What DMV Now Virginia is and how the learner's permit test works
DMV Now Virginia is the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles' online system where you can take your learner's permit knowledge test from home instead of at a DMV office. You answer 35 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 28 correct answers (80%) to pass.
The test covers the same material as the in-person version — everything in the Virginia Driver's Manual. The main difference is convenience: you take it on your own computer at a time that works for you, rather than scheduling an appointment and traveling to a DMV location. Once you pass, you receive your learner's permit, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult supervisor who is at least 21 years old.
Virginia offers this online option to reduce wait times and give you flexibility. You still need to meet the age requirement (at least 15 years and 9 months old), pass a vision screening, and provide required documents in person later — but the knowledge test itself happens online.
Key Takeaways
- You take a 35-question multiple-choice test online through DMV Now Virginia, and you need 28 correct answers to pass.
- The test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving from the Virginia Driver's Manual — the same content as the in-person test.
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and pass a vision screening before you can take the test.
- After you pass the online test, you still visit a DMV office in person to complete your learner's permit process and provide required documents.
- You can retake the test if you do not pass, but Virginia charges a fee each time you test.
How to register and take the test on DMV Now Virginia
Start by going to the DMV Now Virginia website (dmvnow.virginia.gov). You will create an account using your email address and a password. During registration, you provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and Virginia address. You also answer security questions so you can recover your account if needed.
Once your account is set up, you schedule your test appointment. You choose a date and time that works for you — the system shows available slots. You do not need to wait weeks for an appointment like you might at a physical office. Before you start the test, make sure you are in a quiet space with a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet with a working camera and microphone.
When your test time arrives, you log in and follow the on-screen instructions. The system may ask you to show your ID and scan your surroundings to confirm you are testing alone. You then answer the 35 questions. You have a set amount of time to complete the test — Virginia typically allows about one hour. Once you finish, the system scores your test when ready and tells you whether you passed.
What you need to know before you test
You must have your Social Security number and a valid form of ID ready when you register. Virginia also requires you to pass a vision screening before you take the knowledge test. Some DMV offices allow you to do this online as part of the DMV Now process; others require you to visit in person first. Check the DMV Now Virginia website or call your local DMV office to find out which applies in your area.
Study the Virginia Driver's Manual before you test. The manual is free and available on the Virginia DMV website as a PDF. It covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, traffic signals, pedestrian safety, and what different road signs mean. Many people study for one to two weeks before testing, though the time you need depends on how familiar you already are with driving rules.
Know that you cannot use notes, phones, or any outside materials during the test. The system monitors your screen and may require you to show your testing environment on camera. If the system detects cheating or rule violations, your test will be cancelled and you may face penalties.
Test fees and what happens if you do not pass
Virginia charges a fee to take the learner's permit knowledge test through DMV Now. The exact amount varies and can change, so check the DMV Now Virginia website for the current fee before you register. This fee is separate from the cost of your learner's permit itself, which you pay when you go to the DMV office in person.
If you do not pass the first time, you can retake the test. However, you pay the test fee again for each attempt. Virginia does not limit how many times you can test, but spacing out your attempts gives you time to study more. Many people wait a few days or a week before retesting so they can review the material they struggled with.
If you pass the online test, you receive a confirmation number or pass notification. You then use this to complete your learner's permit process at a DMV office. You will need to bring required documents — typically your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency, and your parent or guardian's ID if you are under 18. The DMV office staff will verify your vision screening results and issue your physical learner's permit card.
Common issues and how to fix them
If your internet connection drops during the test, the system usually saves your progress. Log back in as soon as possible — you may be able to resume where you left off, depending on how long you were disconnected. If you cannot reconnect within the allowed time, your test may be marked incomplete. Contact the Virginia DMV to ask about retesting options if this happens.
If the system says your camera or microphone is not working, check your browser settings and make sure you gave the DMV Now website permission to use them. Restart your browser and try again. If problems continue, test on a different device if you have one available, or call the Virginia DMV for technical support.
If you forget your DMV Now account password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You will answer your security questions or receive a reset link at your email address. If you cannot recover your account, contact the Virginia DMV directly — they can help you regain access or create a new account.
After you pass: next steps to get your physical learner's permit
Passing the online test is not the same as having your learner's permit in hand. You still need to visit a DMV office in person to finish the process. Bring your test confirmation, your documents (birth certificate or passport, Social Security proof, residency proof, and parent or guardian ID if you are under 18), and payment for your learner's permit card. The DMV office will take your photo, verify your information, and issue your permit on the spot.
Once you have your learner's permit, you can begin supervised driving. Virginia requires that a licensed adult at least 21 years old be in the front passenger seat whenever you drive. Your learner's permit is valid for a set period — typically five years — and you must follow all traffic laws and restrictions that explore to learner's permit holders.
When you are ready to take your road test and earn your full driver's license, you will schedule that separately through DMV Now or at a DMV office. The road test is in-person and tests your actual driving skills, not just your knowledge of the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the DMV Now Virginia test on my phone?
You can view the test on a phone, but Virginia recommends using a computer or tablet because the test interface works better on a larger screen. You also need a working camera and microphone, which some phones may not have set up properly for this type of testing. A laptop or desktop computer is your best option.
What if I fail the test — how soon can I retake it?
Virginia does not set a waiting period between test attempts, so you can retake the test as soon as the next day if you want. However, you pay the test fee each time. Most people wait a few days to study more before retesting, which gives better results than testing again when ready.
Do I need a parent or guardian to be present while I take the test?
Virginia does not require a parent or guardian to be in the room, but the system does require you to test alone and may monitor your environment with your camera. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will need to sign documents when you visit the DMV office in person to complete your learner's permit.
What happens if the system says I cheated or violated test rules?
If the system flags suspicious activity — such as looking away from the screen, multiple people in the room, or use of outside materials — your test will be cancelled. You may be required to retake the test in person at a DMV office instead of online. Contact the Virginia DMV to understand what happened and what your options are.
Can I use the DMV Now test if I am not a Virginia resident?
No. DMV Now Virginia is only for people who live in Virginia and are obtaining a Virginia learner's permit. If you live in another state, you need to test through your own state's DMV system.