Virginia charges $10 for the learner's permit knowledge test, paid at the DMV when you take the exam

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles charges a flat $10 fee for the learner's permit written test. You pay this amount in cash or card at the DMV location where you sit for the exam — there is no advance payment option or online fee. The test itself covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Virginia.

This $10 covers only the knowledge test. If you fail and need to retake it, you pay another $10 each time. Virginia allows you to retake the test the same day if you wish, though most people wait a few days to study more. There is no limit on how many times you can take it, but each attempt costs $10.

The learner's permit itself — the physical document you receive if you pass — has no separate fee. Once you pass the knowledge test, the DMV issues your permit at no additional charge. The $10 is the only cost associated with the test portion of the learner's permit process.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's learner's permit knowledge test costs $10, paid in cash or card at the DMV when you take the exam.
  • Each retake of the test costs another $10, with no limit on attempts and no waiting period between tries.
  • The $10 fee covers only the written test; the learner's permit document itself has no separate fee once you pass.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification and proof of Social Security number to the DMV to take the test.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Before you pay the $10 test fee, the DMV will ask for proof of identity and residency. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID from another state. You also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return all work.

Proof of Virginia residency is required as well. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current Virginia address will satisfy this requirement. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present and sign consent forms at the DMV.

Bring originals or certified copies of these documents — photocopies are not accepted. The DMV staff will verify everything before you sit for the test. If any document is missing or invalid, you will not be allowed to take the test that day, and you will not be charged the $10 fee.

How the Virginia learner's permit test is structured

The written test contains 35 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The test is offered in English and several other languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean — ask the DMV which languages are available at your location.

You must answer at least 28 of the 35 questions correctly to pass, which is a score of 80 percent. The DMV grades the test when ready after you finish, and you will know whether you passed before you leave the office. If you pass, you receive your learner's permit on the spot. If you fail, you can schedule a retake for another day or attempt it again the same day if the DMV location allows it.

Retaking the test if you fail

If you do not reach the 80 percent passing score, you pay another $10 to retake the test. Virginia does not require you to wait between attempts, though many DMV locations schedule retakes on different days due to testing capacity. You can call ahead to ask whether same-day retakes are available at your location.

Each time you retake the test, you answer a different set of 35 questions from the same pool of material. The questions are randomized, so you will not see the exact same test twice. You have the same 30 minutes and must reach the same 80 percent score to pass.

What happens after you pass the test

Once you pass the knowledge test, the DMV issues your learner's permit when ready. The permit is valid for five years and allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. There is no additional fee for the permit itself — the $10 test fee is the only cost.

Your learner's permit does not expire if you turn 18 while holding it, but you must eventually pass the road test to get a full driver's license. The road test has a separate fee of $10 as well, paid when you schedule and take that exam at a DMV testing location.

DMV locations and testing hours in Virginia

Virginia has DMV offices in every county and city. Most locations offer learner's permit testing during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices have limited Saturday hours. You can find your nearest DMV office and its hours on the Virginia DMV website.

Testing availability can vary by location and time of year. During busy periods, some offices may have wait times or may require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Call your local DMV office or check online to see whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Walk-in testing is still common at many Virginia locations, but this is changing as demand increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the learner's permit test online in Virginia?

No. Virginia requires you to take the written test in person at a DMV office. The test is administered on a computer at the DMV, but you must be physically present. There is no remote or online option for the learner's permit knowledge test.

What if I fail the test three times — do I have to wait before trying again?

Virginia does not impose a waiting period between attempts, no matter how many times you fail. You can retake the test as soon as the next day if you wish. However, you pay $10 each time, and some DMV locations may have scheduling limits based on their testing capacity.

Is the $10 test fee refundable if I don't show up?

No. If you schedule a test appointment and do not show up, you forfeit the $10 fee. If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact your DMV office as soon as possible. Some locations may allow you to reschedule without losing the fee if you cancel in advance.

Do I have to pay the $10 fee again if I renew my learner's permit?

No. Once you pass the knowledge test and receive your learner's permit, you do not retake the test when your permit renews. Your five-year permit can be renewed at the DMV for a separate renewal fee, but the $10 knowledge test fee applies only once.