You can retake Virginia's learner's permit test, but you must wait and follow specific steps between attempts.

If you did not pass the written knowledge test for your Virginia learner's permit, you are not locked out permanently. Virginia allows you to retake the test, but the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires a waiting period and charges a fee each time you test. Understanding the rules around retakes, what to study, and how many attempts you have will help you move forward without unnecessary delays.

The written test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is administered at DMV locations and through some third-party testing centers. Failing the test means you did not reach the passing score on that attempt — it does not affect your ability to try again.

Key Takeaways

  • You must wait one day after a failed test before you can retake it at a Virginia DMV office.
  • Each retake costs the same fee as the original test, which varies but is typically under $20.
  • You have unlimited retakes, but you must pass before you can move to the behind-the-wheel driving test.
  • The test covers 40 questions on Virginia traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • If you failed because of reading difficulty or a language barrier, you can request accommodations such as a reader or a test in another language.

The waiting period and retake process

Virginia's DMV requires a one-day waiting period after you fail the test. This means if you fail on a Monday, you can retake it on Tuesday. You do not need to do anything during this waiting period — you straightforward schedule your next test appointment at a Virginia DMV office or through the DMV's online scheduling system.

When you return to test, bring the same documents you brought the first time: your completed process (Form DL 44), proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. You will pay the test fee again. The fee structure in Virginia does not change based on whether it is your first attempt or your fifth, so budget for the same cost each time.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Some people pass on the second attempt; others need three or four tries. Each attempt gives you another chance to demonstrate that you know Virginia's traffic laws well enough to hold a learner's permit.

What the test covers and why people fail

The Virginia learner's permit test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly — an 80 percent score — to pass. The test covers Virginia-specific traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, and the meaning of road signs and pavement markings.

People fail for different reasons. Some did not study the Virginia Driver's Manual thoroughly enough. Others struggle with the wording of the questions or misunderstand what a particular road sign means. A few fail because they are nervous during the test and second-guess themselves. If you failed, think about which of these applied to you so you can address it before your next attempt.

The Virginia DMV publishes the official Driver's Manual online for free, and it contains all the information tested on the exam. Many people find it helpful to read through the manual section by section, take practice tests online, or use study apps that simulate the real test format. Spending two to three weeks studying before your retake significantly improves your chances.

Requesting test accommodations

If you have difficulty reading English, a learning disability, or another condition that affects your ability to take a written test, you can request accommodations from the Virginia DMV. Common accommodations include having someone read the test questions aloud to you, taking the test in a language other than English, or having extra time to complete the exam.

To request an accommodation, contact the DMV before you schedule your retake. You will likely need to provide documentation of your condition — such as a letter from a school, doctor, or disability services provider — but the DMV can tell you exactly what they need. Accommodations do not change the test content or the passing score; they only change how you take the test.

Moving forward after you pass

Once you pass the written test, you will receive your Virginia learner's permit. This permit allows you to 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 there are restrictions on when and where you can drive (for example, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months).

You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum of nine months and 26 days before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. During this time, you build driving experience and demonstrate that you can follow traffic laws. When you are ready, you will schedule a road test at a Virginia DMV office, where an examiner will evaluate your ability to drive safely.

Cost and scheduling your retake

Each time you retake the test, you pay a fee. Virginia's DMV test fees are set by state law and do not vary based on the number of attempts. Check the Virginia DMV website for the current fee, as it may change year to year.

You can schedule your retake online through the Virginia DMV website, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. Online scheduling is usually the fastest option — you can pick a date and time that works for you without waiting on hold. If you prefer to schedule in person, bring your documents and be prepared to pay the fee at that time.

What to do differently before your next attempt

Before you retake the test, identify what went wrong the first time. Did you run out of time? Did you guess on questions you were unsure about? Did you misunderstand the Virginia traffic laws? Each of these points to a different study strategy.

If time was the issue, practice taking full-length tests under timed conditions so you get used to the pace. If you guessed a lot, spend more time on the Virginia Driver's Manual and less time on guessing. If you misunderstood the laws, focus on the sections that confused you — speed limits, right-of-way, parking, and traffic signals are common trouble spots.

Many people find that studying with a friend, using a study app, or watching videos about Virginia traffic laws helps them understand the material better than reading alone. The goal is not just to memorize answers but to understand the why behind each rule so you can answer questions even if they are worded differently than in the manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the test the same day I fail?

No. Virginia requires a one-day waiting period after a failed test. If you fail on Monday, the earliest you can retake it is Tuesday. You must schedule a new appointment during this waiting period.

How many times can I retake the learner's permit test?

There is no limit to the number of retakes. You can take the test as many times as needed until you pass. Each attempt costs the same fee and requires a one-day wait between failures.

What score do I need to pass the Virginia learner's permit test?

You must score at least 80 percent, which means answering at least 32 out of 40 questions correctly. The test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the official Driver's Manual.

Do I have to retake the test at the same DMV office?

No. You can retake the test at any Virginia DMV office or approved testing center. If one location is more convenient for your schedule, you can schedule your retake there instead of returning to the original location.

What if I fail the test because I cannot read English well?

Contact the Virginia DMV before scheduling your retake to request accommodations. You may be able to take the test in another language, have someone read the questions aloud, or receive extra time. You will need to provide documentation of your need for the accommodation.