Virginia requires you to pass a written test, vision screening, and driving test to get a full driver's license

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues three types of licenses: a learner's permit (which lets you drive with a licensed adult), a restricted license (for drivers 16–18 with conditions), and a full unrestricted license. The path you take depends on your age and whether you already hold a permit. All routes require you to pass a knowledge test covering road signs and traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and demonstrate driving ability on a road test.

You cannot skip steps or test out of the learner's permit stage if you are under 18. Virginia law requires a minimum holding period: you must keep your learner's permit for at least nine months and be at least 16 years and 3 months old before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older and have no prior Virginia license, you can go straight to the full license without a permit, but you still take the same written and road tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) before you visit the DMV.
  • The learner's permit requires passing a written test; you must hold it for at least nine months before taking the road test for a full license.
  • The road test covers basic vehicle control, parking, turns, and following traffic laws; you can take it at any DMV office with a testing program.
  • Virginia charges separate fees for the permit ($16), the road test ($35), and the license itself ($24 for an eight-year license), and fees vary slightly if you renew early or need a replacement.
  • If you move to Virginia with an out-of-state license, you have 60 days to exchange it for a Virginia license at no extra charge.

Documents you need before your first DMV visit

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work. You need proof of identity (a valid passport, birth certificate with a raised seal, or an unexpired state ID from another state), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof that you live in Virginia (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.

If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original plus an official English translation. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. The DMV will not accept a name change based on a document you signed yourself.

Getting your learner's permit if you are under 18

Visit any DMV office with your documents and completed process (Form DL-44, available on the Virginia DMV website or at the office). You will take a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions; you need 28 correct to pass. You can retake it the same day if you fail, though most offices limit retakes to once per day.

After you pass the written test, you will have your vision screened and your photo taken. The permit is issued on the spot and costs $16. You cannot drive alone; a licensed driver at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. Virginia law also restricts when you can drive: between midnight and 5 a.m., you can only drive to school, work, or a medical appointment, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (even hands-free).

Taking the road test for your full license

You must hold your learner's permit for at least nine months and be at least 16 years and 3 months old. Schedule your road test in advance through the Virginia DMV website or by calling the DMV office where you want to test. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will drive (it must be registered and insured in Virginia or another state). The examiner will check that your vehicle has working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.

The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control: starting, stopping, turning, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), lane changes, and following traffic laws. You must obey all traffic signs and signals, maintain safe speed, and demonstrate awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians. The examiner will tell you when ready whether you passed. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day. The road test costs $35.

Getting your full license after passing the road test

Once you pass the road test, you return to the DMV office to pay for your license and have your photo taken (if you have not had one taken recently). A full Virginia driver's license costs $24 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older, or $16 for a five-year license if you are under 18. You will receive your license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days; the DMV will give you a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

If you are 16 or 17, your license will have restrictions printed on it: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (except for school, work, or medical reasons), and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18, and you do not need to renew your license or visit the DMV again.

If you already have a license from another state

Virginia gives you 60 days from the date you establish residency to exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia license at no charge. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. You will have your photo taken and pay the standard license fee ($24 for eight years). You do not retake the written or road test unless your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked.

If you wait longer than 60 days, you can still exchange your license, but you may be required to pass the written test again. The DMV considers you to have established residency when you register a vehicle in Virginia, get a job in Virginia, or sign a lease or purchase a home here.

Fees and timeline

Virginia's DMV charges separate fees at each stage of the licensing process. The learner's permit costs $16 and is issued the same day you pass the written test. The road test costs $35 and must be scheduled in advance; the test itself takes about 20 minutes. Once you pass the road test, you pay for your full license: $24 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older, or $16 for a five-year license if you are under 18. Your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

If you exchange an out-of-state license within 60 days of establishing Virginia residency, there is no exchange fee—you only pay the standard license fee of $24 for eight years. Renewal by mail also costs $24 for a standard eight-year license. If you need a replacement license due to loss or damage, the fee is $24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the road test in a vehicle that is not registered to me?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured in Virginia or another state, but it does not have to be registered in your name. Many people borrow a parent's or friend's vehicle for the test. The examiner will verify that the vehicle has valid registration and insurance before the test begins.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you pay the $35 fee each time. Many people pass on the second or third try; the examiner will tell you which skills to practice before your next test.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Virginia license?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before visiting the DMV. The DMV will not issue a license without one, with very limited exceptions for certain visa holders.

Can I renew my Virginia license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before expiration. Renewal by mail costs $24 for a standard eight-year license. If you renew in person at the DMV, you will have your photo retaken. Online renewal is also available for some drivers; check the Virginia DMV website to see if you are may be able to access.

What if I lose my license or it gets damaged?

Visit any DMV office with proof of identity and pay a $24 replacement fee. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.