How to Get Your Virginia Driver's License (2026)

A step-by-step walkthrough of the Virginia license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.

1. Make sure you're eligible

To apply for a Virginia learner permit you must be at least 16 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Virginia residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of Virginia residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
• Parent/guardian signature if under 18
• Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)

2. Pass the Virginia permit knowledge test

The Virginia knowledge test has 35 questions; you must answer 28 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Virginia-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the knowledge exam, you must wait 15 days before retaking it. After three failed attempts, you must complete the classroom segment of a Virginia driver education course and submit proof to the DMV before testing again.

The best prep path is to read the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV) driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free VA practice test and the full 35-question exam.

3. Get your learner permit

After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Virginia learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV) office and pay the permit application fee (currently $3).

• Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
• Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
• The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
• Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.

4. Complete your supervised practice hours

During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Virginia's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.

• Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
• Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
• Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
• Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
• Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.

5. Pass the road test and get your full Virginia license

Schedule your Virginia road test through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV). The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.

After passing, pay the license fee (currently $32 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.

The full Virginia steps in order

As listed by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV):

1. Turn 15 years and 6 months old (or 18 for the adult path).
2. Read the Virginia Driver's Manual at dmv.virginia.gov.
3. Take practice tests until you score 90% or higher.
4. Visit a DMV customer service center (appointment recommended).
5. Bring proof of identity, Virginia residency, Social Security number, and legal presence.
6. Pass the vision screening and the two-part knowledge exam.
7. Pay the $3 per year learner's permit fee.
8. If you are under 18, hold the permit for at least 9 months with no violations.
9. Complete a Virginia driver education program and 45 hours of supervised driving (15 hours after sunset).
10. Pass the road skills test (or have a private driving school give it).
11. Pay the $32 license fee and receive your Virginia driver's license.

FAQ: Getting Your Virginia License