The Virginia Learner's Permit Test Has Two Parts

The Virginia DMV learner's permit test is split into a written knowledge test and a vision screening. You must pass both on the same day to get your permit. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Virginia Driver's Manual. The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely.

You take both tests at your local DMV office when you explore for your learner's permit. There is no separate appointment or waiting period between them — you do the vision test first, then the written test if you pass vision. If you fail either one, you can retake it, but you will need to pay the permit fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass (80 percent).
  • All test questions come from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which you can read free online or pick up at any DMV office.
  • The vision screening measures whether you can see 20/40 or better; if you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test.
  • You can retake a failed test the same day or come back another day, but each attempt costs the full permit fee.
  • The test is offered in English and Spanish; ask at your DMV office about other languages.

What the Written Test Covers

The 35-question written test draws entirely from the Virginia Driver's Manual. Questions cover traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and what to do in emergencies or bad weather. You will also see questions about alcohol and drug impairment, distracted driving, and how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists.

The test is multiple choice — you pick the best answer from four options. You answer on a computer at the DMV office. The test does not have a time limit, so you can work through each question carefully. You will know your score when ready after you finish.

The Virginia Driver's Manual is free and available online at the DMV website. You can also request a printed copy at any DMV office. Reading through it once is the most direct way to prepare, because the test does not ask trick questions or test anything outside the manual.

The Vision Screening and What Disqualifies You

Before you take the written test, the DMV will check your vision using a machine that measures how well each eye can see. You need to see 20/40 or better in at least one eye to pass. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, wear them to the test — the screening measures your vision with correction, not without it.

If you fail the vision screening, the DMV will give you a form to take to an eye doctor. Once an eye care professional signs off that your vision meets the standard, you can return to the DMV and retake the vision test. You do not have to retake the written test if you already passed it.

A few medical conditions can also disqualify you from getting a permit, including certain seizure disorders or untreated sleep apnea. The DMV asks about these on your process. If you have a condition you are unsure about, call your local DMV office before you go in.

How to Prepare for the Test

The most effective way to prepare is to read the Virginia Driver's Manual from start to finish. It is not long — most people finish it in a few hours. Pay special attention to the sections on traffic signs, right-of-way, and speed limits, because these topics appear frequently on the test.

Many people also use online practice tests. The Virginia DMV website offers a free practice test that mimics the real test format. Taking it once or twice helps you get used to the computer interface and shows you which topics you need to review more carefully.

Study with someone else if you can. Explaining a traffic rule to a parent or friend is a good way to check whether you really understand it. If a practice question confuses you, look up that topic in the manual rather than just memorizing the answer.

What to Bring to the DMV on Test Day

Bring your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your Virginia address (a utility bill or lease with your name and current address). You will also need to bring a parent or guardian if you are under 18. Some DMV offices require the adult to be present; others allow you to explore alone if you have written permission.

Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. Bring any medical documentation the DMV asked you to provide when you scheduled your test. Do not bring your phone into the testing area — the DMV will ask you to put it away.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. DMV offices can be busy, and you want time to check in and settle in before the test starts. If you are running late, call ahead — some offices will hold your appointment slot if you let them know.

What Happens If You Fail

If you do not reach 28 correct answers out of 35, you fail the written test. The DMV will tell you your score and which topics you missed most. You can retake the test the same day if you want, or you can come back another day to try again.

Each test attempt requires you to pay the full learner's permit fee again. There is no discount for retakes, and there is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after reviewing the manual more carefully.

If you fail the vision screening, you do not retake the written test — you only retake vision once you have an eye doctor's clearance. If you fail for a medical reason (like a seizure disorder), the DMV will explain what documentation you need from a doctor before you can try again.

After You Pass: Getting Your Permit Card

Once you pass both the vision screening and the written test, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot. Your permit is a physical card that you must carry whenever you drive. It is valid for one year from the date it is issued.

Your permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions stay in place for the entire year you hold the permit, even if you turn 18.

After you have held your permit for at least 9 months and practiced the required hours, you can schedule a road test with the DMV. Passing the road test is what leads to your full driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test in a language other than English or Spanish?

Virginia offers the test in English and Spanish at all DMV offices. Some offices may offer other languages, but availability varies. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm whether your language is available.

What if I fail the written test — do I have to wait before I retake it?

No. You can retake the written test the same day if you want, or you can leave and come back another day. Each attempt costs the full permit fee, so budget accordingly if you think you might need multiple tries.

Do I have to pass the vision test before the written test?

Yes. The DMV always does the vision screening first. If you fail vision, you do not take the written test that day. You can retake vision once you have an eye doctor's clearance, and you will not have to retake the written test if you already passed it.

What score do I need to pass the written test?

You need to answer at least 28 out of 35 questions correctly, which is 80 percent. The test does not have partial credit — each question is either right or wrong.

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The DMV does not allow phones, notes, or study materials in the testing area. You take the test on a computer at the DMV office with no outside resources. The test is designed to measure what you have learned from the Virginia Driver's Manual.