VirginiaHB12242026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Karrie K. Delaney (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Driver's licenses; requirements for initial licensure; persons age 18 to 21. Expands from 60 days to 90 days the length of time an applicant for a first-time noncommercial driver's license who is at least 18 years old and not more than 21 years old is required to hold a learner's permit and requires such an applicant to complete a course of driver instruction prior to being issued a driver's license. The bill provides that learner's permits other than motorcycle learner's permits, accompanied by other documentation verifying that the driver is at least 18 years old and less than 21 years old and has successfully completed an approved driver's education course, constitute a temporary driver's license for the purpose of driving unaccompanied by a licensed driver 18 years old or older, provided that certain other requirements are met. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027. This bill is identical to SB 396.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

New training rules for commercial drivers

Beginning January 1, 2027, you can get a CDL only if you are at least 18, meet safety rules, finish both classroom and behind-the-wheel training within one year of starting, and complete both range and public-road training with the same provider. If you have never had a CDL, you must hold a commercial learner’s permit for at least 14 days before the road test. If you already have a CDL but need a new endorsement or class, you must complete entry-level training; if a skills test is required, you must also hold a CLP at least 14 days before the test. Active duty military, reserves, National Guard, Coast Guard, and Coast Guard Auxiliary who finish a compliant military CDL program must also hold the CLP at least 14 days, unless federal law exempts them.

New rules for first-time adult drivers

Beginning January 1, 2027, if you are 21 or older and getting your first noncommercial license, you must either finish an approved driver course or hold a learner’s permit at least 60 days before your first road test. If you are 18 to 20, you must both finish an approved course and hold a learner’s permit at least 90 days. These rules apply to people 18+ who never had any license, or never had the right endorsement for the vehicle. A licensed, approved driving school can give the final road test, unless you are under medical control; you may still use the DMV test. If you are 18 to 20 with a non-motorcycle learner’s permit and proof you finished an approved course, that permit works as a temporary license for solo driving until your permanent license is issued, if you meet all other legal requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Karrie K. Delaney

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 187 • No: 30

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 22 • No: 18

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Reported from Transportation

Yes: 8 • No: 3 • Other: 3

House vote 2/17/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 88 • No: 9

House vote 2/12/2026

Reported from Transportation with amendment(s)

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 2/10/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s)

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0754)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 754 (Effective 1/1/2027)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/14/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1224)

    3/10/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1224ER)

    3/10/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    3/10/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    3/10/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/10/2026House
  10. Passed Senate (22-Y 18-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    3/3/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/2/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    3/2/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Transportation (8-Y 3-N 3-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  16. Referred to Committee on Transportation

    2/18/2026Senate
  17. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/18/2026Senate
  18. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1224)

    2/17/2026House
  19. Read third time and passed House (88-Y 9-N 0-A)

    2/17/2026House
  20. Engrossed by House as amended

    2/16/2026House
  21. committee amendments agreed to

    2/16/2026House
  22. Read second time

    2/16/2026House
  23. Moved from Uncontested Calendar to Regular Calendar

    2/16/2026House
  24. Read first time

    2/15/2026House
  25. Reported from Transportation with amendment(s) (21-Y 0-N)

    2/12/2026House

Bill Text

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