What an adult learner's permit is and who needs one
Virginia's adult learner's permit is for people 18 and older who have never held a valid driver's license and want to learn to drive. It lets you practice driving with a licensed instructor or a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting beside you. You cannot drive alone with this permit.
You need an adult learner's permit if you're an adult without a license and want to practice before taking the road test. Virginia does not require it — you can go straight to the road test if you want — but most people use the permit period to build confidence and meet any insurance requirements their car insurance company may have.
The permit itself is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not pass your road test within that year, you can renew it, but you will need to pass the written test again.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid form of identification, and pass a written knowledge test to get an adult learner's permit in Virginia.
- The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free online.
- You must explore in person at a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location with your identification and proof of residency.
- With your permit, you can only drive with a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you.
- Your permit is valid for one year; if you do not pass your road test by then, you must renew it and retake the written test.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have one of those, bring a birth certificate or a state ID card. The DMV will not accept a school ID or a work ID.
You also need proof of your current Virginia address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address on it will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a recent bill, a signed letter from your landlord or a mortgage statement can work instead.
Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or a tax return. If you do not have your Social Security number, you can still get a permit, but you will need to fill out an additional form at the DMV.
The written knowledge test
The written test has 35 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.
You can study for free using the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is available on the DMV website. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours or a few days before taking the test; there is no minimum study time required.
You take the test on a computer at the DMV office. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Each time you retake it, you pay the permit fee again.
The cost and how long it takes
An adult learner's permit costs $16 in Virginia. This is a one-time fee when you first get the permit. When you renew it after one year, you pay the same amount.
The DMV processes your permit on the same day you pass the test. You will receive a temporary paper permit that you can use to drive when ready while you wait for your plastic card to arrive in the mail. The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks.
You can drive with the temporary permit right away. It is valid for the same one-year period as the plastic card. If your plastic card arrives before your permit expires, you can start using it instead.
Rules for driving with your adult learner's permit
You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. This person must have a valid driver's license — it can be from Virginia or another state. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only a passenger under 21 in the car.
You can drive during the day and at night with no time restrictions. Virginia does not have a curfew for adult learner's permit holders. You can drive on highways, local roads, and interstates as long as your supervising driver is with you.
You must follow all traffic laws — speed limits, traffic signals, and parking rules. Violating traffic laws while on a learner's permit can result in a ticket, and it may affect your ability to pass the road test later.
Moving from your permit to your driver's license
Once you feel ready, you can schedule a road test with the DMV. You do not have to wait any specific amount of time after getting your permit — you can take the road test the same day if you want, though most people practice for several weeks or months first.
To schedule your road test, call your local DMV office or book online through the Virginia DMV website. You will need your permit number. The road test costs $35 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive with a DMV examiner who will watch you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping.
If you pass, you will receive your driver's license on the same day. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. You do not need to retake the written test unless your permit has expired.
What happens if your permit expires
If your one-year permit expires and you have not passed your road test, you will need to renew your permit before you can continue practicing or take the road test. To renew, go back to the DMV with your expired permit and pay the $16 fee again.
When you renew, you must retake the written knowledge test. You cannot renew without passing the test again. Once you pass, you will receive a new permit valid for another year.
There is no limit to how many times you can renew your permit. Some people renew multiple times before passing their road test, and that is normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an adult 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 the suspension or revocation is lifted. You will need to resolve the issue in the state where it happened first. Contact that state's DMV to find out what steps you need to take.
Do I need to take a driver's education course to get a permit?
No. Virginia does not require a driver's education course for adults. You can study the Virginia Driver's Manual on your own and take the written test whenever you feel ready. A course is optional but may help you feel more confident.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period. Each time you retake the test, you pay the $16 permit fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the manual more.
Can I use my adult learner's permit to drive for work or delivery?
No. Your permit is for practice driving only. You cannot use it to drive for any job, including delivery or rideshare. You must have a full driver's license to drive for work.
What if I move out of Virginia while I have a permit?
Your Virginia permit is no longer valid once you move. You will need to get a learner's permit in your new state. Contact that state's DMV to find out what documents and tests you need.