What you need to get a Virginia driver license for the first time
Virginia issues a driver license to people who pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You must be at least 16 years old. The process takes place at a DMV office, and you'll need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
If you're under 18, you start with a Learner's Permit first — you cannot go straight to a full license. The permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice. After holding the permit for a set time and meeting other requirements, you can test for the full license.
If you're 18 or older, you can skip the permit and test directly for a full license, though you still need to pass all three tests and bring the required documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written test, vision test, and driving test at a Virginia DMV office.
- Drivers under 18 must hold a Learner's Permit for at least 9 months and 10 days before testing for a full license.
- Bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security card or tax return to your DMV appointment.
- The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle.
- A Virginia driver license costs $65 for an 8-year license (or $48 for a 5-year license if you're over 70).
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Virginia requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot get a license without all three.
Proof of identity can be a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. A school ID or work ID does not count. If your birth certificate is from outside the U.S., it must be a certified copy.
Proof of residency must show your current Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you'll need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
The Learner's Permit requirement for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, Virginia law requires you to hold a Learner's Permit for at least 9 months and 10 days before you can test for a full driver license. During this time, you must drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat.
To get the Learner's Permit, you pass the written test and vision test at the DMV. You do not take a driving test yet. The permit costs $7 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you don't test for your full license within that year, you'll need to renew the permit.
While you hold the permit, Virginia has Graduated Driver License (GDL) restrictions that limit when and how you can drive. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. These rules stay in place until you pass your driving test and receive your full license.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 35 questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you can take it in English or Spanish.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle intersections, and what to do in bad weather. You can study using the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DMV website. Many people also use practice tests online to prepare.
You can retake the written test if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before trying again. There is no extra fee for retakes.
The driving test and how it works
The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads. You can use your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle, though using your own car is usually faster because you don't have to wait for a DMV vehicle to become available.
The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, steering, braking, turning, parking, and following traffic signs and signals. They also check that you can adjust mirrors, use turn signals, and maintain a safe speed. If you make a serious mistake — like running a red light, hitting something, or driving too fast — you fail when ready. Minor mistakes like slightly jerky braking or a slightly wide turn do not automatically fail you.
You must bring your Learner's Permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's registration to the test. If you use your own car, make sure it is in safe working condition: brakes, lights, wipers, and steering must all work properly. The examiner will check these before the test begins.
Cost and how long the license lasts
A Virginia driver license costs $65 and is valid for 8 years from the date you receive it. If you are over 70 years old, the license costs $48 and is valid for 5 years. You pay the fee when you pass your driving test and receive your license at the DMV office.
Your license will have an expiration date printed on it. You can renew it before it expires by visiting a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Virginia DMV website — the method depends on whether you need a new photo and how much time is left before expiration.
Real ID and what it means for your Virginia license
A Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver licenses and ID cards. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license (or a passport or military ID) to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building.
When you get your first Virginia driver license, you can choose whether to get a Real ID license or a standard license. Both cost the same and work for driving. The difference is that a Real ID requires you to bring additional documents that prove your identity and residency — the same documents listed earlier in this article. If you bring those documents, you automatically get a Real ID license.
If you want a standard license instead, you can tell the DMV staff when you explore. You can upgrade to a Real ID later by visiting a DMV office and bringing the required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test for my driver license before I turn 16?
No. Virginia law requires you to be at least 16 years old to hold a Learner's Permit or driver license. You can visit the DMV to learn about the process before you turn 16, but you cannot take any test until your 16th birthday.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee. You keep your Learner's Permit and can continue practicing. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need to take a driver education course?
Virginia does not require a driver education course to get a license, but taking one may lower your car insurance costs. Some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who complete an approved course. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer this discount.
Can I use an expired license from another state as proof of identity?
No. An expired license does not count as proof of identity for a Virginia license. You must bring a birth certificate, passport, passport card, or military ID.
How do I schedule my DMV appointment?
You can schedule an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website, by phone at 1-866-DMV-LINE, or by visiting a DMV office in person. Online scheduling is usually the fastest option and lets you pick a specific date and time.