International Students and Driver’s License in Virginia

1. What are the regulations for international students obtaining a driver’s license in Virginia?


International students in Virginia must meet the same requirements to obtain a driver’s license as any other person. In order to obtain a driver’s license, international students must have a valid passport and visa, a Social Security Number (SSN), proof of Virginia residency, and successfully complete the required tests and classes. Depending on the student’s visa status, they may be eligible to apply for a Virginia driver’s license without having an SSN. In this case, they must provide proof of legal immigration status and provide additional documents. Additionally, all international students must pass a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a road skills test.

2. Are there special requirements for international students in Virginia to obtain a driver’s license?


Yes, there are special requirements for international students in Virginia to obtain a driver’s license. International students must provide proof of legal presence, pass the knowledge and skills tests, provide proof of Virginia residency, and provide proof of Social Security Number or letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.

3. How long do international students have to wait to obtain a driver’s license in Virginia?


International students can apply for a Virginia driver’s license as soon as they are legally permitted to be in the US, but must wait 30 days after the start of their legal presence to obtain the license.

4. Does Virginia accept foreign driver’s licenses from international students?


Yes, Virginia accepts foreign driver’s licenses from international students. However, they must obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. International students may be required to pass a vision screening and a knowledge exam to obtain a Virginia driver’s license.

5. Are international students eligible to apply for a driver’s license in Virginia if they have valid student visas?


Yes, international students who have valid student visas are eligible to apply for a driver’s license in Virginia. However, they must have a valid Social Security number and meet other requirements, such as passing the written and driving tests.

6. What documents do international students need to bring when applying for a driver’s license in Virginia?


International students applying for a driver’s license in Virginia need to bring:

1. A valid passport
2. Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by a Virginia college or university
3. An official academic transcript from the Virginia college or university
4. Proof of residence in the state of Virginia (utility bill, lease agreement, or proof of purchase of a car)
5. Social Security Number (if applicable)
6. Proof of full-time enrollment in the Virginia college or university for the preceding semester (if applicable)
7. Appropriate documents that prove their identity, such as a birth certificate or valid foreign driver’s license
8. Payment for the required fees

7. Are there any restrictions on what type of vehicles international students can drive with a driver’s license in Virginia?


Yes. International students must have a valid license from their country or an International Driving Permit if they are visiting from a country where English is not the primary language. In addition, students must be at least 16 years of age to drive in Virginia and must carry proof of insurance for the vehicle they are driving.

8. What is the minimum age requirement for international students to obtain a driver’s license in Virginia?


The minimum age requirement for international students to obtain a driver’s license in Virginia is 18 years old.

9. Is a written test an obligatory requirement for international students who want to obtain a driver’s license in Virginia?


Yes, a written test is an obligatory requirement for international students who want to obtain a driver’s license in Virginia.

10. How long does it take for an international student to obtain a driver’s license in Virginia?


The process of obtaining a driver’s license in Virginia for an international student typically takes 4-6 weeks. It involves passing a written and driving test, getting a permit, and waiting for the license to arrive in the mail.

11. Is there a grace period for an international student to renew their driver’s license in Virginia?


No, there is no grace period for an international student to renew their driver’s license in Virginia. International students must renew their driver’s license within 30 days of its expiration date.

12. Are there any special benefits or discounts for international student drivers with a license in Virginia?


International students who possess a valid driver’s license from their home country may not be eligible for any special discounts or benefits in Virginia. However, while driving in Virginia, they must obey all rules of the road and carry proof of insurance. Foreign licenses must be accompanied by a translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by a country’s home government.

13. Can an international student use their foreign driving experience when applying for a driver’s license in Virginia?


No, an international student cannot use their foreign driving experience when applying for a driver’s license in Virginia. All applicants must pass a knowledge test, an on-road driving test, and sometimes a vision test in order to obtain a driver’s license in Virginia.

14. Does Virginia require international students to take additional tests if they want to obtain a driver’s license?


Yes. International students in Virginia are required to take and pass a knowledge test and a road skills test in order to obtain a driver’s license.

15. Are there any restrictions on the type of cars that an international student can drive with a driver’s license in Virginia?


Yes, international students may drive any type of vehicle in Virginia with a valid driver’s license, as long as they meet certain criteria. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license issued by their home country. Additionally, drivers must have proof of insurance and must follow all laws regarding driving in Virginia.

16. What is the process of obtaining a driver’s license for an international student residing in Virginia?


In order to obtain a driver’s license for an international student residing in Virginia, the student must first obtain a Virginia residency certificate and a valid passport. The student can then take the required driver’s license tests (including a written knowledge test and a road skills test) at their local DMV office. Once these tests have been passed, the student will be issued with their permanent Virginia driver’s license.

In addition to these requirements, international students must also present proof of legal presence in the U.S. (such as an F-1 or J-1 visa) and proof of identity (such as a birth certificate). Additionally, international students must also provide proof of car insurance.

17. Can an international student transfer their foreign driver’s license to Virginia?


No, an international student cannot transfer their foreign driver’s license to Virginia. In order to obtain a Virginia driver’s license, an international student must take a written and driving test.

18. Is there any specialized training or courses available for international student drivers in Virginia?


Yes, there are several specialized training and courses available for international student drivers in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a special driver license program for international students that includes a driver’s education course, a six-hour in-classroom instruction period, and a road skills test. Additionally, the DMV provides an International Driver’s Education Program which includes an online driver safety course for international students. Additionally, some third-party driving schools in Virginia offer courses specifically designed for international student drivers.

19. Can an international student exchange their foreign driver’s license for one from Virginia?


No, international students are not eligible to exchange a foreign driver’s license for a Virginia driver’s license.

20. Do the laws concerning obtaining a driver’s license differ for international students compared with other residents of Virginia?


Yes, the laws for obtaining a driver’s license for international students differ from other residents of Virginia. International students will need to provide proof of legal presence in the United States in order to obtain a license, and also must meet the same requirements as other residents such as passing a written and driving exam. Additionally, international students may be required to provide additional documentation such as an F-1 or J-1 visa or a current I-94 card.