Question: Can I get a Driver's License?
Answer: Yes, international students can obtain a Virginia Driver's License. Read the information below to learn how to get one.

 

How to Obtain a Virginia Driver's License for International Students

Before you can legally operate a motor vehicle in the United States you must obtain a Driver's License.  To obtain a Driver's License, you must visit a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Office (DMV). There is a DMV office located in Farmville. The hours, location and contact information is below:

Farmville DMV Customer Service Center

Address: 300 North Virginia Street, Farmville, VA 23901-1424
Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Telephone: (804) 497-7100 Fax: 434-392-5721

The process for obtaining a Virginia Driver's License depends on whether you already have an international driver's license or not.

 

1. If you already have an international driver's license:

When you visit the DMV, you must bring the following information with you:

• Your International Driver's License
• Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019)
• Passport with valid visa and I-94 (Arrival and Departure) record
• Social Security Card (If you have one)
• Proof of Virginia Residency (This can be a lease agreement [free], Virginia state income tax form [must be in the U.S. for at least 1 year], Enrollment Verification [$5, must pay Cashier's] or Official Academic Transcript [$10, must have completed 1 full session]. Both of the last options can be obtained from the Registrar's Office at Longwood or online by clicking HERE.

Once you present these documents, you will have to take a written test as well as a driving test with an observer before you can obtain your Virginia Driver's License.  To pass the test, you will need to learn about driving laws in the United States. You can learn about driving laws in Virginia here: http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/manual.asp

 

2. If you do not have an international driver's license

When you visit the DMV, you must bring the following information with you:

• Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019)
• Passport with valid visa and I-94 (Arrival and Departure) record
• Social Security Card (If you have one)
• Proof of Virginia Residency (This can be a lease agreement, Virginia state income tax form, Enrollment Verification or Official Academic Transcript (can be obtained from the Registrar's Office at Longwood).

Once you present these documents, you will have to complete a Driver's Education Program (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/ed_reqs.asptake) and obtain a Learner's Permit. Once you have completed that, you will have to take a written test as well as a driving test with an observer before you can obtain your Virginia Driver's License.  To pass the test, you will need to learn about driving laws in the United States. You can learn about driving laws in Virginia here: http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/citizen/drivers/manual.asp. If you are over 18 years old you will be able to take the test within 30 days. If you are 18 years old or younger you will have to wait for 9 months.

Please note that after buying a car, car insurance must also be obtained. You can not drive your car without car insurance.

For information about car insurance options, you can refer to the list below:

Edgar Jones - State Farm Agent
www.edgarjones.com/
217 East 3rd Street, Farmville

Roy R. Yeatts Jr. - Nationwide Insurance
http://www.nationwide.com/agent/Farmville-Virginia-insurance-agent/roy-yeatts/office.html&language=en&businessType=NI
215North Main Street, Farmville
(434) 392-3585

W. A. Watson & Sons Insurance
www.wawatson.com/
106 North Main Street, Farmville
(434) 392-4177

Mark Webb - State Farm Insurance Agent
www.markwebbinsurance.com/
1208 South Main Street, Farmville
(434) 315-0050