DMV Virginia · Fees, age, and practice test
Virginia Permit Test Cost: Permit & License Fees
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How much does the Virginia permit test cost?
$3 learner permit fee plus $4 per license year ($20 minimum license fee).
- Learner permit / application fee: $3 learner permit fee plus the applicable driver license fee.
- Knowledge (written) test fee: $3 learner permit fee plus $4 per license year ($20 minimum license fee).
- Initial driver license fee: $4 per year, with a $20 minimum license fee; a standard eight-year license costs $32. REAL ID adds $10.
Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles · Fee source checked 2026-10-05. Our 206-question Virginia practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Your 3-stage Virginia study path
- Stage 1: Study the sheets. Read the Virginia cheat sheet for signs, numbers, and must-know rules.
- Stage 2: Drill topics. Run the free Virginia practice test with instant explanations until weak topics turn green.
- Stage 3: Simulate the exam. Take the timed exam simulator under real test conditions.
Virginia verified practice bank · 206 questions rev 2026-10-12-ca500
Prepare your permit application
The permit charge is added to the license fee. For example, a standard eight-year license is $32, making the combined permit and license total $35; this is an example, not a universal price. License duration can vary, and REAL ID adds $10. See the official DMV fee chart.
- Complete the application and use Virginia DMV’s learner permit instructions to choose original documents showing your full legal name, identity, legal presence, and two proofs of Virginia residency.
- Provide your Social Security number if one has been issued. DMV can verify it electronically; check the official instructions for situations that require supporting proof.
- If you are under 18, arrange parent or legal guardian consent, or bring a court order showing emancipation.
- Check the official application instructions and your DMV office’s visit options, then bring your documents and payment.
Review what to bring on test day · Start a free state practice test
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years and 6 months old
Knowledge test fee
$3 learner permit fee plus $4 per license year ($20 minimum license fee).
Permit fee
$3 learner permit fee plus the applicable driver license fee.
Initial license fee
$4 per year, with a $20 minimum license fee; a standard eight-year license costs $32. REAL ID adds $10.
Questions on the knowledge test
40 questions in two parts: part one, 10 road sign questions; part two, 30 general knowledge questions
Passing score
Part one: all ten road sign questions must be answered correctly; part two: you must correctly answer 24 of the 30 general knowledge questions
Retake fee
No charge; the $2 reexamination fee was removed effective July 1, 2022 (under-18 applicants must still wait 15 days to retest)
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 and payment; original documents showing full legal name, identity and legal presence; two proofs of Virginia residency; Social Security number if issued (DMV can verify it electronically); parent or legal guardian consent if under 18, or an emancipation court order.
Find an office / appointment
Customer Service Centers locator plus an online Appointments system to schedule or reserve your spot.
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, and SSN proof if issued; $10 one-time fee.
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.
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.
How much is the Virginia permit test?
Virginia knowledge test fee: $3 learner permit fee plus $4 per license year ($20 minimum license fee). (official source). Permit fee: $3 learner permit fee plus the applicable driver license fee. (official source).
How many questions are on the Virginia permit test?
The official Virginia knowledge test: 40 questions in two parts: part one, 10 road sign questions; part two, 30 general knowledge questions (official source). Passing score: Part one: all ten road sign questions must be answered correctly; part two: you must correctly answer 24 of the 30 general knowledge questions (official source).
Virginia DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | $3 learner permit fee plus $4 per license year ($20 minimum license fee). | source |
| Permit fee | $3 learner permit fee plus the applicable driver license fee. | source |
| Initial license fee | $4 per year, with a $20 minimum license fee; a standard eight-year license costs $32. REAL ID adds $10. | source |
| Retake fee | No charge; the $2 reexamination fee was removed effective July 1, 2022 (under-18 applicants must still wait 15 days to retest) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Virginia DMV practice test (206 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Virginia driver license covers
Initial license fee: $4 per year, with a $20 minimum license fee; a standard eight-year license costs $32. REAL ID adds $10. (official source)
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, and SSN proof if issued; $10 one-time fee. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Virginia DMV site for exact card timelines.
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 and payment; original documents showing full legal name, identity and legal presence; two proofs of Virginia residency; Social Security number if issued (DMV can verify it electronically); parent or legal guardian consent if under 18, or an emancipation court order. Customer Service Centers locator plus an online Appointments system to schedule or reserve your spot.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
$3 learner permit fee plus $4 per license year ($20 minimum license fee). 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, and SSN proof if issued; $10 one-time fee. 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.
The Virginia bank has 206 questions across 9 topics
Test day: what to bring and where to go: a printable Virginia checklist of the documents for the permit test, plus the official office finder and appointment links.
Study the handbook, chapter by chapter: 22 free lessons that boil the Virginia driver manual down to the rules and exact numbers on the test, each quoted with its page.
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