If you are 20 years old do you have to get your permit first in va

This is a great question and at times it can be very confusing because each state has different rules and age requirements for obtaining a drivers license. Virginia’s driving license rules state that if you are nineteen (19) years or older and this is your first drivers license, then you must apply and get a learner’s permit. You must hold your learners permit for a minimum of thirty (30) days. However, if you decide to take a Drivers Ed course as soon as you receive your Learners Permit, then you do not have to hold the Permit for at least 30 days. 

The rules change completely if you are under nineteen (19) years of age. In that case, you must take a driver education course and you must apply for a learners permit and hold it for a minimum of nine (9) months.