What You Need to Do to Get a Virginia Driver's License

To get a Virginia driver's license, you must visit a DMV customer service center in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. Virginia does not issue licenses by mail or online. The entire process typically takes several visits: one for your written test and one for your road test, which are scheduled separately. You cannot take the road test on the same day as your written test.

Virginia offers different license types depending on your age and driving history. A standard Class D license is for drivers 18 and older. If you are 16 or 17, you must first obtain a learner's permit, hold it for a set period, and then test for a Provisional License before you can get a full Class D license. The rules and waiting periods are different for each age group.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Virginia DMV customer service center in person with original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • The written knowledge test and road test are scheduled on separate visits, and you cannot take both on the same day.
  • If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit and hold it for at least 9 months before you can test for a Provisional License.
  • The current fee for a Class D driver's license is $40 for an eight-year license, and you must bring a completed process for a Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43).
  • Virginia accepts a limited list of documents for proof of identity and residency; a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or state ID card are common choices for identity.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Virginia requires original documents, not copies. Bring your completed process for a Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can fill out before you go or at the DMV. You will also need one document that proves your identity and one that proves your Virginia residency.

For identity, Virginia accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, a school ID with a photo, or a work ID with a photo. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, or a government check. The document must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. You will also need to provide your Social Security number; you can bring your Social Security card or state it verbally if you know it.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must bring proof of legal presence in the United States, such as a valid visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or green card.

The Written Knowledge Test: What to Expect

The Virginia written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass (80 percent). You will take the test on a computer at the DMV. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; ask the DMV staff which languages are available at your location.

You can study using the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Virginia DMV website. The manual covers everything on the test. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a 12-month period. If you fail, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. There is no fee to take the test.

After you pass the written test, the DMV will schedule your road test. The wait time for a road test varies by location and season; in some areas it may be several weeks. You will receive a notice with your test date and time.

The Road Test: Scheduling and What Happens

Your road test is scheduled after you pass the written test. You cannot take the road test on the same day as your written test. When you arrive for your road test, bring your learner's permit (if you are under 18) or your written test passing notice, your valid ID, and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive.

The test lasts about 20 minutes. You will drive on local roads while a DMV examiner watches and scores your performance. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, and stopping. You must follow traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day. There is no fee for the road test itself.

Once you pass the road test, you are ready to pay the license fee and receive your license. If you are under 18, you will receive a Provisional License, which has restrictions on when and where you can drive. A full Class D license has no restrictions.

Fees and License Validity

A Virginia Class D driver's license costs $40 and is valid for eight years. The fee is paid at the DMV after you pass your road test. You can pay by cash, check, or card. If you need to renew your license before the eight years are up, you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, but your first license must be obtained in person.

If you are 18 to 20 years old, your license is valid for five years instead of eight. If you are 21 or older, it is valid for eight years. Licenses for drivers 70 and older are valid for five years.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are 16 or 17, you must first obtain a learner's permit before you can get a Provisional License. To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written knowledge test and provide the same documents as for a full license. A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year.

Once you have your learner's permit, you must hold it for at least 9 months and 10 days before you can take the road test for a Provisional License. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front passenger seat. After you pass the road test, you receive a Provisional License, which is valid until you turn 18. A Provisional License has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in an emergency).

When you turn 18, your Provisional License automatically converts to a full Class D license with no restrictions. You do not need to take another test or visit the DMV.

Where to Find Your Local DMV and Schedule Your Test

Virginia has DMV customer service centers in most cities and counties. You can find the location nearest you and check hours on the Virginia DMV website. Some locations are busier than others; visiting early in the day or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.

You can schedule your written test online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling the DMV. Scheduling online is faster. Your road test is scheduled automatically after you pass the written test; the DMV will mail or email you a notice with the date and time. If you need to reschedule either test, you can do so online or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?

No. Virginia requires you to take the written test first, then schedule the road test for a later date. The road test cannot be scheduled until after you have passed the written test.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting at least one day. There is no fee for retaking the test. You will need to schedule a new test date through the DMV.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You cannot use a DMV vehicle for the test.

Can I renew my Virginia license online?

You can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, such as having no medical or legal holds. However, your first license must be obtained in person at a DMV customer service center.

What if I move to Virginia from another state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a Virginia license by visiting the DMV with your out-of-state license and proof of Virginia residency. You will not need to retake the written or road test, but you must pay the $40 license fee.