Virginia

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If you have a Virginia learner's permit:

• You must have a supervising licensed driver at least 21 years old seated next to you, or a driver at least 18 years old if that person is an immediate family member or legal guardian.
• You may not drive between midnight and 4 AM.
• You may only carry one passenger under 18 years old.

If you have a juvenile driver's license:

• You may not drive between midnight and 4 AM unless you are driving to/from school or work, or due to a medical or safety emergency.
• For the first year, you may only drive unaccompanied with one passenger under the age of 21 who is NOT an immediate family member; otherwise, a supervising driver at least 21 years old must accompany you sitting in the front seat.
• After the first year, you may drive unaccompanied with up to three passengers who are NOT immediate family members, but ONLY if you are traveling to/from school or because of an emergency;  otherwise, a supervising driver at least 21 years old must accompany you sitting in the front seat.

Once you pass your road test, you'll have your photo taken and receive either your official driver's license or a temporary license until your photo license arrives in the mail.

You may drive only when accompanied by a licensed supervising driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat at all times.

No, your photo will be taken at the licensing office where you apply.

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

Once you pass your road test, visit your local DMV office to apply for your license. The licensing agent will give you either your official license or a temporary paper license to use until your photo license arrives in the mail. Call your local licensing office for specifics.

Visit your local driver license station.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

You'll need:

• Your learner's permit.
• Either a completed Application for License/Permit (form VL-021) or proof of completion from a Driver's Ed course.
• Registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.

You'll need your:

• Parent/guardian.
• Learner's permit.
• Driver education completion certificate.
• Certification from your parents of your 45 behind-the-wheel practice hours.
  • Your parent/guardian can track your hours on the 45-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide.

To apply for a VA juvenile driver's license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years and 3 months old.
• Have earned your learner's permit and held it for at least 9 months.
• Pass a state-approved driver education course.
• Complete at least 45 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

To apply for a first-time license as an adult in Virginia, you must:

• Have earned your learner's permit.
• Either hold your permit for at least 60 days or complete a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can take your road test once you have earned your beginner's permit.

If you're under 18 years old, you must also:

• Have held your permit for at least 9 months.
• Completed your driver's education program and behind-the-wheel practice hours.

If you're 18 or older, you must also:

• Have held your permit for at least 60 days; OR
• Have completed a state-approved driver education course.

You may be eligible for a restricted driver's license that allows driving privileges only to and from specific places, such as school or work.

Requirements will vary based on your personal circumstances and why your license was initially suspended. Most applicants will first need to obtain a court recommendation.

You can request a hardship license by petitioning the court to grant permission/recommendation for a probationary license. Contact your local DMV office for specifics on application forms, fees, and additional required documents.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to taking your road test. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The biggest tip is to study the Virginia Driver's Manual! Everything you need to know to pass your skills exam is in the guide.

A licensed driver at least 21 years old may bring you to your driving test.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with VA laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at driver licensing exam stations throughout the state.

• Driver's license: $20-32 ($4/year of validity)
• Learner's permit: Additional $3
• REAL ID: Additional $10

The Virginia Driver's Manual is available online and at your local driver licensing office.

If you're 18 or older, you can get your driver's license at any time after you've earned your learner's permit and have either held your permit for at least 60 days or have completed a state-approved driver education course.

If you're under 18 years old, you can get a juvenile driver's license once you've held a learner's permit for at least 9 months and have completed both your Driver's Ed course and your 45 required practice hours.

• Driver's license: $20-32 ($4/year of validity)
• Learner's permit: Additional $3
• REAL ID: Additional $10

No, there is no drug test involved.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your application to give their consent. If you are at least 18 years old, no one needs to accompany you for your permit exam.

You will need:

• A completed Driver's License and Identification Card Application (form DL 1P) signed by your parent/guardian to provide their consent.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship or authorized presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Virginia residency.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The VA DMV provides lists of acceptable documents for REAL IDs and non-compliant licenses, as well as an interactive document guide to help you determine which license you're eligible for.
• Payment for the following fees:
  • Driver's license: $20-32 ($4/year of validity)
  • Learner's permit: Additional $3
  • REAL ID (if desired): Additional $10

You may apply for your learner's permit once you're at least 15 years and 6 months old.

Generally, to earn your permit you will need to:

• Submit a completed Driver's License and Identification Card Application (form DL 1P).
  • If you're younger than 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign your form to provide their consent.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Citizenship or authorized presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Virginia residency.
    • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The VA DMV provides lists of acceptable documents for REAL IDs and non-compliant licenses, as well as an interactive document guide to help you determine which license you're eligible for.
• Pass the knowledge exam and a vision test.
• Pay the following fees:
  • Driver's license: $20-32 ($4/year of validity)
  • Learner's permit: Additional $3
  • REAL ID (if desired): Additional $10

Some examples of potential questions include:

You must use your headlights:

1. At all times
2. From sundown to sunrise
3. Only during poor weather

Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit on Virginia roads and highways is:

1. 50 MPH
2. 55 MPH
3. 60 MPH

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free Virginia practice test.

No; however, if you're under 18 years old, you must complete Driver's Ed before applying for your juvenile driver's license. If you're 18 or older, you have the option of completing a Driver's Ed course in lieu of holding your permit for 60 days.

The Virginia Driver's Manual has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your learner permit application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a Virginia learner's permit.

You'll need your parent/guardian if you're under 18 years old.

You can contact your local driver licensing office by phone. You can contact the state Department of Motor Vehicles headquarters online or by phone.

You may apply for your beginner's permit once you're 15 years and 6 months old.

If you hold a learner's permit,

• You must have a supervising licensed driver at least 21 years old seated next to you, or a driver at least 18 years old if that person is an immediate family member or legal guardian.
• You may not drive between midnight and 4 AM.
• You may only carry one passenger under 18 years old.

If you have a juvenile driver's license:

• You may not drive between midnight and 4 AM unless you are driving to/from school or work, or due to a medical or safety emergency.
• For the first year, you may only drive unaccompanied with one passenger under the age of 21 who is NOT an immediate family member; otherwise, a supervising driver at least 21 years old must accompany you sitting in the front seat.
• After the first year, you may drive unaccompanied with up to three passengers who are NOT immediate family members, but ONLY if you are traveling to/from school or because of an emergency;  otherwise, a supervising driver at least 21 years old must accompany you sitting in the front seat.

You may only drive with your Virginia learner's permit when accompanied by a licensed supervising driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat at all times, or a driver at least 18 years old if that person is an immediate family member or legal guardian.

You must fill out a Driver's License and Identification Card Application (form DL 1P), signed by your parent/guardian to provide their consent if you're under 18 years old. For your license, you'll also need

• The 45-Hour Parent/Teen Driving Guide, if you're under 18 years old.
• A Behind-the-Wheel Checklist (form CSMA 19), if you're 18 or older and have not taken a driver education course.

To get your permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

Virginia drivers under 18 years old must complete a state-approved driver education program consisting of:

• 36 hours of classroom time
• 7 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.
• 7 hours of in-car observation.

Applicants 18 and older are not required to complete driver education; however, doing so will waive the 60-day learner's permit holding requirement.

Before earning your learner's permit in Virginia, you must first be at least 15 years and 6 months old and have studied VA driving laws to pass the knowledge exam. You'll also need to gather your required identity documents to bring to the DMV.

The only requirement to apply for your VA learner's permit is to be at least 15 years and 6 months old.

Your renewal notice will state whether you need to retake a vision test for your renewal.

Yes, you may renew your Virginia driver's license by mail every other renewal period. Your notice will state whether mail-in renewal is an option for you.

Yes, Virginia drivers are encouraged to renew your license online if your renewal notice states that you're eligible to do so. Online renewals are available every other renewal period.

If you're transitioning from a non-compliant license to a REAL ID license, you'll need to do your renewal in person (this is a one-time requirement so you can submit your additional identity documents).

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This includes:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the applicable license fee, which is $4/year of its validity (typically 8 years/$32 total).

To renew in person or by mail, you will need all documents listed on your renewal form, plus payment for your renewal fee.

You can renew your VA driver's license in person, by mail, or online. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Virginia expire every 8 years. You can renew up to 1 year before its expiration date. You should receive a notice prior to its expiration.

License renewals cost $4 per year of your license's validity; for an 8-year license, your renewal fee will be $32.

No, there is no one else permitted to be in the vehicle during your road exam except for your examiner.

No, you must take your exam at a DMV office.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass; however, if you fail three times, you will not be allowed to retest until you complete the classroom portion of a driver education program.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity.

The Virginia permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Virginia Driver's Manual, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Yes, you can make an appointment online.

Contact your local driver licensing office to see if they offer Saturday appointments.

Yes, all new drivers in Virginia must obtain a learner's permit prior to applying for a driver's license.

Schedule your appointment online to take your road test at a local driver license office.

After passing your VA permit exam, your next steps depend on your age.

Under 18 years old:

• You must hold their permit for at least 9 months with no traffic violations before taking your road test.
• You must also complete:
  • A state-approved driver education course.
  • 45 hours of driving practice.

18 or older:

• You must hold your learner's permit for at least 60 days AND complete a Behind-the-Wheel Checklist (form CSMA 19); or
• Complete a state-approved driver education course. This waives the option to hold your permit for at least 60 days, though the Driver's Ed course may take that long if not longer.

If you fail your first or second driving test attempts, you must wait at least 2 days before you can retest. If you fail the exam three times, you won't be allowed to retest until you complete an in-car driver training portion of a driver education course.

If you fail your first driving test attempts, you must wait at least 2 days before taking the exam again. If you fail three attempts, you must complete a driver training course before you're allowed to retest.

If you fail your exam, your retesting requirements depend upon your age:

• Under 18 years old: You must wait at least 15 days
• 18 or older: You may wait at 15 days OR you can pay a $2 fee to retake the exam sooner.

If you fail your exam, your retesting requirements depend upon your age:

• Under 18 years old: You must wait at least 15 days
• 18 or older: You may wait 15 days OR you can pay a $2 fee to retake the exam sooner.

If you fail the knowledge exam three times, you won't be allowed to retest again until you complete the classroom portion of a driver education course.

If you're simply visiting Virginia, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a Virginia driver's license within 60 days.

You may practice driving with an out-of-state permit if you aren't a resident of the state. As soon as you establish residency, you must transfer it to a Virginia permit, and it must meet all of the qualifications for a VA instruction permit.

If you have an unrestricted out-of-state driver's license, you do not need to pass the road test if it's currently valid/unexpired. If it has expired, you must take both the knowledge and skills tests.

You must obtain a Virginia license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.

You must correctly answer all 10 questions of the traffic signs portion of your exam, as well as at least 80% of the general knowledge questions.

There are 10 traffic signs questions and an additional number of general knowledge questions on the Virginia permit exam.

You must score at least 80% to pass your exam, and you must get all 10 road signs questions correct.