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

To get a Virginia driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, provide proof of identity and residency, and pay the fee. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all licenses. You can take the knowledge test at any DMV office without an appointment, but you must schedule a driving test in advance. The whole process typically takes two visits — one for the written test and one for the driving test — and can be completed within a few weeks if you pass both on your first attempt.

Virginia issues licenses valid for five years for drivers under 21, and eight years for drivers 21 and older. If you are moving to Virginia from another state, you can transfer your out-of-state license, but you still must pass Virginia's knowledge test. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain a new one until the suspension or revocation period ends.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to your first DMV visit.
  • The written knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can take it at any DMV office without scheduling ahead.
  • The driving skills test must be scheduled in advance and is conducted by a DMV examiner at a designated testing location.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $35 for drivers under 21 and $40 for drivers 21 and older; an eight-year license costs $60 for drivers 21 and older.
  • If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before retaking the knowledge test and at least two weeks before retaking the driving test.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Virginia requires two forms of identification: one primary document and one secondary document, or two primary documents. A primary document proves your identity and includes your name, date of birth, and signature. Acceptable primary documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate with a raised seal, a Certificate of Naturalization, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A secondary document also proves identity but may not include all the same information; examples include a school ID, a work ID, or a library card.

You must also prove Virginia residency with a document dated within the past 60 days. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, a pay stub, or a letter from a government agency. The document must show your name and current Virginia address. If you are homeless or do not have a document in your name, contact your local DMV office to learn about alternative documentation.

Bring your Social Security number or Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You will also need to provide your Virginia address and phone number.

Taking the written knowledge test

The Virginia knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and parking rules. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test is administered on a computer at the DMV office, and you receive your score when ready after completing it.

You do not need to schedule the knowledge test in advance; you can walk into any DMV office during business hours and request to take it. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website lists current wait times at each office. You pay the test fee when you arrive at the office. If you fail the test, you can retake it the next day at no additional cost.

Before taking the test, you can study using the Virginia DMV's free online practice test or the official Virginia Driver's Manual, both available on the DMV website. Many people find the practice test helpful for understanding the types of questions asked and the format of the real test.

Scheduling and taking the driving skills test

After you pass the knowledge test, you must schedule a driving skills test. You cannot schedule the test on the same day you pass the knowledge test; you must wait at least one day. You can schedule online through the Virginia DMV website, by phone at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463), or in person at a DMV office. The DMV typically has openings within two to four weeks, depending on the testing location.

On the day of your driving test, bring your learner's permit (which you receive after passing the knowledge test), proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, inspected, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before the test begins. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and includes basic maneuvers such as starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate knowledge of traffic signs and rules. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least two weeks.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a Virginia driver's license depends on your age and the license validity period you choose. A five-year license costs $35 for drivers under 21. An eight-year license costs $40 for drivers 21 and older, or $60 for drivers 21 and older who want the eight-year validity period. There is no separate fee for the knowledge test; the test fee is included in the license fee.

The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at all offices. Some offices also accept electronic payment methods. If you are paying by check, make it payable to the Virginia DMV. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can replace it for a fee of $15.

Getting your license after you pass both tests

After you pass the driving skills test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. If the office issues it when ready, you can use it right away. If it is mailed, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid until your plastic license arrives.

Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, license number, and the expiration date. It will also show any restrictions, such as corrective lenses or automatic transmission only. Check the information on your license carefully before leaving the DMV office. If there is an error, report it to the DMV when ready so it can be corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle I do not own?

Yes, you can use someone else's vehicle as long as it is registered, inspected, and insured. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name. Make sure the owner is comfortable with you using it and that the insurance covers you as a driver.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the test after waiting at least two weeks. You do not have to retake the knowledge test. You must pay the license fee again when you schedule your next driving test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test.

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

Yes. Your learner's permit is issued after you pass the knowledge test and serves as proof that you passed it. You must bring your learner's permit to the driving test. The learner's permit is valid for one year.

Can I renew my license online if I already have a Virginia license?

Yes, if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other requirements, you can renew online through the Virginia DMV website. However, if you are getting a license for the first time, you must visit a DMV office in person.

What if I move to a different address after I get my license?

You must update your address with the DMV within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. There is no fee to change your address.