How to Get Your Virginia Driver's License: Step-by-Step Requirements

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

To obtain 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 allow online or mail-in applications for new licenses. The entire process typically takes one visit if you pass both tests, though you may need to return for a second appointment to take the driving test if your local office cannot schedule it the same day.

Virginia issues licenses to people age 16 and older. If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can test for a full license. The state recognizes licenses from other states and countries, so if you already hold a valid license elsewhere, the requirements and fees may differ.

Key Takeaways

You must appear in person at a Virginia DMV customer service center; there is no online or remote option for obtaining a new license.
You will need to bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Virginia residency, and Social Security number before you take any test.
The written knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Virginia DMV manual available on the DMV website.
The driving skills test is a road test conducted by a DMV examiner; you must provide your own vehicle and bring a licensed adult if you are under 18.
If you hold a valid license from another state or country, you may be able to skip the written test and proceed directly to the road test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Virginia requires you to bring original documents or certified copies—photocopies alone are not accepted. You need one document proving your identity, one or more documents proving you live in Virginia, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will not issue a license without all three categories of proof.

For identity, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you may bring a certified birth certificate plus a second form of ID such as a school ID, work ID, or tribal ID. For Virginia residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you cannot locate your Social Security number, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before your DMV visit, though this adds time to the process.

Taking the Written Knowledge Test

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. You take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and results are available when ready. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional fee, though you must wait at least one hour before retesting.

The DMV publishes a free study manual called the Virginia Driver's Manual on its website at dmv.virginia.gov. The manual covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the DMV website. If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or from certain countries, you may be waived from the written test and proceed directly to the road test; ask the DMV staff when you arrive whether you are may be able to access for this waiver.

Scheduling and Taking the Driving Skills Test

After you pass the written test, you must schedule a road test with a DMV examiner. Some offices can schedule your road test for the same day; others have a waiting list that may be several weeks long, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a confirmation notice with your test date and time. If you cannot make that appointment, you can reschedule online through the DMV website or by calling the office.

For the road test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and a current inspection sticker. You will drive with a DMV examiner for approximately 20 minutes on local roads. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, and stopping. If you are under 18, you must bring a licensed adult (age 21 or older) who holds a valid driver's license. That adult will sit in the back seat during the test. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and may wait several weeks for the next available slot.

Fees and License Validity

Virginia charges a fee for the written test and a separate fee for the road test. As of 2024, the written test fee is $10 and the road test fee is $35. These fees are non-refundable even if you do not pass. Once you pass both tests, you pay the license fee, which varies by license type and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard five-year license costs more than a two-year license. Virginia also charges an additional fee if you need a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight.

Virginia driver's licenses expire on your birthday in the year shown on the card. You can renew your license online or by mail if it has not been suspended or revoked, but your first license must be obtained in person at a DMV office.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for a minimum of nine months and ten days before you can test for a full license. To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written knowledge test and bring the same identity, residency, and Social Security documents required for a full license. You do not take a road test for the permit.

While you hold a learner's permit, you may only drive when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. Once you have held the permit for the required time, you can schedule a road test. If you pass, you receive a Provisional License, which has additional restrictions until you turn 18. These restrictions include a limit on the number of teenage passengers you can carry and a continued nighttime driving restriction.

If You Already Hold a License from Another State or Country

If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you can exchange it for a Virginia license without taking the written test. You still must take the road test unless you are over 19 and have held your out-of-state license for at least one year. Bring your current out-of-state license plus proof of Virginia residency and your Social Security number. The fee is lower than for a new license because you are skipping the written test.

If you hold a valid license from a country outside the United States, Virginia will recognize it for up to one year while you are establishing residency. After one year, you must obtain a Virginia license. You will need to take both the written and road tests. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Virginia that may waive the written test; ask the DMV staff whether your country is on that list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Virginia requires you to take the written test in person at a DMV customer service center. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at any other location. You must visit an office during its business hours.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, but you must schedule a new appointment. There is no additional fee for the retest itself, but you may wait several weeks for the next available slot depending on how busy your local office is. You can take the test as many times as needed.

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

Yes. You must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition with valid license plates and a current inspection sticker. The DMV does not provide test vehicles. If the vehicle fails inspection during the test, the examiner will end the test and you will need to reschedule with a different vehicle.

How long does it take to get a Virginia driver's license from start to finish?

If you pass both tests on your first try and your local office can schedule the road test the same day as the written test, you can complete the process in one visit. However, many offices have waiting lists for road tests that range from one to four weeks. If you are under 18, you must also wait at least nine months and ten days after getting your learner's permit before you can test for a full license.

What if I lose my documents before my DMV appointment?

Contact the issuing agency to request a replacement. For a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. For a Social Security card, visit the Social Security Administration office. For a utility bill or bank statement, contact your provider. You will need these documents before you can visit the DMV, so plan ahead if you know you will need replacements.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.