DMV Virginia · Facts and practice test
Virginia DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for Virginia DMV, plus a free 76-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years and 6 months old
Knowledge test fee
$3 learner permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver license
Retake wait after failing
Under 18 must wait a full 15 days; age 18 or older may test once per day
Supervised driving before road test
45 hours, including 15 after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian for drivers under 18
What to bring
Completed application, required fee, one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of Virginia residency, and proof of Social Security number if issued
Find an office / appointment
Customer Service Centers locator plus online Appointments system to schedule, reserve a spot, or walk in; bookable up to 90 days in advance. Appointments recommended, not strictly required.
REAL ID status
REAL ID available at DMV customer service centers; needs one proof of identity, two proofs of VA residency, one proof of legal presence, SSN proof if issued; $10 one-time fee. Federal enforcement date May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
No standalone minimum age; if 18+, hold learner's permit 30 days, pass knowledge exam and skills test, or complete Virginia Rider Training Program to waive tests. Under 18: 9-month permit hold.
Commercial license (CDL)
18 for intrastate-only CDL (K restriction), 21 for interstate. Requires DOT medical certification, knowledge and skills tests, commercial learner's permit.
Official source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles site.
Getting a license in Virginia
Getting your first permit
In Virginia, the minimum permit age is 15 years and 6 months old. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: completed application, required fee, one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of Virginia residency, and proof of Social Security number if issued. Customer Service Centers locator plus online Appointments system to schedule, reserve a spot, or walk in; bookable up to 90 days in advance. Appointments recommended, not strictly required.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
$3 learner permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver license. If you fail the knowledge test: under 18 must wait a full 15 days; age 18 or older may test once per day. Before the road test, the state requires 45 hours, including 15 after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian for drivers under 18.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID available at DMV customer service centers; needs one proof of identity, two proofs of VA residency, one proof of legal presence, SSN proof if issued; $10 one-time fee. Federal enforcement date May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: no standalone minimum age; if 18+, hold learner's permit 30 days, pass knowledge exam and skills test, or complete Virginia Rider Training Program to waive tests. Under 18: 9-month permit hold. For a commercial license (CDL): 18 for intrastate-only CDL (K restriction), 21 for interstate. Requires DOT medical certification, knowledge and skills tests, commercial learner's permit.
The Virginia bank has 76 questions across 8 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.