What You Need to Do to Get a Virginia Driver's License

To get a Virginia driver's license, you need to pass a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and a vision screening at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You'll also need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Virginia residency. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish — the written test can happen on your first visit, but you'll schedule the driving test for a later date.

Virginia issues licenses to people age 16 and older. If you're under 18, you'll start with a learner's permit, drive under supervision for a set period, and then test for a full license. If you're 18 or older, you can go straight to the full license test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and two proofs of Virginia residency such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Virginia Driver's Manual online for free before you go.
  • The driving test happens on a separate appointment and tests your ability to handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions.
  • If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.
  • Learner's permit holders under 18 must drive with a licensed adult for at least 60 hours (including 10 hours at night) before they can test for a full license.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Virginia requires specific documents to prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For identity, bring your original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport, or a military ID. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For Virginia residency, bring two documents from this list: a utility bill, a lease or deed, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, a pay stub, or a government-issued document with your Virginia address. The documents must show your current name and address.

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DMV.

Passing the Written Knowledge Test

The written test has 35 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages.

You can study for free using the official Virginia Driver's Manual, which is available on the DMV website as a PDF or in print at any DMV office. The manual covers everything the test covers. Many people study it for a few days before their test appointment and pass on the first try.

You take the test on a computer at the DMV office. You'll get your score when ready. If you pass, you move forward to schedule your driving test. If you fail, you can retake it the next day or later.

Scheduling and Passing the Driving Test

After you pass the written test, you schedule your driving test at a DMV office. Wait times vary by location — some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You can schedule online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local office.

On test day, bring your learner's permit (or the receipt from your written test if you're 18 or older), proof of insurance for the vehicle you'll drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, have working lights and wipers, and pass a safety inspection. A DMV examiner will ride with you for about 20 minutes while you drive on local roads. They'll watch how you handle steering, braking, parking, and turns, and whether you follow traffic laws and respond safely to other drivers.

If you pass, you'll get your license that day or within a few days. If you fail, you can retake the test after one day has passed.

The Learner's Permit Process for Drivers Under 18

If you're under 18, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. The permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front seat with you.

To get a learner's permit, pass the written knowledge test at a DMV office. You'll need the same documents as for a full license. Once you have the permit, you must drive for at least 60 hours with a licensed adult, including at least 10 hours between sunset and sunrise. Keep a log of your hours — the DMV does not require you to submit it, but you should have it in case you're asked. After you've completed the hours, you can schedule your driving test.

Virginia also has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. After you pass your driving test and get your full license, there are restrictions on when and how you can drive until you turn 18. For example, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the car, and you cannot have more than one teenage passenger unless a licensed adult is present. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

What Happens If You Fail a Test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same fee as the first test.

If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You'll need to schedule a new appointment, which may mean waiting several weeks depending on your local DMV's schedule. You can retake the driving test as many times as you need.

Many people fail one or both tests on the first try and pass on the second or third attempt. If you fail the driving test, ask the examiner what you need to work on, then practice those specific skills before your next appointment.

Fees and How Long It Takes

The fee for a Virginia driver's license varies depending on your age and how long the license is valid. A license for someone age 18 to 74 costs one amount; a license for someone 75 or older costs less. The DMV website lists the current fees. You pay at the time you take your written test.

The timeline depends on how quickly you can schedule your driving test. You can take the written test on your first visit to the DMV, often the same day you explore. The driving test is scheduled for a later date — this can be anywhere from a few days to several weeks later, depending on how busy your local office is. Once you pass the driving test, you receive your license when ready or within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. You must go to a DMV office to take the written test. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and a DMV employee must verify your identity before you take it.

What if I fail the driving test because I was nervous?

You can retake it after one day. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. Before your next test, practice the skills the examiner said you need to work on, and ask a trusted driver to ride with you and give feedback.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered in Virginia, have valid insurance, and pass a safety check. The examiner will inspect the lights, wipers, brakes, and other safety features before the test begins.

What if I move to Virginia from another state?

You can transfer your out-of-state license to a Virginia license without retaking the tests, as long as your current license is valid. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security information to a DMV office. You'll pay the license fee and receive your Virginia license.

How long is a Virginia driver's license valid?

A license for someone age 18 to 74 is valid for eight years. A license for someone 75 or older is valid for five years. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office before it expires.