What you need to bring to get a Virginia learner's permit

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles issues learner's permits to people who are at least 15 years and 9 months old. To get one, you'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV accepts a birth certificate, passport, or state ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and Virginia address.

You'll also need to complete Form DL-44 (process for Driver's License or Permit) before you arrive at the DMV office. You can fill it out online through the Virginia DMV website or print it and complete it by hand. Bring the completed form with you — the DMV will not process your request without it. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form in person at the DMV office.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2. If you don't have your card, you can bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that includes your number. The DMV will not issue a permit without verification of your Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to get a Virginia learner's permit from the DMV.
  • Bring a birth certificate or passport for identity, a recent utility bill or lease for Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • Complete Form DL-44 before you go to the DMV office — you cannot get a permit without it.
  • If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present to sign the form at the DMV office in person.
  • The DMV charges a fee for a learner's permit; the current cost varies and you should check the Virginia DMV website for the exact amount.

The written test and vision screening

Once you've submitted your documents, you'll take a written test on Virginia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The DMV provides a study guide on its website that covers all the topics on the test — speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. Most people study the guide for a few days before taking the test.

You'll also have your vision screened at the DMV office. The screener will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, the DMV will not issue a permit until you see an eye doctor and bring documentation that your vision meets Virginia's standards.

How long a Virginia learner's permit lasts

A Virginia learner's permit is valid for one year from the date the DMV issues it. You can renew it once without taking the written test again — the second permit is also good for one year. After that, you must take the written test again if you want to continue driving with a learner's permit.

If your permit expires and you haven't taken the road test for a regular driver's license, you'll need to start over: retake the written test, pass the vision screening, and pay the fee again. For that reason, many people move from a learner's permit to a road test within the first year.

Restrictions that come with a learner's permit in Virginia

A learner's permit is not the same as a driver's license. Virginia law requires that you always have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. That person must be awake and able to exercise control of the vehicle if needed. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers.

You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment, and you have a note from your employer, school, or doctor. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even if it's hands-free. These rules explore to all learner's permit holders in Virginia, regardless of age.

Moving from a learner's permit to a road test

Once you've held your learner's permit for at least 60 days and you're at least 16 years old, you can schedule a road test with the DMV. The road test checks whether you can start the car, control it, follow traffic laws, and park safely. You'll drive for about 20 minutes on local roads and possibly on a highway, depending on which DMV office you use.

To schedule a road test, go to the Virginia DMV website or call your local DMV office. You'll need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll be driving during the test. The vehicle must be registered in Virginia and pass a safety inspection — the DMV checks that the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors work. If the vehicle doesn't pass, you cannot take the test that day.

What happens if you fail the written test

If you don't pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it. The DMV does not require you to wait a certain number of days before trying again, but you will have to pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people study the Virginia DMV study guide more carefully after a first failure and pass on the second or third attempt.

You can take the written test as many times as you need to pass it. There is no limit on the number of attempts. However, each test costs money, so studying before you take it the first time saves you money in the long run.

Getting a learner's permit if you're 18 or older

If you're 18 or older and have never had a driver's license, you can still get a learner's permit. The process is the same: bring your documents, complete Form DL-44, take the written test, and pass the vision screening. You do not need a parent or guardian to sign your form.

However, the restrictions are different. If you're 18 or older with a learner's permit, you do not have to have a licensed driver in the car with you. You can drive alone and at any time of day. You still cannot use a cell phone while driving. After you've held your permit for at least 60 days, you can take the road test for a regular driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I don't have a birth certificate?

Yes. The DMV accepts a U.S. passport, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate. You'll need one of these documents plus proof of residency and your Social Security number.

What if I fail the vision screening?

You cannot get a learner's permit until your vision meets Virginia's standards. See an eye doctor, get a statement that your vision is correctable to the required level, and bring that statement to the DMV. You may need to wear glasses or contacts while driving.

How much does a Virginia learner's permit cost?

The DMV charges a fee for a learner's permit. The exact amount changes and varies based on how long the permit is valid. Check the Virginia DMV website or call your local office for the current fee before you go in.

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. The DMV administers the test at the office to verify your identity and may support the test is taken fairly.

What if I move to a different state before my permit expires?

Your Virginia learner's permit is only valid in Virginia. If you move to another state, you'll need to get a learner's permit from that state's DMV. Virginia does not transfer permits to other states.