How many questions are on the Virginia permit test?

The Virginia written knowledge test consists of 35 total questions: 10 road sign questions in part one and 25 general driving knowledge questions in part two.

What's the passing score for the Virginia written test?

For Virginia, you must correctly answer all 10 road sign questions in part one (100% required), and then answer at least 20 out of 25 general knowledge questions in part two (80% passing score).

How old do I have to be to take the Virginia permit test?

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a learner's permit and take the written knowledge test in Virginia.

Can I take the Virginia DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

Yes, the Virginia written knowledge test is available in multiple languages, with the exception of the CDL HAZMAT exam, which is only offered in English. Visit dmv.virginia.gov for a complete list of available test languages.

How many times can I retake the Virginia written test?

You can retake the Virginia written test if you don't pass. If you're under 18, you must wait 15 days before retaking. If you're 18 or older, you can retake the test the next day. If you fail three times, you must complete a Virginia-approved driver training school program.

Is the Virginia permit test online or in person?

The Virginia written knowledge test is administered in person on computers at DMV customer service centers or in classrooms at participating high schools. You must schedule an appointment to take the test.

What documents do I need to bring to the Virginia DMV?

You'll need proof of identity, proof of Social Security Number, proof of Virginia residency, and if you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign your application. Check the Virginia DMV website for a complete list of acceptable documents.

How to Get Your Virginia Driver License: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Virginia's driver licensing process features a unique two-part written knowledge exam that sets it apart from most other states. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles administers this specialized test designed to ensure new drivers have comprehensive knowledge of road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test's first part requires perfect performance on road sign identification before you can proceed to general driving knowledge questions, making sign mastery essential. You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a learner's permit, and Virginia's Graduated License Law requires you to hold your permit for one full year before taking the road skills test. This graduated approach is designed to maximize supervised practice time for new drivers. Virginia offers testing at DMV customer service centers and participating high schools throughout the state, with language accessibility in multiple languages. Understanding Virginia's two-part exam structure and the state's strict retesting policies will help you prepare effectively for this important licensing milestone.

1. Eligibility — who can apply

Virginia welcomes new drivers to apply for a learner's permit starting at age 15 years and 6 months (15.5), which is slightly older than many neighboring states. At this age, you can begin supervised driving practice with a licensed adult present. To apply, you must be a Virginia resident and provide proof of your identity, Social Security Number, and Virginia residency. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present at the DMV and sign your application; if 18 or older, you can apply independently. Virginia's Graduated License Law is important to understand: after obtaining your learner's permit by passing the written test, you must hold it for exactly one full year before becoming eligible for the road skills test. This mandatory one-year supervised driving period is designed to build your skills and experience under adult supervision. After passing the road skills test, you'll receive a provisional license (if under 18) with restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits before reaching full driving privileges at age 18. Adults 18 and older who are new to Virginia can also take the knowledge test on the same two-part exam.

2. Documents you'll need

Before visiting a Virginia DMV customer service center for your written test appointment, gather your required identification and proof documents. You'll need a valid form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate (original or certified copy), or government-issued photo ID. Proof of your Social Security Number is required—bring your Social Security card, W-2, pay stub, or an official letter from the Social Security Administration. To prove Virginia residency, bring one of these: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), lease or mortgage statement, school enrollment document, vehicle registration, or official mail from a government agency with your name and Virginia address. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must bring their own valid ID and be physically present at the DMV to sign your application. Some applicants may need additional documentation depending on citizenship status or other factors. Check the Virginia DMV website (dmv.virginia.gov) for the most current requirements, and consider preparing photocopies of your documents to streamline the process. Having everything organized before you arrive helps ensure a smooth and timely appointment.

3. The Virginia written knowledge test

Virginia's written knowledge test is distinctive: it has a unique two-part format designed to emphasize road sign mastery. Part one consists of 10 road sign questions, and you must answer all 10 correctly (100% required)—there is no partial credit. Only after successfully completing part one do you proceed to part two. Part two consists of 25 general driving knowledge questions covering Virginia traffic laws, vehicle operation, safe driving practices, and hazard awareness. On part two, you must answer at least 20 out of 25 correctly (80% passing score). The learner's permit application fee is $3, plus the cost of a yearly driver's license; the road skills test fee is an additional $2. Check the Virginia DMV website for current license fee amounts, as they may change annually. Applicants must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to take the test. The test is computer-based and available at DMV customer service centers and participating high schools. The test is available in multiple languages, with the exception of the CDL HAZMAT exam. If you fail the overall exam, retesting requirements depend on your age: if you're under 18, you must wait 15 days; if you're 18 or older, you can retake the test the next day. If you fail three times, Virginia requires completion of a DMV-approved driver training school program before retesting.

4. Studying strategies that actually work

Virginia's two-part exam structure means you must master road signs completely—you cannot afford to guess on part one. Study the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV39) thoroughly, focusing intensively on all traffic signs and their meanings for part one. Every road sign included in the manual is fair game, so memorize shapes, colors, meanings, and what drivers must do when encountering each sign. Use the DMV's online practice exams at dmv.virginia.gov to familiarize yourself with the computer-based test format and the specific signs Virginia emphasizes. Virginia-specific traffic laws differ from neighboring states, so review these carefully: right-of-way rules, parking laws, traffic control devices, and traffic violations/penalties are emphasized. The section on DUI laws in Virginia is particularly important—Virginia has strict drunk-driving penalties that are tested. If you fail part one by missing even one road sign question, you won't advance to part two, so single-minded focus on sign mastery is essential. Create a study schedule that dedicates significant time to road signs, then uses remaining study time for the general knowledge sections. If you're a younger applicant and you fail the test, use the 15-day waiting period (if under 18) to thoroughly review weak areas rather than retesting immediately. Many successful applicants do two or more practice tests before the official exam to build confidence in their sign identification.

5. The behind-the-wheel road test

After holding your learner's permit for the required one full year and completing your supervised driving practice, you'll schedule your road skills test through a Virginia DMV office. The road test evaluates your ability to safely operate a vehicle in real-world driving conditions. During the test, a DMV examiner will assess your vehicle control, use of mirrors and proper observation, appropriate speed selection, lane positioning, response to traffic signals and signs, and decision-making when encountering hazards. You'll perform basic driving maneuvers such as starting and stopping smoothly, turning into proper lanes, changing lanes safely with mirror checks, parking (including parallel parking), and navigating intersections and various road types. The test typically lasts 30–45 minutes and includes both normal traffic situations and scenarios that test your defensive driving skills. The examiner will note any safety violations or failure to follow instructions; significant errors can result in test failure. If you pass, you'll receive your driver's license, though it may be a provisional license with restrictions if you're under 18. If you fail, you can schedule a retest after meeting Virginia's waiting period requirements. Many applicants benefit from professional driving lessons or additional supervised practice sessions to build confidence and muscle memory before the official test.

6. Costs & fees, broken down

Virginia's licensing fees are quite modest and transparent. The learner's permit application fee is $3, plus the cost of a yearly driver's license (check the DMV website for current pricing, as license fees are set annually and may vary based on license type). The road skills test fee is an additional $2. Overall, Virginia's total licensing costs are very reasonable—you may spend $20–$40 total depending on current license fees. If you need to retake the written test, you'll pay the application fee again ($3 minimum). If you fail three times and must attend a Virginia-approved driver training school before retesting, that school program may have a cost (typically $100–$300, but varies by school). Check with your local Virginia DMV office to confirm current fee amounts, as they may change annually. Some DMV offices accept payment by cash, check, or card, so call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods at your location. Having exact change or multiple payment options available can help ensure a smooth transaction. Virginia's reasonable fees make the licensing process financially accessible for most new drivers and families.

7. Common reasons people fail

Learning from others' mistakes helps you succeed. The most frequent failure reason is failing part one by missing one or more road sign questions—since all 10 must be answered correctly, many applicants don't realize how critical sign mastery is. Insufficient memorization of Virginia-specific traffic laws causes many failures on part two, particularly rules about right-of-way, parking, and traffic control devices that differ from other states. Test anxiety and nervousness are more likely to strike on a two-part test where part one success is binary (all-or-nothing); some otherwise-prepared applicants freeze during sign identification. Rushing through road sign identification despite having adequate time is a preventable error—carefully read each sign's shape, color, and markings rather than guessing. Not using the DMV's online practice exams is a missed opportunity; these resources are free and highly predictive of actual test questions. Some applicants underestimate how strict Virginia's three-failure policy is; after three failures, you must complete driver training school, which adds time and potential cost to your licensing journey. If you fail, particularly if you fail part one, use your waiting period (15 days if under 18) to systematically study every road sign in the manual rather than retesting immediately. Review past practice test questions to identify patterns in where you struggled, and focus your study on those specific areas.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Virginia permit test?: The Virginia written knowledge test consists of 35 total questions: 10 road sign questions in part one and 25 general driving knowledge questions in part two.
What's the passing score for the Virginia written test?: For Virginia, you must correctly answer all 10 road sign questions in part one (100% required), and then answer at least 20 out of 25 general knowledge questions in part two (80% passing score).
How much does the Virginia written knowledge test cost?: The learner's permit application fee is $3, plus the cost of a yearly driver's license. The road skills test fee is an additional $2. Check the Virginia DMV website for current license fee amounts.
How old do I have to be to take the Virginia permit test?: You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a learner's permit and take the written knowledge test in Virginia.
Can I take the Virginia DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: Yes, the Virginia written knowledge test is available in multiple languages, with the exception of the CDL HAZMAT exam, which is only offered in English. Visit dmv.virginia.gov for a complete list of available test languages.
How many times can I retake the Virginia written test?: You can retake the Virginia written test if you don't pass. If you're under 18, you must wait 15 days before retaking. If you're 18 or older, you can retake the test the next day. If you fail three times, you must complete a Virginia-approved driver training school program.
Is the Virginia permit test online or in person?: The Virginia written knowledge test is administered in person on computers at DMV customer service centers or in classrooms at participating high schools. You must schedule an appointment to take the test.
What documents do I need to bring to the Virginia DMV?: You'll need proof of identity, proof of Social Security Number, proof of Virginia residency, and if you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign your application. Check the Virginia DMV website for a complete list of acceptable documents.

Start practicing now

Open the Virginia practice test — pick car, motorcycle, or CDL, then drill quick quizzes or full simulated exams. Free 25-question sample per track.

Read the official Virginia driver manual with deep-link citations on every practice question.