How to Get Your First Virginia Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Get a Virginia Driver's License

To get a Virginia driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a driving skills test, and a vision screening at a Department of Motor Vehicles office. You'll need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Virginia residency. The whole process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, because you must pass the knowledge test before you can schedule the driving test, and appointment availability varies by location.

Virginia issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you're under 18, you'll go through the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which means you start with a learner's permit, follow restrictions for a set period, and then move to a full license. If you're 18 or older, you can go straight to a full license without the learner's permit step.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, Social Security card or tax return, and two documents showing your Virginia address to any DMV office.
The knowledge test comes first; you cannot schedule a driving test until you pass it.
If you're under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least 9 months and 10 days before you can take the driving test.
The driving test includes a pre-drive vehicle inspection, parallel parking, and on-road driving; you must bring a vehicle and a licensed adult if you're under 18.
Virginia recognizes some out-of-state licenses and permits, but you may still need to pass the knowledge test depending on your age and how long you've held the other license.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency. You cannot get a license without all three.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a tax return from the past two years, or a W-2 form. A letter from the Social Security Administration also works.

For proof of Virginia residency, bring two documents from this list: a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or pay stub. Both documents must show your current Virginia address and your name. They must be dated within the past 60 days.

Bring your completed process for a Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Virginia DMV website or fill out at the office. You'll also need to bring payment: the fee for a five-year license is $65, or $32.50 if you're 65 or older.

The Knowledge Test and What It Covers

The knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions about Virginia traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your results when ready.

The test covers road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, what to do at traffic lights and stop signs, and how to handle emergencies like a blown tire or brake failure. You can study using the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free on the DMV website. Many people also use practice tests available online through the official Virginia DMV site.

You can take the knowledge test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts. Once you pass, you can schedule your driving test. If you're under 18, you cannot take the driving test until you've held your learner's permit for at least 9 months and 10 days.

Getting Your Learner's Permit If You're Under 18

If you're under 18, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. You get the permit by passing the knowledge test at a DMV office. The permit is valid for two years and costs $16.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You must follow all other traffic laws exactly as a licensed driver would.

You must hold the permit for at least 9 months and 10 days before you can take the driving test. This waiting period is a legal requirement in Virginia and cannot be shortened. After you pass the driving test, your learner's permit becomes your full license.

Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test

After you pass the knowledge test, you can schedule your driving test online through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Appointment availability varies; some offices have openings within a few weeks, while others may have a longer wait. You can schedule up to 30 days in advance.

For the driving test, bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and working mirrors, lights, and windshield wipers. If you're under 18, you must bring a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. If you're 18 or older, you can take the test alone.

The test has three parts. First, a DMV examiner will inspect your vehicle to make sure it's safe. Second, you'll demonstrate basic skills like parallel parking and three-point turns in a parking lot or quiet street. Third, you'll drive on regular roads with the examiner in the car. The entire test takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

You must pass all three parts to pass the test. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the driving test, though each attempt costs $20.

If You Already Have an Out-of-State License

Virginia recognizes driver's licenses from other states, but the rules for getting a Virginia license depend on your age and how long you've held the other license.

If you're 18 or older and have held a valid out-of-state license for at least one year, you can trade it for a Virginia license without taking the knowledge or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Virginia residency to a DMV office. The fee is $65 for a five-year license.

If you're 18 or older but have held your out-of-state license for less than one year, you must pass the knowledge test and the driving test. If you're under 18, you must go through the full GDL process, starting with a learner's permit, regardless of whether you have an out-of-state license.

If you're moving to Virginia from another state, you have 60 days to get a Virginia license. After 60 days, driving on an out-of-state license is not legal in Virginia.

What Happens After You Pass the Driving Test

Once you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. Your license is valid for five years from the date it's issued. If you're 65 or older, your license is valid for eight years.

Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, license number, and any restrictions or endorsements that explore to you. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, your license will note that. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the DMV may add a restriction.

You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew by mail or online 60 days before their license expires. If your license expires while you're out of state, you can still renew it by mail or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the knowledge test online or by mail?

No. The knowledge test must be taken in person at a Virginia DMV office on a computer. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must schedule an appointment or go to an office that accepts walk-ins.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. Each attempt costs $20. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next test.

Do I need to bring my own vehicle for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition with valid plates and working lights, mirrors, and wipers. You cannot use a DMV vehicle or a rental car for the test.

What if I'm 18 and have never had a learner's permit?

You can go straight to the driving test without holding a learner's permit. You must still pass the knowledge test first. You do not have to wait 9 months and 10 days like someone under 18 does.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Most people renew 60 days before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.