What You Need to Know Before You Start

Virginia's learner's permit is called a Learner's Permit, and it lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get one. The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it, and you cannot renew it — once it expires, you must pass your road test and move to a full license, or wait and start over.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues learner's permits at any DMV office. You do not need to schedule an appointment for a permit test, though some offices have shorter wait times at certain hours. The entire process — written test, vision screening, and photo — typically takes 30 to 45 minutes if you pass on your first attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Virginia residency to any DMV office.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you must answer at least 35 of 50 questions correctly to pass.
  • You will also take a vision screening at the DMV; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
  • The permit fee is $16 and is paid at the DMV office when you pass your test; no fee is charged if you fail.
  • Once you have your permit, you must follow Virginia's Graduated Licensing System rules, including driving only with a licensed adult and no passengers under 20 without an adult present.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. The DMV will not issue a permit without all three.

Proof of identity can be a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a U.S. passport, a school ID issued by a Virginia public school, or a Virginia school enrollment verification letter signed by a school official. A school ID must show your full legal name, date of birth, and the school's name and seal.

Proof of Social Security number is your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Proof of Virginia residency must show your current address and be dated within 60 days of your DMV visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax bill. A school enrollment verification letter also works. If you live with a parent or guardian, their name on the document is fine — you do not need your own name on it.

The Written Test: What to Study

The written test has 50 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 35 questions correctly to pass. The test covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, distracted driving, and what different road signs mean.

The DMV publishes the Virginia Driver's Manual free online at dmvNOW.com. This manual contains all the information tested on the permit exam. You can read it on screen or read it as a PDF. Many people study it for one to two weeks before taking the test. The manual is also available in print at any DMV office.

You may take the written test in English or Spanish. If English is not your first language, you may bring an interpreter to the DMV office at no cost, but the interpreter cannot be a family member or someone with a financial interest in your result. The DMV staff will administer the test to you directly, not through the interpreter.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day between attempts if you fail.

Vision Screening and Photo at the DMV

When you pass the written test, you will have your vision screened and your photo taken at the DMV office. The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening — the DMV will note on your permit that correction is required.

If you fail the vision screening, the DMV will not issue your permit that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction certificate, and return to the DMV with that certificate. The certificate must state your corrected vision meets Virginia's standard, which is 20/40 or better in each eye.

Your photo will be taken by DMV staff. Wear something you are comfortable in; the photo will appear on your permit and any future Virginia license. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face. If you have religious objections to being photographed, you may request an exemption, but you will need to provide written documentation of your faith's requirement.

Learner's Permit Restrictions Under Virginia's Graduated Licensing System

Once you receive your learner's permit, Virginia law imposes specific restrictions on how and when you can drive. These rules are part of the Graduated Licensing System and are designed to reduce crashes among new drivers.

You must have a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front seat with you at all times while driving. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must follow all speed limits, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving — not even hands-free — except to report an emergency.

You cannot have passengers under age 20 in the car unless a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front seat with you. This rule applies even if the adult is your parent or guardian. If you violate any of these restrictions, you can be charged with a traffic violation, and your permit can be suspended.

When You Are Ready to Take Your Road Test

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 9 months and 26 days before you can take your road test. You can schedule your road test online at dmvNOW.com or by calling the DMV at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463). Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so schedule as far in advance as possible.

You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in to your road test appointment. The vehicle must be registered in Virginia, have valid tags, and pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). You must also bring a licensed adult to the appointment — they will wait in the DMV office while you take the test.

If you pass your road test, you will receive your Unrestricted Driver's License on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Fees and Payment

The learner's permit fee is $16. You pay this fee at the DMV office only if you pass your written test and vision screening. If you fail the written test, you are not charged. If you fail the vision screening, you are not charged until you return with a vision correction certificate and pass the screening.

The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm. If you lose your permit before it expires, you can get a replacement for $8 at any DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DMV office. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and you must also complete the vision screening and photo on the same visit.

What happens if my learner's permit expires before I pass my road test?

Your permit is valid for one year. If it expires, you must retake the written test and pay the $16 fee again to get a new permit. You do not lose any of the practice time you have already completed — you straightforward need a new permit to continue driving legally.

Can I drive to school with my learner's permit?

Yes, as long as a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive to school alone, and you cannot drive with only other students in the car.

Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my learner's permit?

No. Virginia does not require a driver's education course to get a learner's permit. However, if you are under 18 when you take your road test, you must have completed an approved driver's education course or a behind-the-wheel training program before you can receive your unrestricted license.

What if I move out of Virginia while I have a learner's permit?

Your Virginia learner's permit is only valid in Virginia. If you move to another state, you must get that state's learner's permit. Your Virginia permit will not transfer.