapter 10 (§ 46.2-1000<\/a> et seq.) and possess a valid inspection sticker as required pursuant to § 46.2-1157<\/a>. An autocycle<\/span> shall not be used by the applicant for a behind-the-wheel examination.\n\t\t\tPrior to taking the examination, the applicant shall either (a) present evidence<\/span> that the applicant has completed a state-approved driver<\/span> education class pursuant to the provisions of § 46.2-324.1<\/a> or 46.2-334<\/a> or (b) submit to the examiner a behind-the-wheel maneuvers checklist, on a form provided by the Department<\/span>, that describes the vehicle maneuvers the applicant may be expected to perform while taking the behind-the-wheel examination, that has been signed by a licensed driver<\/span>, certifying that the applicant has practiced the driving maneuvers contained and described therein, and that has been signed by the applicant certifying that, at all times while holding a learner’s permit, the applicant has complied with the provisions of § 46.2-335<\/a> while operating a motor vehicle<\/span>.\n\t\t\tExcept for applicants subject to § 46.2-312<\/a>, if the Commissioner<\/span> is satisfied that an applicant has demonstrated the same proficiency as required by the Department<\/span>’s examination through successful completion of either (1) the driver<\/span> education course approved by the Department<\/span> of Education or (2) a driver<\/span> training course offered by a driver<\/span> training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700<\/a> et seq.), he may waive<\/span> those parts of the Department<\/span>’s examination provided for in this section that require the applicant to drive and park a motor vehicle<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any person who fails the behind-the-wheel examination for a driver<\/span>’s license administered by the Department<\/span> shall wait two days before being permitted to take another such examination. No person who fails the behind-the-wheel examination for a driver<\/span>’s license administered by the Department<\/span> three times shall be permitted to take such examination a fourth time until he successfully completes, subsequent to the third examination failure, the in-vehicle component of driver<\/span> instruction at a driver<\/span> training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700<\/a> et seq.) or a comparable course approved by the Department<\/span> or the Department<\/span> of Education. In addition, no person who fails the driver<\/span> knowledge examination for a driver<\/span>’s license administered by the Department<\/span> three times shall be permitted to take such examination a fourth time until he successfully completes, subsequent to the third examination failure, the classroom component of driver<\/span> instruction at a driver<\/span> training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700<\/a> et seq.) or a comparable course approved by the Department<\/span> or the Department<\/span> of Education or, for (i) persons at least 18 years old or (ii) persons less than 18 years old who have previously completed the classroom component of driver<\/span> instruction, a course of instruction based on the Virginia Driver<\/span>’s Manual, which may be conducted in a classroom or online, offered by a driver<\/span> training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700<\/a> et seq.) or a comparable course approved by the Department<\/span> or the Department<\/span> of Education. Providers of the Virginia Driver<\/span>’s Manual course online shall ensure that the certificate of completion is issued to the same person who took the course in a manner prescribed by the Department<\/span>. All persons required to complete the in-vehicle component of driver<\/span> instruction or the classroom component of driver<\/span> instruction pursuant to this section shall be required after successful completion of the necessary courses to have the applicable examination administered by the Department<\/span>.\n\t\t\tThe provisions of this subsection shall not apply to persons placed under medical control by the Department<\/span> pursuant to § 46.2-322<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nEXAMINATION OF APPLICANTS; WAIVER OF DEPARTMENT’S EXAMINATION UNDER\nCERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES; BEHIND-THE-WHEEL AND KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATIONS (\u00a7 46.2-325)\n\nA. The Department shall examine every applicant for a driver’s license\nbefore issuing any license to determine (i) his physical and mental\nqualifications and his ability to drive a motor vehicle without jeopardizing the\nsafety of persons or property and (ii) if any facts exist which would bar the\nissuance of a license under §§ 46.2-311 through 46.2-316, 46.2-334, or\n46.2-335. The examination, however, shall not include investigation of any facts\nother than those directly pertaining to the ability of the applicant to drive a\nmotor vehicle with safety, or other than those facts declared to be prerequisite\nto the issuance of a license under this chapter. No applicant otherwise\ncompetent shall be required to demonstrate ability to park any motor vehicle\nexcept in an adequate parking space between horizontal markers, and not between\nflags or sticks simulating parked vehicles. Except as provided for in §\n46.2-337, applicants for licensure to drive motor vehicles of the\nclassifications referred to in § 46.2-328 shall submit to examinations\nwhich relate to the operation of those vehicles. The motor vehicle to be used by\nthe applicant for the behind-the-wheel examination shall meet the safety and\nequipment requirements specified in Chapter 10 (§ 46.2-1000 et seq.) and\npossess a valid inspection sticker as required pursuant to § 46.2-1157. An\nautocycle shall not be used by the applicant for a behind-the-wheel examination.\n\t\t\tPrior to taking the examination, the applicant shall either (a) present\nevidence that the applicant has completed a state-approved driver education\nclass pursuant to the provisions of § 46.2-324.1 or 46.2-334 or (b) submit\nto the examiner a behind-the-wheel maneuvers checklist, on a form provided by\nthe Department, that describes the vehicle maneuvers the applicant may be\nexpected to perform while taking the behind-the-wheel examination, that has been\nsigned by a licensed driver, certifying that the applicant has practiced the\ndriving maneuvers contained and described therein, and that has been signed by\nthe applicant certifying that, at all times while holding a learner’s\npermit, the applicant has complied with the provisions of § 46.2-335 while\noperating a motor vehicle.\n\t\t\tExcept for applicants subject to § 46.2-312, if the Commissioner is\nsatisfied that an applicant has demonstrated the same proficiency as required by\nthe Department’s examination through successful completion of either (1)\nthe driver education course approved by the Department of Education or (2) a\ndriver training course offered by a driver training school licensed under\nChapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.), he may waive those parts of the\nDepartment’s examination provided for in this section that require the\napplicant to drive and park a motor vehicle.\n\nB. Any person who fails the behind-the-wheel examination for a driver’s\nlicense administered by the Department shall wait two days before being\npermitted to take another such examination. No person who fails the\nbehind-the-wheel examination for a driver’s license administered by the\nDepartment three times shall be permitted to take such examination a fourth time\nuntil he successfully completes, subsequent to the third examination failure,\nthe in-vehicle component of driver instruction at a driver training school\nlicensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.) or a comparable course\napproved by the Department or the Department of Education. In addition, no\nperson who fails the driver knowledge examination for a driver’s license\nadministered by the Department three times shall be permitted to take such\nexamination a fourth time until he successfully completes, subsequent to the\nthird examination failure, the classroom component of driver instruction at a\ndriver training school licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.) or a\ncomparable course approved by the Department or the Department of Education or,\nfor (i) persons at least 18 years old or (ii) persons less than 18 years old who\nhave previously completed the classroom component of driver instruction, a\ncourse of instruction based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual, which may be\nconducted in a classroom or online, offered by a driver training school licensed\nunder Chapter 17 (§ 46.2-1700 et seq.) or a comparable course approved by\nthe Department or the Department of Education. Providers of the Virginia\nDriver’s Manual course online shall ensure that the certificate of\ncompletion is issued to the same person who took the course in a manner\nprescribed by the Department. All persons required to complete the in-vehicle\ncomponent of driver instruction or the classroom component of driver instruction\npursuant to this section shall be required after successful completion of the\nnecessary courses to have the applicable examination administered by the\nDepartment.\n\t\t\tThe provisions of this subsection shall not apply to persons placed under\nmedical control by the Department pursuant to § 46.2-322.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-365; 1954, c. 454; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-369; 1966,\ncc. 375, 595; 1968, c. 176; 1976, c. 8; 1984, c. 780; 1989, c. 727; 1995, c.\n847; 1997, c. 841; 2007, c. 190; 2008, c. 735; 2012, cc. 215, 222; 2013, c. 272;\n2014, cc. 53, 256, 685; 2016, c. 381; 2017, c. 73; 2019, c. 745; 2021, Sp. Sess.\nI, c. 139.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}