What you need to get a Virginia learner's permit

Virginia issues a learner's permit (called a Learner's Permit or Instructional Permit) to people who are at least 15 years and 9 months old and want to practice driving under supervision before taking the road test. You must be a Virginia resident and have a valid form of identification. The permit itself costs $16 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.

You do not need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit in Virginia, though you will need one to get a full driver's license later. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign your process in person at the DMV.

The permit allows you to drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and a Virginia resident to get a learner's permit.
  • The written knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • You need a valid form of identification, proof of Virginia residency, and a completed process form signed by a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
  • The permit costs $16 and is valid for one year; you can renew it once before you must take the road test.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. A school ID or work ID is not acceptable as your primary identification. If you do not have one of these documents, you can use a combination of two secondary documents such as a Social Security card, school transcript, or utility bill with your name on it.

For proof of Virginia residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Virginia address. A school enrollment letter or paycheck stub also works. Your name must appear on the document.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign the process in person. They will need to bring their own ID. If your guardian is not your parent, bring a court order or other document proving guardianship.

The written knowledge test

The Virginia DMV written test has 35 questions covering traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test is based on the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DMV website and at all DMV offices.

You can take the test in English, Spanish, or several other languages. If English is not your first language, you may bring an interpreter, though the interpreter cannot help you answer questions—they can only translate the test itself.

You get one chance to pass the test during your visit. If you fail, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. There is no additional fee to retake the test.

how the process works at a Virginia DMV office

Go to the Virginia DMV website and use the office locator to find the DMV office nearest you. Some offices take walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. During busy times, wait times can be two hours or longer at walk-in locations. You can schedule an appointment online, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes.

Bring all required documents, the completed process form (DL 44), and $16 in cash or card. The DMV will take your photograph during your visit. You will then take the written knowledge test. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit on the same day, usually within 30 minutes of passing the test.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the next day at any Virginia DMV office. You do not need to bring documents again or pay another fee.

Age requirements and restrictions while you hold a permit

You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to get a learner's permit. You can hold the permit for up to two years before you must take the road test and get a full driver's license. If you turn 18 while holding a permit, the restrictions do not change—you still cannot drive alone or between midnight and 5 a.m.

A licensed driver at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times while you are driving. This person can be a parent, guardian, driving instructor, or any other licensed adult. They are responsible for your safety and for making sure you follow all traffic laws.

You cannot use a cell phone or other handheld device while driving, even at a red light. This rule applies to all Virginia drivers under 18, whether they hold a permit or a full license.

Renewing your learner's permit before you take the road test

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. You can renew it once for another year without taking the written test again. To renew, go to any Virginia DMV office with your current permit, proof of residency, and $16. The renewal takes about 15 minutes.

If you do not renew before your permit expires, you will have to take the written test again and pay the $16 fee. You cannot drive on an expired permit, even with a supervising driver.

Once you have held a permit for at least three months, you are allowed to take the road test and get your full driver's license. You do not have to wait the full year or two years.

Moving to Virginia or transferring from another state

If you already hold a learner's permit from another state and move to Virginia, you must get a Virginia learner's permit. Virginia does not recognize out-of-state permits. You will need to take the Virginia written knowledge test and pay the $16 fee. Bring your out-of-state permit along with your other documents to show that you have already passed a knowledge test in another state.

If you are a new Virginia resident and do not yet have any permit, follow the same process as a first-time applicant. Your out-of-state residency documents are not acceptable; you must show proof of Virginia residency dated within the last 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test before I am 15 years and 9 months old?

No. Virginia law requires you to be at least 15 years and 9 months old on the day you take the test. The DMV will not allow you to test before that date, even if you will turn the required age within a few weeks.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the next day at any Virginia DMV office. There is no additional fee and you do not need to bring documents again. You get as many attempts as you need, but you can only take the test once per day.

Do I need a learner's permit if I am taking a driver's education course?

Yes. A learner's permit is required before you can take a behind-the-wheel driving course in Virginia. The course itself does not replace the permit or the road test. You still need the permit to practice driving with a supervising driver.

Can my learner's permit be used as a form of ID?

A Virginia learner's permit is not a valid form of identification for purchasing alcohol, entering age-restricted venues, or other purposes that require a state ID. You will need a full driver's license or state ID card for those purposes.

What if I lose my learner's permit?

Go to any Virginia DMV office with proof of identity and residency. You can get a replacement permit for $16. The new permit will have the same expiration date as your original permit, so you do not lose any time on your permit validity.