The basic path to a Virginia driver's license
To get a Virginia driver's license, you need to pass a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and a vision screening at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You'll also need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary license the day you pass your driving test.
Virginia has two routes: you can get a regular license at 18 with no restrictions, or you can get a learner's permit at 16 and then upgrade to a full license at 17 if you meet additional requirements. Most first-time applicants follow the learner's permit route because it's the legal requirement for anyone under 18.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Virginia address to any DMV office.
- The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Virginia DMV manual available on the DMV website.
- If you're under 18, you must get a learner's permit first and hold it for at least 9 months before you can take the driving test.
- The driving test includes a vehicle inspection, a vision check, and a 20-minute road test with a DMV examiner.
- You'll pay a one-time license fee (currently $36 for an eight-year license) plus separate fees for the knowledge test and driving test.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Virginia requires you to show proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof that you live in Virginia. An original or certified birth certificate works as your primary identity document. If you don't have a birth certificate, you can use a valid passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. For Virginia residency, you need two documents from different sources—examples include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. Both documents must show your current Virginia address and be dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your documents in person to a DMV office. You cannot submit them by mail for a first-time license. If any document is not in English, bring an official English translation along with the original.
Getting your learner's permit if you're under 18
If you're under 18, Virginia law requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 9 months before you can take the driving test. You get the learner's permit by passing the written knowledge test at a DMV office. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
Once you have your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat with you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions stay in place for the entire 9 months you hold the permit.
After you've held the permit for 9 months and completed at least 60 hours of supervised driving (with at least 10 hours at night), you can schedule your driving test. You must bring your learner's permit and the supervising driver to the test appointment.
Passing the written knowledge test
The Virginia DMV knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the free Virginia Driver's Manual, which is available as a PDF on the Virginia DMV website. The manual is about 80 pages and covers everything the test asks about.
The test itself has 35 multiple-choice questions. You have 30 minutes to complete it, and you need to score at least 80 percent (28 correct answers) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day—there's no waiting period between attempts. Each test attempt costs $10.
You take the test on a computer at a DMV office. The examiner will read questions aloud if you ask, and you can request the test in a language other than English if you need it. After you pass, you'll receive your learner's permit on the spot.
Scheduling and passing the driving test
Once you've held your learner's permit for 9 months (or you're 18 or older and don't need a permit), you can schedule a driving test. Book your appointment online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling 1-866-368-5463. The DMV typically has openings within 2 to 4 weeks, though this varies by location and season.
On test day, bring your learner's permit (if you have one), proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll be driving. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection—the examiner will check your lights, wipers, brakes, horn, and mirrors. If anything fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
The driving test itself lasts about 20 minutes. You'll drive on local roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance. The examiner is looking for safe lane changes, proper speed control, correct use of signals, smooth braking, and awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians. You need to pass this test to get your full license. If you fail, you can retake it after 1 week. Each driving test attempt costs $20.
Getting your license after you pass the driving test
If you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the same day. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Your permanent Virginia driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DMV office, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.
The license fee is $36 for an eight-year license if you're 18 or older. If you're under 18, your license expires on your 18th birthday, and the fee is lower. You pay this fee when you pass your driving test, not when you explore for the permit.
Once your permanent license arrives, keep it with you whenever you drive. If it doesn't arrive within 4 weeks, contact the Virginia DMV to check the status.
Finding a DMV office and scheduling your visit
Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Virginia DMV website. Some offices are busier than others—rural offices often have shorter wait times than offices in large cities.
You do not need an appointment to take the written knowledge test, but you should arrive early because wait times can be long. For the driving test, you must schedule an appointment in advance online or by phone. Walk-ins are not accepted for driving tests.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they don't get lost. The DMV staff will review them before you take any test, and they'll tell you right away if something is missing or invalid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Virginia license if I just moved here from another state?
Yes. You'll need to surrender your out-of-state license and pass Virginia's knowledge and driving tests. You don't need to hold a learner's permit if you're 18 or older and already have a valid license from another state. Bring your out-of-state license along with your birth certificate and proof of Virginia residency.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after 1 week. There's no limit to how many times you can try. Each attempt costs $20. Many people pass on their second or third try, so one failure doesn't mean you won't get your license.
Do I need to take a driver's education course?
No, Virginia does not require a formal driver's education course to get a license. However, if you're under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for 9 months and complete 60 hours of supervised driving. Some high schools offer driver's education, which can help you prepare, but it's not mandatory.
How much does the whole process cost?
The total cost is $36 for the license fee, $10 for the knowledge test, and $20 for the driving test, totaling $66. If you fail either test and retake it, you'll pay the test fee again. There are no other required fees.
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
For your first license, you must explore in person at a DMV office. Once you have a valid Virginia license, you can renew it online or by mail in future years, depending on your age and license type.