What you need to bring to the DMV
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles requires six documents before you can take the learner's permit test. Bring them all in original form — photocopies are not accepted. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You also need a completed process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43), which you can fill out at home or at the DMV.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must sign the process in person. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone. Bring your original documents — do not rely on the DMV having copies or being able to verify them later.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring six original documents to the DMV: proof of identity, Social Security number, Virginia residency, and a signed process, plus your parent or guardian if you are under 18.
- The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
- Your learner's permit is valid for five years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
- Virginia's Graduated Driver Licensing law restricts when and how you can drive during the learner's permit phase, including a midnight curfew and no phone use while driving.
- You can take the written test the same day you submit your documents, but bring extra time for processing and waiting.
The written test and what it covers
After you submit your documents, you will take a written test on a computer at the DMV. The test has 35 questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 25 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, though you may have to wait and return later.
The test draws from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free online at the DMV website. Study the sections on right-of-way, speed limits, parking, traffic signals, and what different road signs mean. Many questions ask about specific Virginia laws — for example, the legal age to drive alone, the required distance to keep from emergency vehicles, and when you must use headlights. The test is not designed to trick you; it tests whether you know the rules you will follow on the road.
How long your permit is valid and what it lets you do
Your Virginia learner's permit is valid for five years from the date you receive it. During that time, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is 21 or older is in the front passenger seat next to you. That person must hold a valid driver's license — they cannot be learning to drive themselves. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other learner's permit holders in the car with you as the only licensed driver present.
Your permit does not expire if you turn 18 or 19 while holding it. You can keep using it until the five-year date, at which point you must either renew it or take the road test to get your full license. If your permit is lost or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office for a small fee.
Virginia's Graduated Driver Licensing restrictions during the permit phase
Virginia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law places specific limits on when and how you can drive with a learner's permit. If you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free — except to call 911 in an emergency. Texting is completely prohibited.
You must wear a seat belt at all times, and all passengers in the car must wear seat belts too. You cannot drive with more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless that person is a family member. These rules exist because new drivers are at higher risk of crashes, and the restrictions are designed to reduce that risk. Breaking these rules can result in a traffic ticket and fines.
The cost and how to pay
Virginia charges $16 for a learner's permit. You pay this fee when you submit your process at the DMV. Payment methods vary by location — most DMV offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm. The fee covers the permit itself and is not refundable if you fail the written test and need to retake it.
If you need a replacement permit because yours was lost or stolen, the replacement fee is also $16. If you renew your permit after it expires, you will pay the same fee and take the written test again.
Where to go and how to schedule your appointment
Virginia DMV offices are located throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you on the DMV website by entering your zip code. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments to manage wait times. You can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website or by calling the DMV customer service line. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in busy areas, so plan ahead.
When you arrive, bring all six documents and your completed process. Bring extra time — even with an appointment, processing can take 30 minutes to an hour. If you are taking the written test the same day, budget additional time for that. Some offices are busier than others; if your local office has long waits, consider visiting a less busy location nearby.
What happens after you pass the written test
Once you pass the written test, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot. You will receive a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. Your permit includes your photo, name, address, date of birth, and the expiration date. Keep it in a safe place — if it is lost or stolen, you will need to pay for a replacement.
With your permit in hand, you can now begin supervised driving. You must log your practice hours if you are under 18; Virginia requires at least 60 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night, before you can take the road test for your full license. Keep a record of your driving practice. When you are ready to take the road test, you will schedule another appointment at the DMV and bring your permit, your supervising driver, and a vehicle that meets inspection standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, Virginia will not issue you a permit until that suspension or revocation is lifted. You must resolve the issue in the state where it occurred first. Contact that state's DMV to find out what steps you need to take.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost. Most people who fail study the Virginia Driver's Manual more carefully and pass on the second attempt. If you fail multiple times, ask the DMV staff for study materials or consider using online practice tests.
Do I need to take a road test to get my learner's permit?
No. The learner's permit requires only the written test. You take a road test later, after you have logged your supervised driving hours and feel ready to drive alone. The road test is a separate appointment and a separate fee.
Can someone from out of state supervise my driving?
Yes. Your supervising driver must be 21 or older and hold a valid driver's license from any state or country, but they must be physically present in the front passenger seat. A learner's permit from another state does not count as a valid license for supervision purposes.
What if I move to another state while I have a Virginia learner's permit?
Your Virginia permit remains valid in most other states, but you should check the rules of the state you are moving to. Some states have different GDL restrictions. If you plan to stay in the new state long-term, you may want to transfer your permit or get a new one there instead.