What you need to do to get a Virginia driver's license

To get a Virginia driver's license, you visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. You pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, then pay the fee. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary license the day you pass your driving test.

Virginia issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, you start with a learner's permit, drive with a licensed adult for a set period, then return to pass the road test. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can go straight to the full license test without the permit step.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Virginia address — copies or digital photos do not work.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Virginia DMV handbook before you go.
  • The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.
  • A Virginia driver's license costs $70 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older, or $35 for a five-year license if you are under 21.
  • You can schedule your test appointment online through the Virginia DMV website, which usually reduces wait times.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Virginia requires original documents — not copies, not photos on your phone. You need one document from each of three categories: identity, Social Security number, and Virginia residency.

For identity, bring a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. For Virginia residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document addressed to you at your Virginia address. The residency document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the DMV. Bring their ID as well.

The written knowledge test

The Virginia written test has 35 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test covers Virginia-specific rules like right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean.

You can study for free using the Virginia DMV handbook, which is available as a PDF on the Virginia DMV website. Many people also use the DMV's online practice test, which shows you the kinds of questions you will see. You take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your score when ready.

If you fail, you can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake it.

The road test and what happens after

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner sits in your car while you drive a set route in your local area. They watch how you handle turns, lane changes, parking, stopping at traffic lights, and following speed limits. You must use your turn signals, check your mirrors, and obey all traffic laws. Minor mistakes like hesitating at a stop sign usually do not fail you, but serious mistakes like running a red light or hitting a curb do.

You must bring the car you will test in to your appointment. The car must be registered in Virginia, have valid insurance, and pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). If the car fails the safety check, you cannot test that day.

If you pass the road test, the DMV issues you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee.

Fees and how long it takes

A Virginia driver's license costs $70 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the cost is $35 for a five-year license. These are one-time fees; you do not pay again until you renew.

The timeline depends on how fast you schedule your tests. If you book your written test right away, you can take it within a few days. After you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test, which may be one to four weeks out depending on how busy your local DMV is. Once you pass the road test, you get your temporary license when ready and your permanent card in two to three weeks.

You can schedule both tests online through the Virginia DMV website, which usually has more open slots than calling or walking in.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Virginia, you do not have to take the written and road tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia license by visiting the DMV with your current license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as a new license: $70 for eight years if you are 21 or older.

You do not need to take the written test or road test unless your out-of-state license is expired or suspended. If your license is suspended in another state, Virginia will not issue you a license until that suspension is lifted.

Real ID and what it means for your Virginia license

Virginia offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Getting a Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and requires the same documents, plus one extra document proving your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return). You can request a Real ID license when you explore for your new license, or you can upgrade a standard license to Real ID later at any DMV office.

If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license works fine for driving and state ID purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule the road test for a later date. Most people schedule the road test for one to four weeks after passing the written test, depending on DMV availability in their area.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee. You do not have to retake the written test. You can schedule your next road test appointment online or by calling your local DMV office.

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

Yes. The car must be registered in Virginia, have valid insurance, and pass a safety inspection at the DMV. The examiner will check that your brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering work properly before the test begins.

What if I move to Virginia from another state and already have a license?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia license without taking the written or road test. Bring your current license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any DMV office. The fee is $70 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older.

How do I know if I need a Real ID license?

You need a Real ID license if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you only drive and use your license for state ID purposes, a standard license is fine. You can upgrade to Real ID anytime at a DMV office.