Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 396: Driver's licenses; requirements for initial licensure, persons age 18 to 21.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 396 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Driver's licenses; requirements for initial licensure, persons age 18 to 21. Primary sponsor: Danny Diggs (Republican). Most recent recorded action (April 13, 2026): Approved by Governor-Chapter 755 (effective 7/1/2026).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
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 HB 1224.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danny Diggs | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 24 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 755 (effective 7/1/2026)
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
- Signed by Speaker
- Signed by President
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB396)
- Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB396ER)
- Enrolled
- House substitute agreed to by Senate (25-Y 14-N 0-A)
- Passed House with substitute (91-Y 7-N 0-A)
- Engrossed by House - committee substitute
- committee substitute agreed to
Showing 12 most recent of 36 actions. Full history