What You Need to Do to Get a Virginia Driver License

To get a Virginia driver license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test, then submit required documents to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process takes place in person at a DMV office and typically requires a visit for the knowledge and vision tests, then a separate appointment for the road test. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail.

Virginia issues driver licenses to people age 16 and older. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter — you must hold a learner's permit for at least 15 days before taking the road test, and you face restrictions on when and where you can drive. If you are 18 or older and have never held a Virginia license, you can move directly to the road test after passing the knowledge and vision tests, with no waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person to take the knowledge test and vision screening before you can schedule a road test.
  • Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Virginia address — the DMV will not accept a P.O. box as proof of residence.
  • The knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices; you must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass.
  • The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests your ability to start the car, turn, park, and respond to traffic signals and other vehicles.
  • A Virginia driver license costs $70 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older, or $35 for a five-year license if you are under 21.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires an original or certified birth certificate as proof of identity and age. A photocopy is not accepted. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization instead.

You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. A tax return is not accepted.

Bring two documents that show your current Virginia address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government notice. The documents must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A P.O. box does not count as proof of residence. If you have no documents in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name appears on the documents, stating that you live at that address.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must bring their own photo ID and sign a consent form at the DMV office.

The Knowledge Test and Vision Screening

The knowledge test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics such as speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what to do at a traffic light or stop sign.

You can study using the Virginia DMV's official driver manual, which is available free on the DMV website. Many people also use practice tests available online through the DMV site. The test is administered on a computer at the DMV office, and you receive your score when ready after you finish.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The DMV tests your ability to read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will be told what type of vision correction you need and will have to return with a corrective lens prescription from an eye doctor.

Scheduling and Taking the Road Test

After you pass the knowledge test and vision screening, you can schedule a road test. You can book the test online through the DMV website, by phone at 1-866-DMV-LINE, or in person at a DMV office. Road test appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you pass the written test.

For the road test, bring the vehicle you will be driving — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring your learner's permit or the receipt showing you passed the knowledge test. Bring proof of insurance for the vehicle. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, bring a notarized letter from the owner giving you permission to use it for the test.

The test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to start the car, drive on local roads, make turns, park, and respond to traffic signals and other vehicles. You must demonstrate that you can control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and react safely to other drivers and pedestrians. Common reasons people fail include hitting a curb while parking, failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, or not checking mirrors and blind spots before turning.

Fees and License Validity

A Virginia driver license costs $70 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the cost is $35 for a five-year license. These are the standard fees as of 2024; the DMV may adjust fees periodically, so check the DMV website before your visit.

You pay the fee when you pass the road test and receive your license. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, though some offices may have different payment methods — call ahead if you want to confirm.

Your license is valid for the number of years shown on the card. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, without taking another test, as long as your vision and driving record remain acceptable.

If You Already Have a License from Another State

If you hold a valid driver license from another state and move to Virginia, you can exchange it for a Virginia license without taking the knowledge or road test. You must visit a DMV office in person, bring your out-of-state license and proof of Virginia residency, and pay the $70 fee (or $35 if you are under 21). The DMV will issue you a Virginia license valid for the same number of years remaining on your out-of-state license, up to the maximum of eight years.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you cannot exchange it — you must take the full test process as if you were a new driver. If your license was suspended or revoked in another state, Virginia may refuse to issue you a license until you resolve the issue in that state.

What Happens After You Pass the Road Test

After you pass the road test, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not drive without the temporary license — it is your proof that you are licensed.

If you do not receive your permanent license within two weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. If your address changes before the license arrives, update your address with the DMV when ready so the license is sent to the correct location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the knowledge test online or by mail?

No. The knowledge test and vision screening must be done in person at a DMV office. You cannot take the test remotely or submit answers by mail.

What if I fail the knowledge test or road test?

You can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time. The knowledge test fee is included in your license fee; the road test fee is $15 per attempt.

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

If you are 18 or older, no. If you are under 18, yes — you must hold a learner's permit for at least 15 days before you can take the road test. A learner's permit costs $5 and is issued on the spot after you pass the knowledge test.

What if I cannot find my birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This typically costs $10 to $30 and takes one to three weeks by mail. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or Certificate of Naturalization will work instead.

Can someone else take the road test for me?

No. You must take the road test yourself. The examiner needs to observe your driving ability and judgment. If you do not show up for your scheduled test, you lose the test fee.