Getting a Virginia driver license: the basic path

To get a driver license in Virginia, you will need to visit a DMV location in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and pay a fee. Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver licenses. You cannot complete the entire process online, though you can schedule your appointment and renew some licenses through the DMV website.

The process takes at least two visits: one to pass your written test (which you can do on the same day you explore), and a second to take your driving test. Most people complete both within a few weeks if they schedule ahead. You will receive a temporary paper license after passing your tests, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Virginia DMV office in person to explore, take a written test, and schedule a driving test — none of these can be done by mail or online.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate) to your first appointment.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Virginia Driver's Manual online for free before you go.
  • Your driving test checks basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws on public roads with a DMV examiner in your car.
  • The total cost is $40 for a five-year license or $80 for an eight-year license, plus any fees for retesting if you do not pass on your first attempt.

What documents you need to bring

Virginia requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID or work ID is not enough on its own.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

For proof of Virginia residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

Scheduling your appointment and taking the written test

You can schedule your DMV appointment online at dmvnow.com or by calling 1-866-DMV-VIRGINIA (1-866-368-8742). Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but wait times are often longer — scheduling ahead saves time.

At your appointment, you will take a written knowledge test on a computer. The test has 35 questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 20 minutes. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Study the official Virginia Driver's Manual before you go — it is free online at dmv.virginia.gov and covers everything on the test. Many people also use practice tests available through the DMV website. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass your written test, the DMV will give you a temporary permit and help you schedule your driving test. You can also schedule online or by phone. Driving test appointments typically fill up 4 to 8 weeks in advance, so book as soon as you pass your written test.

For your driving test, bring your temporary permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, horn, and wipers before you drive. You must bring someone with a valid license to drive the vehicle to the test location, since you cannot drive there alone on your temporary permit.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking. You will also drive on public roads and follow traffic signals. The examiner is looking for safe vehicle control and your ability to follow traffic laws. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day.

Costs and how long your license lasts

A Virginia driver license costs $40 for a five-year license or $80 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you explore. There is no additional charge for your first license, but if you retake the written or driving test, each attempt costs $10.

Your plastic license card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you pass both tests. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that day, which is valid when ready and counts as your license until the plastic card arrives.

Virginia licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew online or by mail if you are not changing your address, name, or other information, and if your license has not been suspended or revoked. If you need to make changes or your license was suspended, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Special situations: learner's permits and under-18 licenses

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit before you can take a driving test. The process is the same — bring your documents, pass the written test, and pay $10. With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 9 months and 10 days before you can take the driving test. During that time, you must log at least 60 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night. When you are ready, schedule your driving test the same way.

Drivers under 18 receive a license that expires on their 21st birthday rather than on a five- or eight-year cycle. The cost is the same as an adult license.

What to do if you already have a license from another state

If you have a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to Virginia, you do not need to take the written and driving tests again. Instead, you can exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia license.

Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of Social Security number to any DMV office. You will have your photo taken and pay the license fee ($40 or $80 depending on the length you choose). Your new Virginia license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Your out-of-state license will be returned to you or destroyed, depending on the state.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to take the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver. Bring all three document categories listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must visit a DMV office in person to take the written test. You can schedule your appointment online, but the test itself must be taken at a DMV location on a computer provided by the DMV.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. There is a $10 fee for each retake. You keep your learner's permit or temporary license and can continue practicing. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured in Virginia, and it must be in safe working condition. You cannot use a DMV vehicle or a rental car. Someone with a valid license must drive the car to the test location since you cannot drive alone on your temporary permit.

How do I find the DMV office nearest me?

Visit dmvnow.com and use the office locator tool, or call 1-866-DMV-VIRGINIA. The website shows hours, services offered at each location, and current wait times. Some offices handle only certain services, so check before you go.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Virginia license up to one year before it expires. If you are renewing online or by mail, the new expiration date will be five or eight years from your renewal date, not from your original expiration date.