What a Virginia Class D license is and who needs one
A Virginia Class D license is the standard driver's license for operating a regular passenger car, pickup truck, or van on public roads. It is the most common type of license in Virginia and the one most people get when they first learn to drive or move to the state. If you want to drive any vehicle that weighs less than 26,001 pounds and is not a motorcycle or commercial truck, you will need a Class D license.
You do not need a Class D license if you are driving a motorcycle (you would get a Class M instead), a commercial truck (Class A, B, or C), or a moped. If you are under 18, you will go through Virginia's Graduated Driver Licensing program, which has different rules and timelines than the standard adult process.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a road skills test, and a vision screening before you receive a Class D license.
- You must bring a Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of identity to the DMV — a birth certificate or passport works for identity.
- The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual.
- The road test takes place at a DMV office and lasts about 20 minutes, testing basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping.
- A Class D license costs $36 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older, or $24 for a five-year license if you are under 21.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Virginia requires specific documents before you can take the tests for a Class D license. You will need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return), proof of Virginia residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of identity.
For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a military ID. If your birth certificate is not certified, bring it along with a second document that shows your name and date of birth, such as a school record or medical record. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa, green card, or work permit instead of a birth certificate.
If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Bring the originals of these documents — photocopies are not accepted.
The written knowledge test
The written test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The test is given on a computer at the DMV, and you can take it in English or Spanish.
Virginia provides a free online manual called the Virginia Driver's Manual on the DMV website. This manual contains all the information covered on the test. Many people study it for a few days before taking the test. You can also take practice tests on the DMV website to see what kinds of questions appear.
If you do not pass the first time, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee again. Most DMV offices allow you to schedule a retest on the same day if you fail.
The road skills test
The road test happens at a DMV office and takes about 20 minutes. A DMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner also checks that you can use your mirrors, signal correctly, and follow traffic laws.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If anything is broken, the test will be rescheduled.
You will drive on regular streets near the DMV office, not on highways. The examiner is looking for safe, basic driving — not perfect driving. Common reasons people fail include hitting a curb while parking, not stopping fully at a stop sign, or not checking mirrors before turning. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day.
Vision screening and medical requirements
Before you take either test, you will have a vision screening at the DMV. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the vision screening and during the road test. Your license will be marked if you are required to wear corrective lenses while driving.
Virginia does not require a medical exam for a standard Class D license. However, if you have certain medical conditions — such as epilepsy, diabetes, or heart disease — you may need to provide a medical form signed by your doctor. The DMV will tell you if this applies to you based on your process.
Cost and how long the license lasts
A Class D license costs $36 if you are 21 or older and will be valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the license costs $24 and is valid for five years. These are one-time fees that cover the cost of the license itself; the written test and road test do not have separate fees.
When your license expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Renewal is simpler than getting your first license — you do not have to retake the tests unless the DMV asks you to. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the written test and the road test, the DMV will issue your license on the same day. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is being printed and mailed to you. The plastic license usually arrives within two to three weeks.
Your temporary paper license has the same legal weight as the plastic card — you can drive with it when ready. Keep it in a safe place until your plastic license arrives. If you lose your temporary license before the plastic one comes, you can get a replacement at any DMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?
Yes. Most people take the written test first, and if they pass, they can schedule the road test for the same day or a later day. Some DMV offices allow you to do both in one visit if you pass the written test quickly.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test. Each attempt costs the same fee. Many people pass on their second or third try.
Do I need to take a driver education course before getting my license?
No, not for adults. Virginia does not require a formal driver education course for people 18 and older. However, if you are under 18, you must complete an approved driver education course before you can take the road test.
Can I use my out-of-state license while I am waiting for my Virginia license?
Yes. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can continue driving with it while you are getting your Virginia license. Once you get your Virginia license, your out-of-state license is no longer valid for driving in Virginia.
What if I cannot pass the vision screening?
If you do not meet the vision requirement, you cannot get a license until your vision improves. You can see an eye doctor, get glasses or contacts, and return to the DMV for another vision screening. Some people need to wait weeks or months while their vision corrects.