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Virginia DMV – Frequently Asked Questions
To obtain a Virginia driver’s license, you must provide proof of identity, legal presence, Virginia residency (two documents), and your Social Security number (if issued). You must also pass a vision screening, knowledge exam, and road skills test. Applicants under 19 must complete a state-approved driver education program and meet Graduated Driver Licensing requirements.
Virginia license fees are charged at $4 per year. A 5-year license is $20 and an 8-year license is $32. Additional fees may apply for testing or driver education (especially for new drivers and those under 19). Always confirm current fees with DMV.
The minimum age for a Virginia driver’s license is 16 years and 3 months. Before licensing, teens must hold a learner’s permit for at least 9 months, complete a state-approved driver education program, and maintain a clean driving record.
Bring one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of Virginia residency, and proof of Social Security number (if issued). Examples include a U.S. passport or birth certificate, lease or utility bill, and Social Security card. Teens also bring driver education and parent/guardian certifications as applicable.
Use the DMV’s online Appointments system to book a Driver’s License Road Test at a customer service center. Arrive early with your learner’s permit, required documents, and a properly registered/insured vehicle that passes safety checks.
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months. Study the Virginia Driver’s Manual, then apply at DMV with required documents, pass the vision screening and knowledge exam, and pay the fee. If under 18, a parent/guardian must sign your application and you must follow Graduated Driver Licensing rules.
Drivers under 18 must complete 45 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours after sunset, verified by a parent/guardian as part of Virginia’s Graduated Driver Licensing program.
Review the Virginia Driver’s Manual, practice full stops, mirror & blind-spot checks, lane positioning, speed control, and signaling. Avoid rolling stops, missed signals, speeding or driving too slowly, poor parallel parking, and following too closely. Use a vehicle you know and ensure it passes the pre-trip safety check.
Yes. Your vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working order (working headlights, turn signals, brake lights, horn, mirrors, seatbelts, wipers). Rental cars are allowed if the rental agreement authorizes you as a driver and the vehicle meets all requirements.
If you fail the road skills test, you typically must wait two days before retaking (subject to appointment availability). After three failures, you must complete a state-approved driver training course before testing again. For the knowledge exam, Virginia requires a 15-day wait between attempts; after three failures, completion of driver education is required.
Yes. For the first year licensed, drivers under 18 may carry no more than one passenger under 21 (non-family). After a year, up to three non-family passengers under 21 are allowed. A curfew prohibits driving from midnight to 4 a.m. except for specific exceptions (work/school/medical, or with a licensed adult). Cell phone use is prohibited for drivers under 18.
Yes. The knowledge test is available in multiple languages (e.g., Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others). Language availability can vary by office and scheduling—confirm during appointment booking.
You can complete many services online, including eligible renewals, replacements, and address changes. If you don’t meet online criteria (e.g., photo update required), you must visit a DMV customer service center.
Maybe. Out-of-state driving with a learner’s permit depends on the laws of the state you visit. Always check that state’s DMV site for permit rules (supervision, hours, passengers) and carry your permit and required supervising driver.
Most Virginia driver’s licenses are valid for eight years. For some older drivers, a five-year term applies. Licenses expire on your birthday—renew before expiration to avoid interruptions.