What you need to do to get a Virginia driver's license

To get a Virginia driver's license, you will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and Virginia residency. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all licenses. You can take the written test at any DMV office without an appointment, but you must schedule the driving test in advance. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your road test.

Virginia issues licenses to people age 16 and older. If you are under 18, you will follow a different path called the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which has restrictions on when and how you can drive for the first year. Adults 18 and over can go straight to a full license once they pass both tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Virginia address to any DMV office.
  • The written knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can take it as many times as you need, and there is no fee.
  • The driving test must be scheduled in advance through the DMV website or by calling your local office, and you will drive in a vehicle you provide or rent.
  • Drivers under 18 enter the GDL program, which restricts nighttime driving and passenger limits for the first 12 months after you pass your road test.
  • Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you pass the driving test.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Before you go to any DMV office, gather these documents. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number (such as a W-2 form or tax return), and two documents that prove you live in Virginia. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of Virginia residency.

If you are explore for a license under a different name than your birth certificate (for example, after marriage or a legal name change), bring the original document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If any of your documents are not in English, bring an official English translation along with the original.

Taking the written knowledge test

The written test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any DMV office during business hours without scheduling ahead. The test has 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. There is no fee to take the test, and you can retake it as many times as you need if you do not pass on your first try.

You can study for the test using the Virginia DMV Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DMV website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and others. When you arrive at the DMV, tell the staff which language you need.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

Once you pass the written test, you must schedule a driving test appointment. You can schedule online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas, so schedule as soon as you pass the written test. Wait times for appointments vary by location but can range from a few days to several weeks.

For the driving test, you will drive a vehicle that you own, borrow, or rent. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A DMV examiner will sit with you and ask you to perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You must pass this test to receive your license. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test, and there is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Understanding the Graduated Driver Licensing program for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, Virginia's GDL program puts restrictions on your driving for your first year. During the first 12 months after you pass your road test, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under age 20 in the car (unless the passenger is a family member). These restrictions lift after 12 months of holding your license without a serious violation.

Drivers under 18 must also hold a learner's permit for at least 9 months and 26 days before they can take the road test. During this learner's permit phase, you must have a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat with you whenever you drive. The learner's permit itself is free and lasts for one year.

What happens after you pass the driving test

After you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being made. Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided, and it usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Check your mail regularly, as the license will not be reissued if it is lost in the mail.

Your Virginia license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, and five years if you are under 21. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office before it expires. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.

Costs and fees

The written test is free. The driving test fee is $10. A new driver's license costs $24 if you are 21 or older, or $12 if you are under 21. These fees are paid at the DMV office when you take the driving test. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $15. Payment methods accepted at DMV offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state and want to exchange it for a Virginia license, you do not need to take the written or driving tests. The exchange fee is $24 for adults or $12 for drivers under 21, and you will still need to bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Virginia residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No, the written test must be taken in person at a DMV office. However, you can study at home using the free Virginia DMV Driver's Manual and practice tests available on the DMV website before you go in.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, and each retake costs $10. You must schedule a new appointment through the DMV website or by calling your local office.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go straight to the written test and then the driving test. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 9 months and 26 days before you can take the road test.

How long does it take to get a Virginia driver's license from start to finish?

The timeline depends on how quickly you pass the written test and how soon you can schedule the driving test. The written test can be taken when ready, but driving test appointments may have a wait. Once you pass the driving test, your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I move to Virginia from another state?

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Virginia license without taking the written or driving tests. You will still need to bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Virginia residency to a DMV office. The exchange fee is $24 for adults or $12 for drivers under 21.