What you need to do to get a new Virginia driver's license
To get your first Virginia driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a road skills test, and a vision screening at a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location. You cannot take the road test until you have held a learner's permit for at least 15 days. Before you can get the permit, you need to bring specific documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Virginia residency to a DMV office in person.
The process has two stages: first you get a learner's permit, then you schedule and pass the road test to receive your license. Most people complete both stages within 4 to 8 weeks, though the road test wait time varies by location and season. You will pay a fee at each stage.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, Social Security card or tax return, and proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to your first DMV visit.
- The learner's permit requires passing a written knowledge test and vision screening; you must wait at least 15 days before scheduling your road test.
- The road skills test is a 20-minute drive with a DMV examiner and covers basic vehicle control, turns, parking, and following traffic laws.
- Road test appointments fill up quickly in spring and summer; booking as soon as you are may be able to access can reduce your wait time.
- You pay a separate fee for the learner's permit and again when you pass the road test and receive your license.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Virginia requires you to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof that you live in Virginia. The DMV will not issue a permit or license without all three categories.
For identity, bring your original or certified birth certificate, or a valid passport. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, or a tax return from the past two years, or a W-2 form. For Virginia residency, bring a current utility bill, a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. The residency document must show your name and current Virginia address and be dated within the past 60 days.
You will also need to complete form DL-44 (process for Driver's License) before you arrive, though you can also fill it out at the DMV office. Bring your Social Security number and know your Virginia address.
The learner's permit: written test and vision screening
At your first DMV visit, you will take a written knowledge test covering Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions; you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or the printed manual available at any DMV office.
You will also have your vision screened at the DMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate back to the DMV before you can get your permit.
If you pass both the knowledge test and vision screening, you will receive your learner's permit on the same day. The permit is valid for five years. You must wait at least 15 days from the date you receive it before you can schedule your road test. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.
Scheduling and taking the road skills test
Once you have held your learner's permit for at least 15 days, you can schedule your road test online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Road test appointments are typically available 2 to 8 weeks out, depending on your location and the time of year. Spring and summer have longer wait times; fall and winter usually have shorter waits.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered in Virginia, have valid tags, and be in safe working condition. Bring someone who is at least 21 years old to drive the vehicle to the test location; you cannot drive there alone on your learner's permit.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the vehicle, turning left and right, changing lanes, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), stopping at traffic lights and stop signs, and following posted speed limits. The examiner is looking for safe vehicle control and your ability to follow traffic laws. If you fail, you can schedule another test; there is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time.
Fees and what happens after you pass
The learner's permit costs $16. The road skills test costs $10. When you pass the road test, you pay an additional $20 for your driver's license. If you need to retake the road test, you pay the $10 fee again for each attempt.
Once you pass the road test, the DMV will issue your license on the same day or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on your local office. Your Virginia driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 21, or five years if you are 21 or older. You can renew it online or by mail before it expires.
Common mistakes that delay or block your license
The most frequent reason people are turned away at the DMV is bringing documents that do not meet the requirements. Photocopies, even notarized ones, are not accepted for identity or Social Security proof. Residency documents must be dated within 60 days and show your current address; an old utility bill or a lease with a different address will not work. If you bring the wrong documents, you will have to return another day.
Another common mistake is scheduling the road test before you have actually held your learner's permit for 15 days. The DMV system will not let you book a test before that date, but if you miscalculate or forget when you received your permit, you may show up for an appointment you cannot take. Check the date on your permit before you schedule.
Some people also fail the road test because they did not practice enough or because the vehicle they brought was not in safe condition. Examiners will cancel the test if the vehicle has a broken taillight, worn tires, or other safety issues. Make sure the vehicle is in working order before you arrive.
If you are under 18: additional rules
Virginia has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. After you pass your road test and receive your license, you will have a Learner's Permit Extended (LPE) status for the first six months. During this time, you cannot drive alone; you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat at all times.
After six months with the LPE status, you can request an unrestricted license. You do not need to take another test; the DMV will upgrade your license automatically or upon request. You will also have a curfew restriction until you turn 18: you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must take the written knowledge test in person at a Virginia DMV office. You cannot take it online or at home. You can study online using the DMV's free materials, but the test itself must be administered by DMV staff.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake it as many times as you need. You must pay the $10 test fee each time you schedule a new appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you may have to wait weeks for the next available appointment depending on your location.
Do I need to take a driver's education course?
Virginia does not require a driver's education course to get your license, though some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one. If you are under 18, completing an approved course may reduce your insurance premiums.
Can I use a passport instead of a birth certificate?
Yes. A valid U.S. passport counts as proof of identity and can be used in place of a birth certificate. You still need to bring separate proof of your Social Security number and Virginia residency.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?
If the DMV issues it on the same day, you receive it when ready. If they mail it, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can ask at your test appointment whether your local office issues licenses same-day or by mail.