What the Virginia driver license exam tests
The Virginia driver license exam has two parts: a written test on road rules and a behind-the-wheel driving test. You must pass the written test first before you can schedule the driving test. The written test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies — the same material in the Virginia Driver's Manual.
The written test is 35 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass (80 percent). The driving test happens on public roads in your examiner's vehicle or yours, and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle steering, braking, parking, lane changes, and your awareness of other traffic.
Both tests happen at your local Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You cannot take them online or by mail. You schedule both appointments through the DMV website or by calling your local office.
Key Takeaways
- The written test covers 35 questions about Virginia traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- You must pass the written test before the DMV will let you schedule a driving test.
- The driving test takes 20 to 30 minutes on public roads and tests your ability to steer, brake, park, and stay aware of traffic.
- You can take the written test in English or Spanish, and the DMV provides study materials free on its website.
- You need a valid learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a vehicle that passes safety inspection before you can take the driving test.
How to prepare for the written test
The Virginia DMV publishes the official study material free on its website: the Virginia Driver's Manual. This manual covers every topic the written test asks about. You can read it online, read it as a PDF, or request a printed copy at any DMV office. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test.
The DMV also offers practice tests online at no cost. These practice tests use the same format and types of questions as the real exam, so taking them several times helps you get used to how the questions are worded. You can retake practice tests as many times as you want.
Focus your study on sections that are straightforward to get wrong: right-of-way rules, speed limits in different zones, what different road signs mean, and what to do if your brakes fail or you skid. Many test-takers miss questions about when you can pass another car or what a yellow line means.
Documents you need for the written test
Bring your learner's permit and one form of photo identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have a learner's permit yet, you can take the written test to get one, but you will need to pass that test first before you can take the driving test.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a bank statement with your number on it. If you cannot provide proof, you can sign an affidavit at the DMV office instead.
Bring proof that you live in Virginia: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
How to schedule and take the written test
Go to the Virginia DMV website and select your local office. You can book an appointment online or call the office directly. The DMV lets you schedule weeks in advance, so you can pick a time that works for you. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but wait times can be long, so scheduling ahead is faster.
On test day, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents. The test happens at a computer terminal in the DMV office. You will see one question at a time and can go back to change your answer before you submit. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You get your score right away.
If you pass, the DMV gives you a score receipt. If you fail, you can retake the test. Most offices let you schedule another attempt the same day or within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though you pay the test fee each time.
What you need before you can take the driving test
You must have a valid Virginia learner's permit. This is different from a regular driver's license — it lets you drive only with a licensed adult in the car. You get a learner's permit by passing the written test. You must hold it for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test, though some people hold it longer while they practice.
Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection. Virginia requires working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, mirrors, and tires with enough tread. The vehicle does not need to be new or expensive, but it has to be safe. You can get a safety inspection at any Virginia inspection station — gas stations, repair shops, and tire shops offer them. The inspection costs about $20 and takes 15 minutes.
Bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your vehicle's safety inspection to the driving test. You also need the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance.
How the driving test works
The DMV examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads. The test lasts 20 to 30 minutes and covers about 5 to 10 miles. You will make left and right turns, drive on main roads and residential streets, parallel park, and stop at traffic lights and stop signs. The examiner watches how smoothly you steer, how quickly you react to hazards, and whether you check your mirrors and blind spots.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include hitting the curb while parking, failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, not signaling before turning, speeding, and not checking mirrors before changing lanes. Hitting another car or a fixed object is an automatic failure. Hitting the curb during parallel parking is usually a failure, though some examiners may allow one minor touch.
If you pass, you get a temporary license on the spot and can pick up your permanent license by mail or at the DMV office. If you fail, you can retake the driving test. You must wait at least one day before your next attempt, and you pay the test fee again.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the driving test, you have a valid Virginia driver's license. Your temporary license is good for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in about two weeks. You can drive alone as soon as you pass the test — you no longer need a licensed adult in the car.
Your Virginia driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 70, or five years if you are 70 or older. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at the DMV office before it expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Virginia DMV offers the written test in Spanish. You can request an interpreter for the driving test as well, though you must arrange this when you schedule your appointment. Call your local DMV office to confirm an interpreter is available before you book.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it. You must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test, but you pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third try.
Do I have to use my own car for the driving test?
No. You can use a friend's or family member's car as long as it passes the safety inspection and has valid registration and insurance. The car does not have to be registered to you. The DMV does not provide vehicles for the test.
How long does my learner's permit last?
A Virginia learner's permit is valid for five years. You can hold it for as long as you want before taking the driving test, but you must have held it for at least 30 days. If your permit expires before you pass the driving test, you will need to retake the written test to get a new one.
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 either test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to your local DMV office. If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take both the written and driving tests.