virginia: In the state of virginia how long does a 18 year old have to hold a permit before getting a license. I know they changed something with the ages but im not sure|||If you're under 19 you must provide proof of successful completion of a state-approved driver education program and you must hold a learner's permit at least nine months before you can receive a driver's license. Plus, your parent, guardian or foster parent must provide his or her driver's license or state-issued identification card number and sign the certificate to certify that you received at least 45 hours of driver practice, 15 of which must have been competed after sunset. You will receive a certificate when you complete the driver education program. Of course you could have all that completed well before you turn 18 because you can get a permit at 15 years 6 months After you have held your permit nine months, turned age 16 and 3 months AND completed driver education, you will receive a notice that tells you when to appear in court for a licensing ceremony where you will receive your permanent driver's license