Virginia DMV testing hours for the learner's permit written test

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers the learner's permit written test during standard business hours at most locations. Most DMV offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., with some locations staying open until 6 p.m. on certain weekdays. A few select offices also offer Saturday hours, typically from 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., though this varies by location.

You cannot take the test before 8:15 a.m. or after the office closes, and the DMV stops accepting new test-takers about 30 minutes before closing time. This means if an office closes at 4:45 p.m., you should arrive by 4:15 p.m. at the latest. The exact closing time and whether Saturday testing is available depends on which DMV office you visit.

The best way to find your nearest office and confirm its specific hours is to visit the Virginia DMV website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code, and each location lists its full hours of operation. Calling ahead is also a good idea, especially if you are planning to visit on a Friday or Saturday, since hours can occasionally change.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Virginia DMV offices open at 8:15 a.m. and close between 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, with some locations offering Saturday morning testing.
  • You must arrive early enough to start your test before the office closes, typically at least 30 minutes before closing time.
  • The Virginia DMV website's office locator tool shows the exact hours for each location near you.
  • Saturday hours are not available at every office, so confirm availability before making the trip.
  • Calling your local DMV office ahead of time can save you a wasted trip if hours have changed or if the office is unusually busy.

How to find your local DMV office and its testing schedule

Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties, but not every office offers the same hours. The Virginia DMV website has a searchable map where you enter your city or zip code and see all nearby locations with their phone numbers and hours. This is the fastest way to find out whether your closest office has evening or Saturday hours.

When you find an office, write down its phone number. Calling 10 or 15 minutes before you plan to visit is worth the time, because you can ask whether the office is currently busy and whether you need to bring anything beyond what the website lists. Some offices occasionally close early for staff training or other reasons, so a quick call prevents a wasted trip.

What to expect when you arrive for the written test

Arrive at least 15 minutes early with all required documents: your completed process (Form DL 44), proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. The DMV staff will check your documents, take your photo, and then direct you to a testing station. The written test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

The test is given on a computer at the DMV office. You answer 35 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. If you pass, you receive your learner's permit the same day. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before trying again.

Planning ahead to avoid long wait times

DMV offices tend to be busier in the morning and on Fridays. If you have the flexibility to visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon, you are likely to wait less time. Early morning visits (right when the office opens at 8:15 a.m.) are also usually quieter than mid-morning.

If you know you will be taking the test soon, check the Virginia DMV website now to see which office is closest to you and what its hours are. This gives you time to gather your documents and plan when to go. Visiting during a less busy time means you spend less time waiting and more time preparing for your road test, which comes next.

What happens if you cannot visit during regular DMV hours

Virginia does not currently offer online testing for the learner's permit written test, and there is no way to take it outside of a DMV office during official hours. If you work during the day and your nearest office does not have evening or Saturday hours, you may need to take time off work or school to visit.

Some DMV offices are in larger cities and have longer hours than rural locations. If your local office closes at 4:45 p.m. and you cannot make it by then, search the DMV locator for a nearby office in a larger town that might stay open later. Driving a bit farther to an office with evening hours might be easier than trying to leave work early.

Retaking the test if you do not pass on your first try

If you do not pass the written test, you must wait at least one day before you can take it again. You can retake it at the same office or at a different DMV location. You do not need to bring all your documents again on the second attempt — just bring your learner's permit process and a photo ID.

Many people find it helpful to study the Virginia Driver's Manual between attempts. The manual covers all the topics on the test and is free to read from the Virginia DMV website. Spending a few hours reviewing the sections you found difficult can make a big difference on your second try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the learner's permit test on a Sunday?

No. Virginia DMV offices do not open on Sundays. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations offer Saturday morning hours. Check your local office's schedule on the Virginia DMV website to see if Saturday testing is available near you.

What if the DMV office closes before I finish my test?

The DMV will not start a new test if there is not enough time to finish before closing. You must arrive early enough that the staff can begin your test at least 30 minutes before the office closes. If you arrive too late, you will be asked to come back another day.

Do I need an appointment to take the written test?

Virginia does not require appointments for the learner's permit written test. You can walk in during office hours, though calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea. Some offices may ask you to come back if they are extremely busy, but this is rare.

Can I take the test at a different DMV office than the one closest to me?

Yes. You can take the written test at any Virginia DMV office, regardless of where you live. If an office farther away has better hours or shorter wait times, you can visit there instead. Just bring all your required documents.

How long does the entire visit take from arrival to getting my permit?

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour total. This includes waiting to be called, document review, photo, the written test itself (20 to 30 minutes), and processing your permit if you pass. Busier times of day may take longer.