What you need before you start

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to bring specific documents in person to a DMV office. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. You will need proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a Virginia ID card, or a military ID. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and Virginia address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the DMV office. Bring their ID as well. If you are 18 or older, you can go alone.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and sign your process.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual.
  • The learner's permit costs $16 and is valid for five years, but you must follow Virginia's Graduated Licensing System rules while driving.
  • You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the Virginia DMV website before you go.

Finding a DMV office and scheduling your visit

Visit dmvnow.com and use the office locator tool to find the DMV office nearest you. The website shows each office's address, hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, so checking wait times before you leave home can save you time.

Virginia DMV offices do not require appointments for learner's permit applications, but you can call ahead to ask about typical wait times during the hours you plan to visit. Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less crowded than Friday afternoons or Saturdays.

Studying for the written test

The written test has 35 questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you will get your results when ready.

The Virginia DMV publishes a free online manual called the Virginia Driver's Manual on dmvnow.com. Read through it before your visit. The manual covers everything the test covers: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. You can also take practice tests on the DMV website to see which topics you need to study more.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra cost. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

What happens at the DMV office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell them you are there for a learner's permit. A staff member will review your documents to make sure you have everything. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

If your documents are in order, you will have your photo taken for your permit card. Then you will sit at a computer terminal and take the written test. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. When you finish, the system scores it right away and tells you whether you passed.

If you pass, you will pay the $16 fee and receive your learner's permit card before you leave. If you do not pass, you can schedule a retake for later that day or another day.

Understanding Virginia's Graduated Licensing System rules

Once you have your learner's permit, you cannot drive alone. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. This rule applies for the entire time you hold your learner's permit.

Virginia's Graduated Licensing System also restricts when you can drive. Between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot drive at all, except to or from work or school. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency. These rules stay in place until you pass your road test and get your provisional license.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 9 months and 26 days before you can take the road test. During that time, you need to practice driving with your supervising adult and log your hours if your supervising adult asks you to.

The cost and how long your permit lasts

The learner's permit costs $16 and is valid for five years from the date you receive it. You do not need to renew it during that time unless it is lost, stolen, or damaged. If you need a replacement, the fee is $8.

If you do not pass your road test within five years, your learner's permit will expire and you will need to start over with a new written test and a new permit fee.

What to do if you lose your permit or need to make changes

If your learner's permit is lost or stolen, return to any DMV office with proof of identity and proof of residency. You can get a replacement card for $8. Bring the same documents you brought for your original process.

If your name or address changes while you hold your learner's permit, you must notify the DMV. You can update your address online through dmvnow.com, but name changes require a visit to a DMV office with proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. You must take the test at a DMV office on a computer terminal there. The test is only given in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Each time you retake it, you will need to check in again, but you will not pay another fee.

Do I need to schedule an appointment ahead of time?

No appointment is required, but you can call the DMV office ahead to ask about wait times. Visiting during off-peak hours, such as Tuesday through Thursday mornings, usually means shorter waits.

Can my parent or guardian sign my process if they are not there in person?

No. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present at the DMV office and sign your process in front of a DMV staff member. A notarized signature or a signature on a form you bring from home will not be accepted.

How long do I have to wait before I can take the road test?

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 9 months and 26 days before you can take the road test. After that time has passed, you can schedule your road test through the DMV website or by calling your local DMV office.