What You Need to Do to Get Your Virginia License
To get your first driver's license in Virginia, you will pass through three stages: the learner's permit, the written knowledge test, and the road skills test. You cannot skip any of them. The entire process typically takes several weeks because Virginia requires you to hold your learner's permit for a minimum of nine months before you can take the road test — even if you pass the written test when ready.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all licensing. You will visit a DMV office in person for your learner's permit process, your written test, and your road skills test. Each visit requires specific documents and has its own fee. The process is the same whether you are 16 or 65, but the age you are when you start determines which restrictions explore to your license once you pass.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a Virginia learner's permit for at least nine months before you can take the road skills test, regardless of how quickly you pass the written test.
- Your first DMV visit requires proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number to obtain a learner's permit.
- The written knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- The road skills test is administered by a DMV examiner and lasts about 20 minutes; you must bring a vehicle that meets Virginia safety standards and a licensed adult supervisor.
- Fees total approximately $35 to $40 across all three stages, but the cost varies slightly depending on whether you renew in person or by mail later.
Documents You Need for Your Learner's Permit process
Bring originals and copies of three categories of documents to your first DMV visit. The DMV will keep copies and return your originals. Do not bring photocopies or faxes — they will not be accepted.
Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a school ID with a photo, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you use a birth certificate, it must be certified (embossed or sealed) and show your full name and date of birth. A hospital birth certificate does not count.
Proof of Virginia residency: A utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document showing your current Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Virginia address also works if it is from a government agency or a financial institution.
Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, such as a W-2 or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a learner's permit.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you to sign the process. They will need to show their own ID.
Getting Your Learner's Permit and Passing the Written Test
At your first DMV visit, you will complete the learner's permit process (Form DL-44), pay the permit fee (currently $8), and take the written knowledge test on the same day. The DMV does not require you to schedule this visit in advance at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is wise.
The written test has 35 questions covering Virginia traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and parking rules. You must answer at least 25 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. You will take it on a computer at the DMV office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.
Once you pass the written test, the DMV will issue your learner's permit when ready. Your permit is valid for five years. While you hold it, you must obey all permit restrictions: you cannot drive alone, you must have a licensed adult (21 or older) in the front seat beside you at all times, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the vehicle.
You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum of nine months before you are allowed to schedule a road skills test. This waiting period is mandatory and cannot be waived.
Scheduling and Taking Your Road Skills Test
After you have held your learner's permit for nine months, you can schedule your road skills test through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Tests are administered by appointment only. Scheduling typically opens 30 days in advance, and busy locations fill up quickly, so book as soon as the date you want becomes available.
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 inspection and registration, and be in safe working condition (working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering). You must also bring a licensed adult supervisor — someone at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license — who will sit in the front passenger seat during the test.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, backing up, turning, stopping, parking, and merging. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers both residential streets and busier roads. You must follow all traffic laws and obey the examiner's instructions. Common reasons for failing include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, hitting the curb while parking, and failing to use turn signals.
If you pass, the DMV will issue your driver's license on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one week. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs a fee (currently $10).
Fees and Timeline Summary
| Stage | Fee | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's Permit process | $8 | You explore in person, show documents, and take the written test on the same visit. |
| Written Test Retake (if needed) | No additional fee | You can retake the test the same day or return later at no cost. |
| Road Skills Test | $10 | You schedule by appointment after holding your permit for nine months and take the test with an examiner. |
| Road Skills Test Retake (if needed) | $10 per attempt | You can retake after waiting at least one week. |
The minimum timeline from start to finish is nine months and one day — the nine-month permit holding period plus the time to schedule and pass your road test. In practice, most people take longer because scheduling a road test appointment can take several weeks depending on your location and how quickly you book.
Your new driver's license will be valid for five years if you are under 21, or eight years if you are 21 or older. Renewal happens by mail or in person at a DMV office.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring photocopies of your documents to your first DMV visit. The DMV requires originals. Bring both originals and copies so the office can keep the copies and return your originals to you.
Do not assume you can take your road test as soon as you pass the written test. Virginia's nine-month waiting period is strict. Even if you pass the written test on day one, you cannot schedule a road test until nine months have passed.
Do not show up to your road test without proof of insurance. The vehicle must be insured, and you must bring documentation. The DMV will not let you test without it.
Do not bring a vehicle that fails Virginia's safety inspection standards. If the examiner finds broken lights, worn brakes, or missing equipment, your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee. Inspect your vehicle before you arrive.
Do not forget to bring your learner's permit to your road test. You cannot take the test without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road skills test before nine months if I pass the written test early?
No. Virginia requires you to hold your learner's permit for a minimum of nine months before you are allowed to schedule a road test. This waiting period cannot be shortened or waived, even if you pass the written test when ready.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it at no additional cost. You can retake it the same day you fail or return to the DMV another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can take it as many times as you need to pass.
Do I need to bring my own car to the road test?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered in Virginia, have valid inspection and registration, be insured, and be in safe working condition. You cannot use a DMV vehicle or a rental car for the test.
What happens if I fail the road skills test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one week. Each retake costs $10. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt the test. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next attempt.
Can someone else take the written test for me?
No. You must be present and take the test yourself. The DMV will verify your identity before you begin.