Virginia learner's permit and knowledge exam
Virginia lets residents apply for a learner's permit from age 15 years and 6 months. Applicants submit the required documents and fees, pass a vision screening and pass Virginia's two-part knowledge exam.
Independent guide. Road to Permit is not affiliated with or endorsed by a DMV, DPS or other government agency. Use the official state links below when a rule, fee or procedure matters.
- 15½minimum learner-permit age
- 2 partsVirginia knowledge exam
- $3 + licensepermit fee structure
Virginia learner's permit knowledge-test format
Virginia's multiple-choice knowledge exam has two parts and tests traffic signs, motor-vehicle laws and safe-driving techniques. The sign section must be passed before the general-knowledge section. DMV offers computer testing at customer service centers and participating schools, with oral exams available by request.
| signs required | 10 / 10 |
|---|---|
| general-knowledge passing score | 80% |
| exam structure | 2 parts |
Part one: traffic signs
All ten traffic-sign questions must be correct before the system allows you to take part two.
Part two: general knowledge
The second part tests motor-vehicle laws and safe-driving techniques and requires at least 80% correct.
The steps to a Virginia driver license
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a Virginia learner's permit. The DMV application process combines documents and fees with a vision screening and two-part knowledge exam.
- Step 1. Complete the Virginia driver's license application.
- Step 2. Bring the required identity, legal-presence, Virginia-residency and Social Security documentation.
- Step 3. Pay the learner-permit fee plus the applicable driver-license cost.
- Step 4. Pass the vision screening and two-part knowledge exam.
- Step 5. Practice under learner-permit supervision rules and complete the age-specific path to licensing.
Before you go: requirements and documents
Virginia learner's permit requirements
Virginia learner-permit requirements: minimum age 15½, documents, vision, two-part knowledge test, fees, supervised driving and age-specific licensing paths.
Open the requirements guide →Documents for a Virginia learner's permit
Virginia learner-permit documents: one identity proof, one legal-presence proof, two Virginia-residency proofs and Social Security verification when issued.
Open the document checklist →Core proof categories
- One proof of identity.
- One proof of legal presence.
- Two proofs of Virginia residency.
- Proof of Social Security number if one has been issued; DMV may verify a known SSN electronically.
Use originals
Virginia DMV instructs applicants to submit original documents rather than copies. Documents are subject to verification and DMV may request additional proof.
Fees
Virginia's learner-permit charge is added to the driver-license fee. The current DMV fee chart lists a regular driver license at $4 per year, typically $32 for an eight-year credential.
| learner-permit charge | $3 |
|---|---|
| driver-license rate | $4/year |
| typical 8-year license | $32 |
See the full Virginia fee guide →
Virginia teen learner's permit
Virginia teens can apply for a learner's permit at 15 years and 6 months. Applicants under 18 need parent or guardian consent and must complete state-approved driver education before licensing.
Complete state-approved driver education
Virginia's under-18 path requires approved driver education. The in-car program includes supervised instruction and the final road-skills examination.
Meet the current holding-period rule
Virginia's current teen holding periods and licensing rules are age- and date-sensitive. Use DMV's published teen and eligibility pages, especially if your licensing date is near January 1, 2027.
Practice under permit supervision
A learner's permit authorizes practice only under Virginia's supervision rules until the driver qualifies for the next licensing step.
Virginia first driver license for adults
For Virginia residents age 18 or older who have never held a driver license, the rules in effect before January 1, 2027 provide two paths: complete approved driver education, or hold a learner's permit for at least 60 days and complete the required practice checklist before the DMV road skills test.
Option 1: driver education
Complete the approved driver-education program and pass the knowledge exam. The course's end-of-course skills exam can waive the DMV-administered road-skills test and the 60-day permit holding period.
Option 2: learner permit
Hold the Virginia learner's permit for at least 60 days, complete the Behind-the-Wheel Checklist and then take the DMV road skills test.
Check the January 2027 change
Virginia has published different rules effective January 1, 2027, especially for first-time drivers age 20 or younger. Check the eligibility page if your application crosses that date.
Appointments and office visits
Virginia DMV supports appointments Monday through Friday, same-day e-ticketing and regular walk-in service at customer service centers.
Schedule by service and location
Choose the transaction, customer service center and available time in Virginia's appointment system.
Use e-ticket for same-day service
DMV's e-ticket system lets you reserve a place in line at participating locations and activate it when you arrive.
Testing has cutoffs
Knowledge and road-skills walk-ins must arrive before the testing cutoffs published by DMV. If timing matters, schedule an appointment.
Virginia DMV Customer Service Center locations
Virginia DMV operates Customer Service Centers across the Commonwealth. Use the official location finder to check hours, services, wait times and whether road-skills testing is offered.
Find the right office
Find Virginia DMV Customer Service Centers for learner permits and knowledge tests, and verify road-skills testing availability, hours and wait times.
Open office locations →Check the service first
Office types, appointment rules and testing availability can differ by location. Confirm the exact service before you travel.
Check appointment rules →After the permit: prepare for the road test
Virginia's DMV road-skills test is conducted in a vehicle on public roads. The applicant must have passed the knowledge exam and meet the age-specific permit or driver-education requirements.
Bring an eligible vehicle
The vehicle must have valid inspection, plates and registration and working safety equipment. Rental vehicles are allowed when the applicant is an authorized driver on the rental agreement.
Bring the required driver-training or practice record
DMV requires the applicable driver-education proof or In-Car Maneuvers Observation Record at testing. Bring your learner's permit when one was issued.
Appointment or walk-in
Appointments are available Monday through Friday. Walk-in road-test applicants must arrive by the published cutoff times to be tested that day.
Open the full road-test guide →
Practice for the Virginia knowledge test
Virginia missions are not live in Road to Permit yet. For now, use the current Virginia DMV manual, practice exams and the free Virginia guides on this site.
Virginia traffic-sign knowledge test
Virginia's knowledge exam begins with a traffic-sign section. The current Driver's Manual states that you must answer all ten sign questions correctly before moving to part two.
Study road signs →Virginia DMV Driver's Manual
Virginia DMV publishes an interactive Driver's Manual and print/PDF study material. The manual contains the information used for the Traffic Signs and General Knowledge parts of the knowledge exam.
Open the handbook study guide →What to study
Use the official handbook as the source of truth, then practice the same subjects in short sessions. These are the major study areas covered across the official guide and Road to Permit resources.
- Use the current DMV manual
- Part one makes signs a priority
- Use the interactive practice questions
- Part one requires every sign answer correct
- Study signals, signs and pavement markings together
- Use Virginia practice exams
- Part one: traffic signs
- Part two: general knowledge
- Where testing is offered
Virginia permit test: questions and answers
What is the Virginia knowledge-test format?
Virginia's computer-based knowledge exam has two parts. You must first answer all 10 traffic-sign questions correctly, then score at least 80% on the general-knowledge part.
What do I need before I apply in Virginia?
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a Virginia learner's permit. The DMV application process combines documents and fees with a vision screening and two-part knowledge exam.
Which documents should I prepare?
Virginia DMV lists four core proof categories for a learner's permit. Bring original documents and use your full legal name on the application.
How much does the permit or first license cost?
Virginia's learner-permit charge is added to the driver-license fee. The current DMV fee chart lists a regular driver license at $4 per year, typically $32 for an eight-year credential.
Where do I make an appointment?
Virginia DMV supports appointments Monday through Friday, same-day e-ticketing and regular walk-in service at customer service centers.
Complete Virginia driver guide
Open the exact part of the licensing process you need. Every page below is backed by official state sources.
Virginia DMV Driver's Manual
Use the official Virginia DMV Driver's Manual for the two-part knowledge exam, traffic signs, laws, safe driving and first-license requirements.
Open guide →Virginia learner's permit requirements
Virginia learner-permit requirements: minimum age 15½, documents, vision, two-part knowledge test, fees, supervised driving and age-specific licensing paths.
Open guide →Documents for a Virginia learner's permit
Virginia learner-permit documents: one identity proof, one legal-presence proof, two Virginia-residency proofs and Social Security verification when issued.
Open guide →Virginia DMV appointments
Virginia DMV appointment, e-ticket and walk-in options for learner permits, knowledge exams and road skills tests.
Open guide →Virginia traffic-sign knowledge test
Study Virginia traffic signs for part one of the DMV knowledge exam, where all 10 sign questions must be answered correctly before part two.
Open guide →Virginia learner's permit knowledge-test format
Virginia DMV knowledge exam format: two parts, 10/10 traffic signs required first, then at least 80% on general knowledge.
Open guide →Virginia teen learner's permit
Virginia teen permit path: minimum age 15½, parent consent, driver education, learner-permit holding period and road-skills completion.
Open guide →Virginia first driver license for adults
Virginia adult first-license options before 2027: complete driver education or hold a learner's permit 60 days before the DMV road skills test.
Open guide →Virginia road skills test
Virginia DMV road-skills test guide: eligibility, permit and driver-education records, vehicle requirements, appointments, walk-ins and translator rules.
Open guide →Virginia permit and driver-license fees
Virginia DMV fees: $3 combined learner-permit charge plus the yearly driver-license cost, $32 standard eight-year license and replacement-permit fees.
Open guide →Virginia DMV Customer Service Center locations
Find Virginia DMV Customer Service Centers for learner permits and knowledge tests, and verify road-skills testing availability, hours and wait times.
Open guide →Official sources
Facts on this hub were checked against the linked state sources on September 30, 2026. Procedures and fees can change, so recheck the official page before you apply.