What You Need to Do to Get a Virginia Driver's License
To obtain a Virginia driver's license, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location 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 between two and four weeks from the day you pass your driving test, though you can drive with a temporary permit while waiting for your card to arrive.
You cannot skip the in-person requirement or the tests, even if you hold a valid license from another state. Virginia will give you credit for a current out-of-state license by waiving the knowledge test, but you still must take the road test and appear at a DMV office with your documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test at a Virginia DMV office; neither can be done online or by mail.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
- The knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; study materials are free on the Virginia DMV website, and you can take the test in English or Spanish.
- The road test is scheduled separately after you pass the knowledge test, and you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- Your temporary permit allows you to drive alone after you pass the knowledge test, but the permanent card takes two to four weeks to arrive by mail.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Virginia requires specific original documents or certified copies. You cannot use photocopies, faxes, or digital images. Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a document showing your legal status in the country.
You also need proof of Virginia residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current Virginia address. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
Bring your original Social Security card or a document that displays your full Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain a Virginia license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but you must bring documentation from the IRS showing your ITIN.
The Knowledge Test: What to Study and How to Prepare
The Virginia knowledge test has 35 questions and covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules specific to Virginia. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish at all DMV locations.
The Virginia DMV publishes a free study guide called the Virginia Driver's Manual on its website at dmvnow.com. You can read it online or read a PDF. The manual covers every topic on the test. Many people also use the free practice tests available on the same website, which let you take sample exams under timed conditions before you go to the DMV.
You can take the knowledge test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail. Once you pass, you receive a temporary permit that is valid for 60 days and allows you to drive alone on Virginia roads while you schedule and prepare for your road test.
Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test
After you pass the knowledge test, the DMV will give you information on how to schedule your road test. You can book your test online at dmvnow.com, by phone at 1-866-DMV-LINE, or in person at the DMV office where you took your knowledge test. Road test appointments typically have a wait of one to three weeks depending on the location and time of year.
For your road test, bring your temporary permit, a vehicle that is registered in Virginia (or in another state if you are a new resident), proof of insurance, and your Social Security card or identification. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and steering. The examiner will check these before the test begins.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes and includes driving on local roads, parking, turning, stopping, and merging. The examiner will give you directions and watch how you handle the vehicle and follow traffic laws. You must pass on your first attempt or schedule another test. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting one day, and you pay the test fee again.
Fees and Payment Methods
Virginia DMV fees vary by license type and validity period. A standard five-year driver's license costs $40. An eight-year license costs $64. These fees cover the knowledge test, road test, and the card itself. You pay the full fee at your first visit when you take the knowledge test, even if you have not yet passed the road test.
The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all locations. Some offices also accept checks. If you are renewing a license or replacing a lost card, fees are lower and may differ based on your situation. Check the Virginia DMV website for the exact fee that applies to you.
Timeline From process to Receiving Your Card
The process unfolds in stages. On your first visit, you take the knowledge test (same day). If you pass, you receive a temporary permit when ready and can drive while you wait for your road test appointment. Your road test appointment is typically scheduled one to three weeks later. On the day of your road test, you drive with the examiner (about 20 minutes), and if you pass, you are told you have passed on the spot.
After you pass the road test, the DMV mails your permanent license card to the address on your process. This takes two to four weeks. During this time, your temporary permit remains valid for driving. Once your card arrives, the temporary permit is no longer needed. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Virginia DMV to check the status.
What Happens If You Fail the Road Test
If you do not pass the road test, you can retake it after one day has passed. You must pay the road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but your temporary permit is only valid for 60 days from the date you passed the knowledge test. If your temporary permit expires before you pass the road test, you must retake the knowledge test to get a new permit.
The examiner will tell you which skills you need to improve before your next attempt. Common reasons for failing include unsafe lane changes, failure to obey traffic signals, improper parking, or not checking mirrors and blind spots. Review the Virginia Driver's Manual and practice the specific skills the examiner noted before you schedule your next test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my out-of-state license to skip the knowledge test?
Yes, if your out-of-state license is currently valid, Virginia will waive the knowledge test. You still must take the road test and bring all required documents. If your out-of-state license has expired, you must take both tests.
Do I need to bring the vehicle I will be driving for the road test to my first DMV visit?
No. You only need to bring the vehicle on the day of your road test. At your first visit for the knowledge test, bring only your documents. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name if you have permission from the owner.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a document from your state or country's vital records office. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate, contact the Virginia DMV before your visit to learn what documents you can bring instead.
Can I take the knowledge test in a language other than English or Spanish?
Virginia offers the knowledge test in English and Spanish only. If you need an interpreter for the road test, contact your local DMV office at least one week before your appointment to request one.
What if I move to a different Virginia address before my license card arrives?
Contact the Virginia DMV with your new address before your card is mailed. You can update your address online at dmvnow.com, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. Your card will be mailed to your new address.