What a Class D License Is and Who Needs One

A Class D license in Virginia is the standard driver's license for operating a regular passenger car, pickup truck, or van. It is the most common license type and covers vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less. If you drive a sedan, SUV, or light truck for personal use, you need a Class D.

Virginia issues Class D licenses to drivers age 16 and older. The license is valid for eight years if you are under 75 years old, and four years if you are 75 or older. You will need a Class D to drive legally on Virginia roads; driving without one is a traffic violation.

Other license classes exist for different vehicle types — Class A and B for commercial trucks, Class C for motorcycles — but Class D covers the vast majority of personal driving.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a road skills test, and a vision screening before the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will issue a Class D license.
  • First-time applicants under 18 must hold a learner's permit for at least 15 days and complete a driver education course or behind-the-wheel training.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore.
  • The road test is scheduled through the DMV and typically takes place at a DMV office; you must bring your own vehicle and a licensed adult if you are under 18.
  • The total cost is $40 for a Class D license valid through age 75, plus any fees for the knowledge test or road test if you fail and retake them.

Documents You Need Before You explore

The Virginia DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot begin the process without all three.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and visa or green card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with a Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. A piece of mail from a government agency is acceptable if it shows your current address.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your ITIN from the IRS. The DMV will not issue a license without one or the other.

The Knowledge Test and What It Covers

Before you take the road test, you must pass the written knowledge test at a DMV office. The test has 35 multiple-choice questions covering Virginia traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass.

The test is based on the Virginia Driver's Manual, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any DMV office. The manual covers speed limits, parking rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle intersections, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies. Most questions are straightforward; the test is not designed to trick you.

You can take the knowledge test on the same day you explore for your license. If you fail, you can retake it the next day. There is no fee for the test itself, but you will pay the $40 license fee when you pass.

The Road Test: What to Expect and How to Schedule It

After you pass the knowledge test, you schedule a road test with the DMV. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. An examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you drive a set route in and around the DMV office location.

You must bring your own vehicle — it cannot be a rental or a loaner from a dealership. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors work before you start. If anything is broken, the test will not happen.

If you are under 18, a licensed adult (parent, guardian, or driving instructor) must be in the car with you during the test. If you are 18 or older, you take the test alone. You schedule the road test online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Wait times vary by location; some offices have openings within a week, others within several weeks.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it after three business days. There is no fee for the test itself.

Requirements for Drivers Under 18

Virginia has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for drivers under 18. You cannot go straight from no license to a full Class D; you must go through a learner's permit stage first.

To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old, pass the knowledge test, and pass a vision screening. You must hold the permit for at least 15 days before you can take the road test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

You must also complete either a Virginia DMV-approved driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction) or 40 hours of supervised driving with a licensed adult, including 10 hours at night. Many high schools offer driver education; private driving schools also offer it. The course or supervised hours are required before you take the road test.

Once you pass the road test, you receive a Class D license with GDL restrictions. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. After six months, the nighttime restriction lifts, but you still cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a licensed adult is present.

The process Process and Timeline

The steps happen in this order: knowledge test, road test, then license issuance. You cannot skip ahead or do them out of order.

First, visit a DMV office with all your documents. Tell the staff you want to explore for a Class D license. They will check your documents, take your photo, and give you the knowledge test. If you pass, you move to scheduling the road test. If you fail, you can retake it the next day.

After you pass the knowledge test, you schedule the road test at the same office or online. The wait depends on your location; plan for at least a few days to a few weeks. On the day of your road test, bring the same vehicle you will use for the test, your permit or test authorization, and a valid ID.

If you pass the road test, the examiner will tell you that day. You pay the $40 license fee, and the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office. Your license is valid for eight years (or four years if you are 75 or older).

Cost and Payment

The total cost for a Class D license is $40, which covers the eight-year validity period. This is a one-time fee paid when you pass the knowledge test and are ready to receive your license.

There are no separate fees for the knowledge test or road test. If you fail either one and retake it, there is no additional charge. If you need a replacement license (lost, stolen, or name change), that costs $20.

The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. Some offices may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you have questions about how to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the road test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered to you. Many people use a parent's or friend's car for the test. The vehicle must be in safe working condition and have valid registration and insurance documents in the car.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after three business days. There is no fee for the retake. You do not need to retake the knowledge test. Most DMV offices will let you schedule the next test online or by phone right away.

How long is a Class D license valid?

A Class D license is valid for eight years if you are under 75 years old. If you are 75 or older when you explore, it is valid for four years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before it expires.

Can I renew my Class D license online?

You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes. You will pay the renewal fee online and receive your new license by mail. If your license is expired or you have had a major change, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What if I move to Virginia from another state with a valid driver's license?

You do not need to take the knowledge test or road test. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia Class D license by visiting a DMV office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. The fee is $40. You will get a new photo and a Virginia license valid for eight years.