What a Virginia driver's permit is and who needs one

A Virginia driver's permit, officially called a Learner's Permit, is a document that allows you to practice driving under supervision before you take the road test for a full license. You need one if you are under 18, or if you are 18 or older and have never held a valid driver's license in any state. The permit proves you have passed the written knowledge test and a vision screening, but it does not give you the right to drive alone.

Once you have the permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is sitting beside you in the front seat. Virginia law is specific about this: the supervising driver must be physically present, awake, and able to exercise control of the vehicle if needed. The permit is your entry point into Virginia's three-stage licensing system, and you will keep it until you pass the road test and receive your full Learner's Permit or Restricted License.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a Virginia Learner's Permit, and you need a signed parental consent form if you are under 18.
  • The written test covers Virginia traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass; you can retake it if you fail.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of Virginia residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth when you explore in person at a DMV office.
  • The permit costs $16 and is valid for five years, but you cannot drive alone or at night without a licensed adult supervisor in the front seat.

Age requirements and parental consent

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a Virginia Learner's Permit. If you are under 18, you also need written parental or guardian consent. Virginia DMV provides a form called the Parental Consent Form for Minors, which a parent or legal guardian must sign in front of a notary public or a DMV employee. You cannot get the permit without this signed form if you are a minor.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent, but you must still meet all other requirements. If you are 16 or 17 and explore without a parent present, bring the signed consent form with you to the DMV office. The form must be notarized or signed in the presence of a DMV employee; a parent's signature alone on a piece of paper will not be accepted.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring originals or certified copies of these documents to your local DMV office. You will need proof of your legal name and date of birth — a birth certificate, passport, or certified court order works. You also need proof of Virginia residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A school ID or report card with your address is also acceptable.

You must provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access, or bring documentation of your immigration status. Bring your parental consent form if you are under 18. You will also need to pay the $16 fee — Virginia DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Bring your completed process form (DL 40) if you want to fill it out ahead of time, though you can also complete it at the office.

The written knowledge test and vision screening

At the DMV office, you will take a written test on Virginia traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly (80 percent) to pass. The questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, traffic signals, and what different road signs mean. Virginia DMV publishes a free study guide called the Virginia Driver's Manual, available on their website and in print at any DMV office. Many people study this manual for one to two weeks before taking the test.

You will also have your vision screened at the DMV. The screener will check that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to get the permit that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report to a later appointment. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another time; there is no waiting period between attempts.

How long the permit is valid and what you can and cannot do

Your Virginia Learner's Permit is valid for five years from the date it is issued. During that time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult supervisor age 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless the supervising driver is a parent, guardian, or spouse. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency.

The permit has no restrictions on where you can drive within Virginia — you can practice on highways, in cities, and on rural roads. However, you must obey all traffic laws, and any violation (speeding, running a red light, reckless driving) will be recorded on your driving record. If you are convicted of certain violations, your permit can be suspended or revoked, and you may have to wait before you can take the road test.

Next steps after you get your permit

Once you have your permit, you are ready to practice driving. Virginia law does not require a minimum number of practice hours before you take the road test, but many driving instructors recommend at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 hours at night. Keep a log of your practice sessions if you can — it helps you track your progress and shows the road test examiner that you have real experience.

When you feel ready, you can schedule a road test through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. The road test costs $16 and takes about 20 minutes. You must bring your permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and inspected. If you pass, you will receive your Restricted License (if you are under 18) or your full license (if you are 18 or older). If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I have never had a license in any state?

Yes. If you are 18 or older and have never held a valid driver's license anywhere, Virginia treats you the same as a teenager — you must get a Learner's Permit first and pass the written test and vision screening. You cannot skip straight to the road test.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready or come back another day. There is no penalty for failing, and you do not have to wait. You will pay the $16 fee again if you retake the test on a different visit, but if you retake it the same day, you typically pay only once.

Can I drive alone if I am 18 or older with a permit?

No. Virginia law requires a licensed driver age 21 or older to be in the front seat with you at all times, regardless of your age. The only exception is if you are taking the road test with a DMV examiner.

How much does the permit cost?

The permit costs $16 and is valid for five years. You pay this fee once when you explore. If you fail the written test and retake it on the same day, you do not pay again. If you retake it on a different day, you pay the $16 fee a second time.

What if I move out of Virginia while I have a permit?

Your Virginia permit remains valid in Virginia only. If you move to another state, you will need to get that state's permit or license. If you move back to Virginia before your permit expires, your permit is still good and you can continue practicing and take the road test.