What You Need to Do to Get a Virginia License
To get your first Virginia driver's license, you will complete three separate steps: pass a written knowledge test, pass a driving skills test, and provide the required documents at the DMV. Virginia does not issue a learner's permit as a separate step — instead, you get a Learner's Permit first (valid for one year), then take your road test and receive your full license. The entire process typically takes several weeks because you must wait at least 30 days after getting your permit before you can take the road test.
You will visit a DMV office twice: once to get your permit, and again to take your road test and receive your license. Some people complete both visits on the same day if they already hold a valid permit from another state, but first-time applicants must space them out. Bring original documents both times — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain a Learner's Permit first and hold it for at least 30 days before you can take your road test.
- Bring an original document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to your first DMV visit.
- The written knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Virginia DMV manual available on the DMV website.
- Your road test appointment must be scheduled in advance, and you will need a vehicle and a licensed adult driver present during the test.
- The total cost is $35 for the Learner's Permit and $35 for the license, plus a $15 road test fee if you use a DMV-provided examiner.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Virginia requires specific original documents at your first visit. You need one document proving your identity and one proving you live in Virginia. For identity, bring your passport, certified birth certificate, state ID from another state, or military ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy — the document must show your name and Virginia address and be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to provide the number from memory. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with a valid ID. Do not bring originals of documents you want to keep — the DMV will not return them. Make copies beforehand if you need to keep the originals.
Getting Your Learner's Permit: The First DMV Visit
At your first DMV visit, you will take the written knowledge test and receive your Learner's Permit if you pass. The test has 35 questions and covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the DMV staff which languages are available at your location.
Study using the Virginia Driver's Manual, available free on the Virginia DMV website (dmv.virginia.gov). The manual covers everything on the test. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test. You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait one day before trying again, and you will pay the $35 permit fee each time you test.
Once you pass the written test, you will receive your Learner's Permit when ready. Your permit is valid for one year and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive alone. The permit costs $35.
The 30-Day Waiting Period and Supervised Driving
Virginia requires you to hold your Learner's Permit for at least 30 days before you can take your road test. Use this time to practice driving with a licensed adult. There is no minimum number of hours required, but the more you practice, the more confident you will be on the test.
During this period, you must follow all permit restrictions: drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat, do not drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and do not use a cell phone while driving (except in emergencies). Violating these rules can result in fines and may delay your ability to get your license.
You can schedule your road test appointment anytime during this 30-day window, but your test cannot happen until the 30 days have passed. Schedule early if you can, because road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas.
Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test
Schedule your road test by calling your local DMV office or using the Virginia DMV website. You will need your Learner's Permit number and a phone number where you can be reached. Road test appointments are typically available within two to four weeks of when you call, depending on your location. Some DMV offices have longer wait times than others.
On the day of your test, bring your Learner's Permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition: all lights must work, brakes must be functional, and the windshield must be clean and uncracked. Bring a licensed adult driver (age 21 or older) to be present during the test, though they will not be in the vehicle with you.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle the vehicle in traffic. You must pass the test to receive your license. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and pay the $15 test fee again.
Receiving Your License and Understanding Restrictions
If you pass your road test, you will receive your Virginia driver's license on the same day. The license costs $35. Your license is valid for eight years (or until age 21 if you are under 18 when you receive it, then it must be renewed). If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions printed on it.
If you received your license before age 18, you will have a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) with these restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. (except to school, work, or medical emergencies), you cannot have more than one passenger under age 21 in the vehicle (except family members), and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold your license for 12 months, whichever comes first.
Your physical license card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that is valid when ready. Carry both the temporary license and your Learner's Permit until your card arrives.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is not bringing original documents. Photocopies, photos of documents, or digital copies on your phone will not be accepted. Bring the actual document. If you forget, you will have to leave and come back another day.
Another mistake is scheduling your road test before 30 days have passed since you received your Learner's Permit. The DMV computer will not allow you to test early, and you will waste a trip. Count 30 days from the date on your permit before calling to schedule.
A third mistake is bringing a vehicle that is not in safe condition. If the examiner finds a safety problem — burned-out headlights, worn brakes, or a cracked windshield — they will cancel your test and you will have to reschedule. Check the vehicle thoroughly the day before your test.
Finally, do not assume you can use a DMV-provided vehicle for your test. Most Virginia DMV offices do not provide test vehicles, so you must bring your own. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm whether they provide vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test with a vehicle I do not own?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name. Bring proof of insurance for the vehicle. The owner does not have to be present, but a licensed adult age 21 or older must be at the DMV during your test (they will wait in the waiting area while you drive).
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. You will pay the $15 test fee again. Your Learner's Permit remains valid, so you can continue practicing. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs $15.
Do I need to take a driver's education course?
No. Virginia does not require a driver's education course to get your license. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved driver's education course may lower your car insurance rates. Check with your insurance company.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your Virginia license up to one year before it expires. Renewals can be done by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Check the DMV website for the renewal process and fees.
What if I move to Virginia from another state and already have a license?
You do not need to take the written test or road test. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia license by visiting a DMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. The fee is $35. Bring your Social Security card or be prepared to provide your number.