What you need before you start
Virginia's learner's permit process requires you to bring specific documents to a DMV office in person — you cannot complete this online. You will need proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV accepts a valid passport, military ID, or state ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and Virginia address.
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to request a learner's permit. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person at the DMV office. Bring their ID as well. If you were not born in the United States, bring your birth certificate or passport along with your other documents.
The written test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Virginia DMV's free online manual or the printed version available at any DMV office. Many people also use third-party study apps, though the official manual covers everything the test asks. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
Key Takeaways
- Bring proof of identity, proof of Virginia residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to a DMV office in person.
- If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must come with you and sign your process at the DMV office.
- You must pass a 35-question written test covering Virginia traffic laws and road signs, with a passing score of 28 correct answers.
- The permit costs $7.50 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- After passing the test and receiving your permit, you must follow Virginia's restrictions on when and where you can drive.
Steps to complete your process at the DMV
Go to a Virginia DMV office during business hours with all your documents. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website lists all office locations and their hours. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized.
At the office, tell the staff member you are requesting a learner's permit. They will give you an process form (DL 40) to fill out. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and emergency contact information. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian fills out the parental consent section on the same form. Do not sign the form yourself until the staff member tells you to.
After you complete the form, the staff member will take your documents, verify your information, and collect the $7.50 fee. You will then go to a separate area to take the written test on a computer. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You see your score when ready after you finish.
If you pass, the staff member will take your photograph and issue your learner's permit on the spot. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
What the written test covers
The Virginia DMV test focuses on practical knowledge you need to drive safely on Virginia roads. Questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and how to respond to traffic signals and signs. You will see questions about what to do when you see a school bus, how to handle intersections, and when you must yield to other vehicles.
The test also includes questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and seat belt laws. You may see scenarios that ask what you should do in a specific situation — for example, "A car is turning left in front of you. What should you do?" The questions are multiple choice, and you select your answer on the computer screen.
Study the Virginia DMV manual thoroughly before you go to the office. The manual is free and covers every topic the test asks about. You can read it online at dmvnow.com or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Most people who study the manual for a few hours pass the test on their first try.
Restrictions that come with your learner's permit
Once you have your learner's permit, you cannot drive alone. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat next to you at all times. That driver is responsible for supervising your driving. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present.
You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. You must wear a seat belt, and all passengers must wear seat belts. You cannot drive on interstate highways unless your supervising driver is a parent, guardian, or licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has been licensed for at least three years.
These restrictions stay in place for the entire time you hold your learner's permit. The permit is valid for one year from the date the DMV issues it. After one year, you can request a regular driver's license if you have completed the required supervised driving hours and are ready to take the road test.
What happens if you fail the written test
Failing the written test does not prevent you from trying again. You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost if you want to, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can take the test as many times as you need.
If you do not pass on your first try, spend more time studying the Virginia DMV manual before your next attempt. Focus on the topics you found confusing. Many DMV offices have computers where you can take practice tests for free while you wait. Ask the staff member if your office offers this.
Each time you retake the test, you pay the $7.50 fee again. Keep your test results so you know which areas to study. The manual is organized by topic, so you can review specific sections rather than starting from the beginning.
How long your permit lasts and what comes next
Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date the DMV issues it. The expiration date is printed on your permit card. You can renew your permit if you need more time to prepare for your road test, but you must go back to a DMV office to renew it.
After you have held your permit for at least 60 days and completed at least 60 hours of supervised driving (including at least 10 hours at night), you can request to take the road test. The road test is the practical driving test where a DMV examiner rides with you and watches how you handle real traffic. You must pass this test to receive your regular driver's license.
Schedule your road test appointment online at dmvnow.com or by calling the DMV. You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and inspected. The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and responding to traffic signals.
Documents checklist for your DMV visit
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid passport, military ID, or state ID | Must not be expired |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement | Must show your name and Virginia address; dated within last 60 days |
| Social Security Number | Your SSN (memorized or on a document) | Required; you will enter it on the process form |
| Birth Certificate (if foreign-born) | Original or certified copy | Bring if you were not born in the United States |
| Parent/Guardian ID (if under 18) | Valid ID of the adult signing your process | That person must be present at the DMV office |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. You must take the written test in person at a Virginia DMV office. You cannot complete any part of the learner's permit process online. You must bring your documents to an office, fill out the process form, and take the test on a DMV computer.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You need your Social Security number to get a learner's permit. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to request one before you go to the DMV. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.
Can my parent sign the process if they are not at the DMV office?
No. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present at the DMV office to sign the process in person. The DMV staff member will watch them sign. A notarized signature or a signature from home does not count.
How much does a learner's permit cost?
The permit costs $7.50. This is a one-time fee when you first receive your permit. If you retake the written test, you pay $7.50 each time you take it. Renewing your permit also costs $7.50.
What if I lose my learner's permit?
Go to a DMV office and request a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of residency. The replacement costs $7.50. The DMV will issue a new permit with the same expiration date as your original permit, so you do not lose any time.