What You Need Before You Go to the DMV
Virginia issues driver's licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The state requires a primary document (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), a secondary document (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. You cannot complete this in person without these items — the DMV will turn you away if anything is missing.
If you are under 18, you will also need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian, and you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test before you can get a permit. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license in any state, you will take the written test but may skip the permit stage and go straight to the road test. Bring your documents in originals or certified copies; photocopies do not count.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original primary document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), a secondary document showing your address, and proof of your Social Security number to the DMV in person.
- Applicants under 18 need a signed parental consent form and must pass a vision test and written knowledge test to get a permit before taking a road test.
- Applicants 18 and older who have never held a license can take the written test and road test without a permit stage, but must still pass both.
- You can schedule an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted.
- The road test must be taken in a vehicle registered in Virginia with valid insurance, and you must bring proof of both to your test appointment.
Getting a Permit if You Are Under 18
If you are under 18, Virginia requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 9 months and 15 days before you can take the road test for a full license. To get the permit, bring your documents to any DMV office, pass the vision screening, and pass the written knowledge test. The test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or the written study guide available at any DMV office.
Once you have the permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions lift once you pass the road test and receive your full license. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another time at no extra charge.
Taking the Written Knowledge Test
The written test has 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving in different conditions. You have 30 minutes to complete it, and the DMV will score it when ready after you finish. If you pass, you move forward; if you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back later.
The Virginia DMV website offers a free practice test that mirrors the real exam. Taking the practice test multiple times before your appointment will show you which topics need more study. The manual is also available in Spanish, and the test itself can be taken in Spanish if you request it when you schedule or arrive at the DMV.
Scheduling Your Road Test Appointment
After you pass the written test (or when ready if you are 18 or older and skipping the permit), you must schedule a road test. You can book an appointment online through the Virginia DMV website, by phone at 1-866-368-5463, or in person at any DMV office. Road test wait times vary by location; some offices have openings within two weeks, while others may have a longer queue. Scheduling online is usually faster than calling or visiting in person.
When you schedule, have your permit or learner's permit number ready, and know which DMV office location you prefer. The appointment will show you the date, time, and location. Write it down or save the confirmation email. If you need to reschedule, you can do so online or by phone up to 24 hours before your test.
What to Bring and Do on Road Test Day
On the day of your road test, bring your permit or learner's permit, a valid photo ID, and proof that the vehicle you are using is registered in Virginia and has current insurance. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If anything is broken or missing, the test will be cancelled and you will need to reschedule.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will give you directions as you drive. You must follow all traffic laws exactly as written — rolling stops, speeding, or failing to signal will result in failure. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.
After You Pass the Road Test
Once you pass the road test, the DMV will issue your driver's license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. If you receive it in person, you can drive when ready. If it is mailed, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for the plastic card. Your Virginia driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date of issue.
Your license will show your name, address, date of birth, and a photo taken at the DMV. If you move, you must update your address within 30 days by visiting the DMV, calling, or using the online address change form. If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any DMV office or online.
DMV Locations and Hours
Virginia has DMV offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you, check hours, and see current wait times on the Virginia DMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some locations offer Saturday hours. Scheduling an appointment online is the fastest way to be seen; walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.
If you cannot reach a local office, you can call the DMV customer service line at 1-866-368-5463 for help finding a location, scheduling an appointment, or answering questions about documents. The phone line is open Monday through Friday during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use other primary documents such as a military ID, a naturalization certificate, or a court order showing your name and date of birth. The DMV website lists all accepted primary documents. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain one before you can get a license — the DMV cannot issue one without proof of identity.
Can I take the road test in a vehicle that is not registered in Virginia?
No. The vehicle must be registered in Virginia and have current insurance. If you are borrowing a car, make sure the owner's registration and insurance card are in the vehicle and that you have permission to use it for the test. The examiner will check both documents before starting.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the test after scheduling another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again. Many people pass on their second or third try, so failing once does not mean you cannot get a license. Review the areas where you struggled and practice before your next appointment.
Do I need to renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Virginia licenses expire 8 years from the date of issue. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. The DMV will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. Renewing online or by mail is faster than visiting an office in person.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Virginia?
Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and meets federal identification standards for flying and entering federal buildings. You can request a Real ID license when you explore for your initial license or renew an existing one. You will need to bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number.