Virginia learner's permit test costs $10, and you take it at your local DMV office

The Virginia DMV learner's permit written test costs $10 when you take it in person at a DMV location. You cannot take this test online or by mail — you must go to an office, bring your documents, and sit for the exam on the spot. The test itself is 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass.

The $10 fee covers only the test. If you pass, you'll pay an additional fee when you receive your permit card in the mail — that's a separate charge. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you'll pay the $10 fee again each time.

Virginia does not charge extra fees for retakes, scheduling, or rescheduling. You pay $10 per attempt, whether it's your first try or your fifth.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test itself costs $10 and must be taken at a DMV office; there is no online or mail option.
  • You need to pass 28 out of 35 questions to pass the test.
  • The $10 fee applies each time you take the test, including retakes.
  • Once you pass the written test, you will pay an additional fee when your physical permit card arrives by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of identity to the DMV office on test day.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Before you pay the $10 and sit for the test, the DMV will ask you to show documents that prove who you are and where you live. Bring your Social Security number (written down or on a card), a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or school ID in some cases), and proof of Virginia residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address.

If you're under 18, you'll also need a signed parental consent form. The DMV provides this form on its website, or you can fill it out at the office. Your parent or guardian must sign it in front of a DMV employee or have it notarized before you arrive.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone usually won't work. If you're missing any document, the DMV will turn you away and you won't be charged the $10 fee that day.

How the written test works and what it covers

The test is 35 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The questions come from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which the DMV publishes free online and in print at any DMV office.

Common topics include right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. You'll also see questions about seat belts, distracted driving, and how to handle emergencies on the road.

You can request the test in languages other than English — Spanish, Arabic, and several others are available. Tell the DMV employee when you arrive, and they will provide the test in your language at no extra cost.

What happens if you fail the test

If you score below 28 out of 35, you fail and do not receive a permit. You can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts in Virginia. Each retake costs another $10.

The DMV will give you a score sheet showing which topics you missed. Use that to study the Virginia Driver's Manual again before your next attempt. Most people pass on the second or third try if they study the manual between tests.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs $10. If cost is a concern, spend extra time studying the manual before your first test to reduce the chance of needing a retake.

When you can take the test and how to schedule

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours. You do not need to schedule an appointment for the learner's permit test — you can walk in during office hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning or mid-week visits usually have shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.

Check the DMV website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go. Some rural offices have limited hours or are only open certain days of the week.

Bring all your documents and the $10 fee in cash or card (most offices accept both). Plan to spend 30 to 60 minutes at the office, including time to check in, verify your documents, take the test, and receive your results.

The permit card fee and what comes after passing the test

Once you pass the written test, you don't pay anything else that day. However, Virginia will mail you a physical learner's permit card within 7 to 10 business days. When that card arrives, you'll have already paid for it — the fee is included in the $10 test cost.

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you pass the test. During that year, you must practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you must follow all permit restrictions (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., for example).

After one year with your learner's permit, you can take the road test (the driving test) at a DMV office. That test has its own fee, which is separate from the $10 learner's permit test fee.

Cost comparison: Virginia learner's permit test versus other states

Virginia's $10 learner's permit test fee is on the lower end compared to other states. Some states charge $5 to $15 for a written test, while others charge $20 or more. Virginia does not charge extra for retakes, which saves money if you need more than one attempt.

The total cost to get a learner's permit in Virginia — test fee plus permit card — stays under $15 in most cases. The road test (driving test) costs more and is a separate fee when you're ready for that step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the learner's permit test online in Virginia?

No. Virginia requires you to take the written test in person at a DMV office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location. You must show up with your documents and take the test at the office.

What if I fail the test — do I have to wait before retaking it?

No waiting period. You can retake the test the same day or come back another day whenever you want. Each attempt costs $10. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Do I need an appointment to take the learner's permit test?

No appointment is required. You can walk into any DMV office during business hours and take the test. However, wait times vary by location and time of day, so arriving early or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.

What if I don't have all my documents when I go to the DMV?

The DMV will not let you take the test without the required documents. You won't be charged the $10 fee if you're turned away. Go home, gather your documents, and return another day.

Is the $10 fee the only cost to get a learner's permit in Virginia?

The $10 test fee covers the written test and the permit card that arrives by mail. There are no other fees for the learner's permit itself. The road test (driving test) is a separate fee when you take it later.