an individual that's 18 years of age or older should be able to get his or driver's license and being held to obtain a permit for any period of time. i'm upset that in virginia an 18 year old has to hold a permit for 9 months and then get his or her license. NINE MONTHS! why so long? that's ridiculous. one can get excellent driving experience within a month. and within those nine months you have to take a driver's education program. how can 18 years olds in my situation take that program while they're going to college. however, life is always complicated.