DMV Virginia · Fees, age, and practice test
Virginia Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Virginia DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Virginia permit test cost?
$3 learner permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver license
- Learner permit / application fee: $3 learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license
- Knowledge (written) test fee: $3 learner permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver license
- Initial driver license fee: Driver's license only: $4 per year (fee chart DMV 201)
Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Virginia practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
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
Permit fee
$3 learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license
Initial license fee
Driver's license only: $4 per year (fee chart DMV 201)
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, 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 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 the yearly cost of a driver license (official source). Permit fee: $3 learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license (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 the yearly cost of a driver license | source |
| Permit fee | $3 learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license | source |
| Initial license fee | Driver's license only: $4 per year (fee chart DMV 201) | 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 (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Virginia driver license covers
Initial license fee: Driver's license only: $4 per year (fee chart DMV 201) (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, 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 an online Appointments system to schedule or reserve your spot.
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, 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 180 questions across 8 topics
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