You can retake Virginia's learner's permit test as soon as the next business day, but you'll pay the fee again and must wait at least one day between attempts
Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles does not impose a waiting period between failed permit tests — you can schedule another test when ready after failing, and many testing locations offer appointments the next day. However, you must pay the full testing fee each time you take the test. There is no refund for a failed attempt, and Virginia does not waive or reduce the fee on retakes.
The test itself does not change between attempts. You will answer the same types of questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The passing score is 80 percent on a 35-question written test. If you scored below that, reviewing the Virginia Driver's Manual before your next attempt is the most direct way to improve.
You do not lose your learner's permit when you fail the test. Your permit remains valid for its full term — typically one year from issue — so you can continue practicing with a licensed adult driver while you prepare to retake the test.
Key Takeaways
- You can retake the learner's permit test the next business day without waiting, but you must pay the testing fee again each time.
- Virginia's passing score is 80 percent on a 35-question written test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving.
- Your learner's permit stays valid after a failed test, so you can keep practicing while you study for your next attempt.
- The Virginia Driver's Manual, available free online and at DMV offices, covers all the material tested on the exam.
- If you fail multiple times, consider taking a driver education course, which some insurance companies discount and which may help you understand the material better.
Where to schedule your next test appointment
You schedule retakes through the same system you used for your first attempt. If you booked online at dmvnow.com, log back in and select a new appointment date and location. If you walked in to a DMV office, you can walk in again or book ahead online to avoid waiting.
Virginia DMV offices and testing centers are located throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you on the DMV website by entering your city or zip code. Some locations have more frequent testing slots than others, so if your nearest office is booked out several weeks, checking a location 20 or 30 minutes away may get you in sooner.
Testing availability varies by season and location. Summer and early fall typically have longer wait times because more teenagers are preparing for school. If you failed in a busy season, you may see more open slots if you wait a week or two, though this is optional.
What the test covers and how to study
The Virginia learner's permit test has 35 questions drawn from the Virginia Driver's Manual. Questions cover traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits and safe following distances, parking rules, and what to do in emergencies or bad weather. You need 28 correct answers to pass.
The Driver's Manual is free and available in three ways: online at dmvnow.com as a PDF you can read on any device, in print at any DMV office, or as a mobile app for iPhone and Android. Many people find the app useful because it lets you take practice quizzes on specific topics — signs, speed and distance, right-of-way — rather than studying the whole manual at once.
If you failed by a small margin, focus on the topics where you had the most trouble. The manual is organized by chapter, so you can drill down into specific areas. If you failed by a larger margin, reading through the entire manual once, then taking the practice quizzes, is usually more effective than jumping around.
Understanding why you failed and what to do differently
When you fail the test, the DMV does not provide a detailed breakdown of which questions you missed. You receive only your overall score and the passing score. This makes it hard to know exactly what to study, but it also means you should review the entire manual rather than guessing which topics tripped you up.
Common reasons for failing include misunderstanding right-of-way rules at intersections, confusing similar road signs, or not knowing Virginia-specific laws that differ from other states. If you moved to Virginia recently, pay special attention to sections on Virginia's specific traffic laws and penalties.
If you have failed the test twice or more, consider taking a driver education course. Many high schools offer these courses free or at low cost, and private driving schools offer them as well. A course does not may provide you will pass, but an instructor can identify which concepts you are struggling with and explain them in a different way than the manual does. Some insurance companies also offer discounts to drivers who complete a course, which can offset the cost.
How your learner's permit status works during retakes
Your learner's permit remains active and valid while you are retaking the test. You do not need to renew it, request a new one, or do anything special. You can continue to drive with a licensed adult as long as your permit has not expired.
Virginia learner's permits are valid for one year from the date of issue. If your permit expires before you pass the test, you will need to reapply for a new learner's permit before you can take the test again. Check the expiration date on your permit card to know when this important date is.
If your permit is about to expire and you have not yet passed, you have two options: retake the test before the expiration date, or let the permit expire and explore for a new one. If you explore for a new permit, you will pay the permit fee again and take the test again, so it is usually better to retake the test while your current permit is still valid if you are close to passing.
The cost of retaking the test
Virginia's learner's permit test fee is set by state law and does not vary by location or number of attempts. You pay the same fee for your first test and every retake. The DMV does not refund fees for failed tests or offer discounts for multiple attempts.
The fee covers the cost of administering the test, not the cost of the permit itself. If you pass the test, you then pay a separate fee for the permit card itself. If you fail, you pay only the test fee and do not receive a permit card.
Some DMV offices accept cash, check, and card; others accept card only. Check the website for your specific location to confirm what payment methods are accepted before you go in.
Moving forward after multiple failures
If you have failed the test three or more times, step back and assess whether you need a different study approach. Reading the manual once more on your own may not be enough. A driver education course, a parent or mentor who can quiz you on specific topics, or a private tutor who specializes in permit test prep can all help break through a pattern of failure.
Some people struggle with test-taking itself rather than the material. If you get nervous during the test, practice taking timed quizzes at home to build confidence. If you have trouble reading or processing written questions, ask the DMV whether you can take the test in a different language or with accommodations for a learning disability.
Virginia DMV does offer tests in multiple languages and can provide accommodations for people with disabilities. Call your local DMV office or visit dmvnow.com to ask about these options before your next attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the test more than once in the same day?
No. Virginia requires at least one business day between test attempts. If you fail on a Monday, the earliest you can retake it is Tuesday. You cannot take the test twice on the same day or schedule back-to-back appointments.
Do I have to go back to the same DMV office to retake the test?
No. You can take the test at any Virginia DMV office or testing location. If one location has a shorter wait time or is more convenient, you can book there instead. Your learner's permit is valid statewide regardless of where you take the test.
What happens if I fail the test while my permit is expired?
If your permit expires before you pass the test, you cannot take the test again until you reapply for a new learner's permit. You will pay the permit fee and the test fee, and you will start over with a new one-year validity period. It is better to pass the test before your permit expires.
Can I use a study app instead of the official Driver's Manual?
Yes. Third-party apps and websites that offer Virginia permit practice questions can help, but make sure they are current with Virginia law. The official DMV app and the free PDF manual on dmvnow.com are always up to date. If you use a third-party app, cross-check any answers you are unsure about against the official manual.
Will taking a driver education course help me pass?
A course can help, especially if you have failed multiple times or struggle to learn from reading alone. An instructor can explain concepts in different ways and identify which topics are giving you trouble. Many courses also include practice tests. However, a course is not required to pass the permit test, and some people pass without one.