What You Need to Do to Get a Virginia Learner's Permit
To get a learner's permit in Virginia, you must visit a DMV location in person, bring specific documents, pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee. Virginia does not allow online applications for learner's permits — you cannot complete this process remotely. The entire visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and you will leave with your permit the same day if you pass the test.
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to explore. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you and sign the process. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Virginia DMV office with your parent or guardian if you are under 18; no online or mail applications are available.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or state ID).
- You will take a written test covering Virginia traffic laws and road signs; the test has 35 questions and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- The permit fee is $16 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, after which you must renew or upgrade to a full license.
- You can drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access, or bring a tax return or W-2 form showing your number.
Bring proof of Virginia residency dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy with your name and current Virginia address. A school record or DMV document is not accepted as proof of residency on its own.
Bring proof of identity. Acceptable documents are a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or a valid state ID from another state. A school ID, work ID, or social media account does not count. If your birth certificate is not certified (raised seal), the DMV will not accept it.
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must bring a photo ID showing their name and date of birth. They do not need to bring a separate document proving guardianship unless the last name on your birth certificate differs from theirs.
The Written Knowledge Test
The Virginia learner's permit test has 35 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 25 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is administered on a computer at the DMV office.
The test covers Virginia-specific rules, including speed limits, right-of-way, parking laws, and what to do at traffic signals and stop signs. It also includes questions about road signs and their meanings. You will see images of signs and must identify what they mean.
You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you will pay the $16 fee again. Most people pass on the first attempt if they study the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the DMV website or in print at any DMV office. You should study for at least one week before your test.
Fees and How Long Your Permit Lasts
The learner's permit fee is $16. This is a one-time fee for the permit itself; you do not pay additional fees to take the test. Payment is cash, check, or card at the DMV office.
Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. You do not need to renew it during that year. When the year is up, you can take the road test to earn your full license, or you can renew the permit for another year if you are not ready to test.
If your permit expires before you take your road test, you must return to the DMV and pay the $16 fee again to get a new one. You will not have to retake the written test — the DMV will issue a new permit based on your previous passing score.
Restrictions on Driving with a Learner's Permit
With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. This person must have a valid driver's license. They do not have to be a family member, but they must be physically present in the front seat — not in the back.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse. This is a hard rule; there are no exceptions for school, work, or emergencies.
You must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a true emergency. You must wear a seatbelt at all times, and all passengers must wear seatbelts.
Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Visit
Find your nearest DMV office on the Virginia DMV website. You can search by city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
Virginia does not require you to schedule an appointment for a learner's permit process, but many offices offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. You can walk in without an appointment, but you may wait longer during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon). If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early.
Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. Make a checklist before you leave home and check off each item as you pack it. Missing even one document will delay your process, and you may have to return another day.
What Happens After You Pass
If you pass the written test, the DMV will take your photo and issue your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is a plastic card similar to a driver's license. You must carry it with you every time you drive.
Your permit is valid for one year. During that year, you can take the road test to earn your full license. You do not have to wait any specific amount of time after getting your permit before you take the road test — you can test as soon as you feel ready, but most people wait at least a few weeks to practice driving with their permit.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day by paying the $16 fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts on the same day. If you fail twice in one visit, you may be asked to leave and return another day, though this is rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I was born outside the United States?
Yes. You need a certified birth certificate, passport, or passport card as proof of identity. If your birth certificate is from another country, it must be certified. You also need proof of Virginia residency and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security stating you are not may be able to access.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day by paying the $16 fee again. There is no waiting period. Most DMV offices allow two attempts in one visit. If you fail twice, you may need to return on another day. Study the Virginia Driver's Manual before your next attempt.
Do I need a parent or guardian to be with me if I am 18 or older?
No. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone. You still need to bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number. A parent or guardian does not need to sign your process.
Can I drive alone with a learner's permit?
No. You must have a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, even to the store or to school. This rule applies for the entire year you hold the permit.
How do I renew my learner's permit if it expires?
Return to the DMV office and pay the $16 fee. You will not retake the written test — the DMV will issue a new permit based on your previous passing score. Bring your expired permit and proof of residency. The process takes about 15 minutes.