What you need to do to get a Virginia license
To get a Virginia driver's license, you will visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test. The whole process takes several visits spread over weeks, not hours, so plan accordingly.
Virginia issues licenses to people aged 16 and older. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter—you must hold a learner's permit for a set period and follow restrictions on when and where you can drive. If you are 18 or older and have never held a Virginia license, you still take the same tests, but you skip the learner's permit stage.
The cost varies depending on your age and how long you want the license to last. A standard license for someone 21 or older costs one amount; a license for someone under 21 costs less. You can choose to renew for 5 or 8 years, and the price reflects that choice.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring original documents proving your identity, Virginia residency, and Social Security number to your first DMV visit.
- The process includes a written test, vision screening, and a road test, and you cannot do all three on the same day.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 9 months and 10 days before you can take the road test.
- You can schedule your road test online through the Virginia DMV website, but written tests are walk-in only at most locations.
- Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number—a birth certificate alone is not enough proof.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Virginia requires three categories of proof: identity, residency, and Social Security number. You cannot complete your process without all three, so check what you have before you go.
For identity, bring an original document issued by a government agency. A U.S. passport, passport card, or birth certificate works. A state ID from another state works. A school ID, library card, or expired license does not. If your name has changed since your document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
For residency, bring a document showing your current Virginia address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A credit card statement does not. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.
For Social Security, bring your Social Security card. If you do not have it, bring your birth certificate plus one other document showing your number—a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. A driver's license from another state showing your number also works.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
The Virginia written test has 35 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what to do in emergencies. You take it on a computer at the DMV, and you get your score when ready.
Virginia provides a free study guide called the Virginia Driver's Manual, available on the DMV website as a PDF or in print at any DMV office. The test questions come directly from this manual, so studying it is the most direct way to prepare. You can also take practice tests on the Virginia DMV website.
You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts. Most people pass on the first try if they study the manual. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and other languages are available at some locations—call ahead to confirm.
Getting your learner's permit if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you cannot take the road test until you have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months and 10 days. You get the permit after you pass the written test and vision screening. During this waiting period, you can drive only with a licensed adult aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
The learner's permit also comes with restrictions on when you can drive. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911. These rules stay in place until you pass the road test and get your full license.
Once you have held the permit for the required time, you can schedule your road test. You do not need to take the written test again. Bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test.
Scheduling and taking the road test
You schedule the road test online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Wait times vary by location and season. In busy areas, you may wait 4 to 8 weeks. In less busy areas, you may get an appointment within 2 to 3 weeks. Call ahead to learn what the current wait is for your location.
On test day, bring your learner's permit (if you have one), proof of insurance for the vehicle you are using, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition—working brakes, lights, wipers, and steering. The examiner will check these before the test begins. If anything is broken, you will not be allowed to test that day.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you drive on local roads. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers: parking, turning, stopping, and merging. You will also be tested on your ability to follow traffic laws and respond to road signs. You pass or fail on the spot, and if you fail, you can schedule another test.
Paying the fee and getting your license
The cost of a Virginia driver's license depends on your age and the length of validity you choose. You can get a license valid for 5 years or 8 years. The 5-year license costs less than the 8-year license. If you are under 21, the fee is lower than if you are 21 or older. Virginia DMV's website lists the exact current fees for each category.
You pay the fee at the DMV office when you complete your process. Virginia accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you fail the road test, you do not pay until you pass. If you pass, you pay before you leave.
After you pass the road test and pay, the DMV will take your photo and print your license on the spot. You will have your physical license in hand the same day. Your license is valid starting when ready, and you can drive alone as soon as you leave the office.
Renewing your Virginia license before it expires
Virginia licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be one year or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you chose—not from your old expiration date.
You can renew online if you meet certain conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, your vision has not changed significantly, and you are not changing your address. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
If you renew in person, you do not take the written or road test again. You bring your current license, proof of residency if you moved, and payment. The process takes about 15 minutes. If you renew online, the new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, proof of residency, and payment for the replacement fee. The replacement fee is less than the cost of a new license. You will get your replacement license printed on the spot.
If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the DMV, and they will flag it in the system. This prevents someone else from using it. You do not have to report it to police unless you believe it will be used for fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?
No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule the road test for a different day. Most people wait at least a few days between the two tests to study and practice driving.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can schedule another road test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will have to pay the test fee again. Most DMV offices let you schedule your next test when ready after you fail.
Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. You cannot use a rental car or a car borrowed from a friend unless it is insured and you have permission from the owner. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and steering before the test begins.
Can I get a Virginia license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?
No. Virginia will not issue a license if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked anywhere. You must clear the suspension or revocation in the other state first. Contact that state's DMV to learn what you need to do.
How long does a Virginia license last?
You choose either 5 years or 8 years when you get your license. Your license expires on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. You can renew it up to one year before it expires.