Virginia requires six documents and a written test to issue a learner's permit

To get a learner's permit in Virginia, you must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency, a completed process form, and proof of your legal name. You will also take a written knowledge test at the DMV. The entire process usually takes one visit, though you should allow two to three hours. Virginia issues learner's permits to people ages 15 and older.

The Virginia DMV does not mail permits or allow you to complete this process online. You must visit a DMV customer service center in person. Bring originals or certified copies of documents — photocopies alone will not work for most requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring six specific documents to the DMV: a valid ID, Social Security card or tax return, a utility bill or lease showing your Virginia address, a completed process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 44), and a birth certificate or passport.
  • The written knowledge test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • Learner's permit holders must be supervised by a licensed driver age 21 or older and cannot drive alone.
  • Virginia charges a fee for the learner's permit; the amount depends on how long you want the permit to last.
  • You can find your nearest DMV location and check wait times on the Virginia DMV website before you go.

The six documents you must bring to the DMV

Virginia requires you to prove your identity, your Social Security number, your residency in the state, and your legal name. Each category has specific acceptable documents, and the DMV will not accept expired versions of most of them.

Proof of identity: Bring a valid, unexpired passport; a valid military ID; or a valid state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a school ID plus one additional document from the residency list below.

Proof of Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full nine-digit number. A birth certificate does not count as proof of your Social Security number.

Proof of Virginia residency: Bring a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and a Virginia address and must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office box does not count as a residence address.

Proof of legal name: Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a court order if your name has changed. A photocopy of a birth certificate will not work.

Completed process form: Fill out the process for Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 44) before you arrive. You can read it from the Virginia DMV website or pick one up at any customer service center. Bring it completed and signed.

Payment: Bring a debit card, credit card, or check. Virginia does not accept cash at most DMV locations. The fee for a learner's permit varies depending on the validity period you choose.

How the written knowledge test works

After you submit your documents, you will take a written test on a computer at the DMV. The test has 35 questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 25 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. You can study using the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DMV website. Many people also use practice tests available online to prepare.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though you may have to wait and pay a retest fee. If you pass, the DMV will issue your learner's permit when ready.

Rules for driving with a Virginia learner's permit

A learner's permit is not a full driver's license. It allows you to practice driving under specific conditions. You cannot drive alone — a licensed driver age 21 or older must be in the front passenger seat with you at all times.

You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device, unless you are calling 911. You must wear a seat belt and may support all passengers wear seat belts. Headlights must be on during dawn, dusk, and night driving.

Virginia does not have a formal "permit period" — you can hold a learner's permit for as long as it remains valid. However, most people move to a full driver's license within a few months after getting their permit. To get a license, you must pass a road test and meet any other requirements your age group has.

Age requirements and restrictions by age group

Virginia issues learner's permits to people age 15 and older. The rules you must follow depend on your age when you get the permit.

If you are 15 or 16, you must hold your learner's permit for at least 9 months and 10 days before you can take the road test for a full license. You must also complete a driver education course approved by Virginia. If you are 17 or older, you do not need to complete a driver education course, and you can take the road test as soon as you pass the written test and feel ready.

Drivers under 18 have additional restrictions on their full license (called a Graduated Driver License or GDL), but these do not explore to the learner's permit itself. Once you have a learner's permit, you follow the learner's permit rules regardless of your age.

Where to go and what to expect on the day

Visit any Virginia DMV customer service center. You can find locations and check current wait times on the Virginia DMV website. Some locations are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Going early in the morning or on a weekday usually means shorter waits.

Bring all six documents, your completed Form DL 44, and payment. Plan to spend two to three hours at the DMV, including time waiting, submitting documents, taking the written test, and receiving your permit. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections to your process.

The DMV will take a photo for your learner's permit. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face.

What happens if you lose your learner's permit or need to replace it

If your learner's permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV customer service center. Bring your Form DL 44, proof of identity, and payment. You do not have to retake the written test. Replacement permits usually take one visit and cost less than an original permit.

If your address changes while you hold a learner's permit, you should update it at the DMV. Bring proof of your new Virginia address and your current permit. This is a quick transaction and usually does not require a new photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I was not born in the United States?

Yes. You must bring proof of your legal name (birth certificate, passport, or court order), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your passport as proof of identity.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a valid passport or a court order showing your legal name. If you have none of these, contact the Virginia DMV directly to ask about other options. Some situations may require additional steps.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Virginia offers the written test in several languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and others. Call your local DMV customer service center ahead of time to confirm that your language is available at that location.

How long is a learner's permit valid?

Virginia learner's permits are valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it before it expires by visiting a DMV customer service center with proof of identity and residency, though most people move to a full driver's license before renewal becomes necessary.

Do I have to retake the written test if I fail it?

No, you do not have to leave and come back. Most DMV locations allow you to retake the test the same day, though you may have to wait and pay a retest fee. You can take the test as many times as needed until you pass.