Virginia's DMV Test Has Two Parts: Written and Behind-the-Wheel
Virginia requires two separate tests before you can get a driver's license: a written knowledge test and a road test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Virginia. The road test, taken after you pass the written exam, shows that you can actually operate a vehicle safely on public roads. You must pass both to receive your license.
The written test is administered at any Virginia DMV office. You take it on a computer, and you get your score when ready. The road test is scheduled separately and takes place with a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV test vehicle. Most people schedule the road test weeks in advance because appointment slots fill quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia's written test covers 46 questions about traffic laws and road signs, and you must answer at least 38 correctly to pass.
- You can take the written test at any DMV office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests your ability to handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping safely.
- You must bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency to the written test, and a vehicle with current registration and insurance to the road test.
- Virginia allows you to retake the written test the same day if you fail, but you must wait at least one day between road test attempts.
What the Written Test Covers and How It's Scored
The Virginia written test contains 46 multiple-choice questions. The test covers Virginia traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, and the meaning of road signs and pavement markings. You will also see questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and what to do in emergency situations. The questions are drawn from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the DMV website.
You need to answer at least 38 of the 46 questions correctly to pass — that is about 83 percent. The test is taken on a computer at the DMV office, and you receive your score before you leave. If you pass, you can schedule a road test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost, though some offices may have a wait between attempts.
The test is offered in English and in several other languages. You can request an interpreter or large-print materials when you arrive at the DMV office. If you have a documented disability that affects your ability to take the test, contact your local DMV office ahead of time to discuss accommodations.
How to Prepare for the Written Test
The Virginia Driver's Manual is your main study resource. It is free, available online at dmvnow.com, and covers everything on the test. Read through it at least once, paying special attention to sections on right-of-way, speed limits, and what different road signs mean. Many people find it helpful to read the manual twice — once all the way through, then again focusing on sections they found confusing.
Practice tests are also available online through the DMV website. These are not official tests, but they follow the same format and cover the same topics as the real exam. Taking a practice test helps you see which areas you need to study more and gets you used to answering multiple-choice questions on a computer.
Study for at least a few days before your test, especially if you are new to driving or have not driven in a long time. Most people who fail the written test say they did not study the manual thoroughly enough. Give yourself time to learn the material rather than cramming the night before.
What to Bring and What to Expect at the DMV Office
Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You also need to bring proof of your Virginia residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If you are under 18, you may need additional documents; check with your local DMV office about what applies to you.
Arrive at the DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, and some are open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment for the written test, but wait times can be long during peak hours — early morning or mid-afternoon tends to be less crowded than lunch time. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out any forms by hand.
The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you sit down at the computer. You will have time to review your answers before you submit. The computer will tell you when ready whether you passed or failed and show you your score.
Scheduling and Taking the Road Test
After you pass the written test, you can schedule a road test. In Virginia, you can book a road test online at dmvnow.com, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. Road test appointments fill up quickly — in some areas, the next available slot may be several weeks away. Schedule as soon as you pass the written test if you want to test soon.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, pulling into traffic, making turns, changing lanes, parking, and stopping. You will drive on local roads, not highways. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits — proper use of mirrors, signaling before turns, maintaining safe speed, and following traffic laws.
You must bring the vehicle you will be driving, proof of current registration, and proof of current insurance. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — all lights must work, brakes must be responsive, and tires must have adequate tread. If the examiner finds a safety problem with the vehicle, you will not be allowed to test that day.
Common Reasons People Fail and How to Avoid Them
On the written test, the most common failures happen because people did not study the Virginia Driver's Manual carefully. Questions about right-of-way rules, speed limits in different zones, and what specific road signs mean trip up many test-takers. Read the manual thoroughly and take at least one practice test before you sit for the real exam.
On the road test, common failures include not checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, failing to signal, rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop, and hitting the curb while parking. Practice these specific skills before your test. If you are nervous about driving, take some lessons with a professional instructor — they can point out habits you might not notice on your own.
Some people fail because they did not practice in the area where they will be tested. If you know which DMV office is administering your road test, drive the roads around that office beforehand. Get comfortable with the turns, intersections, and parking situations you might encounter.
Retaking the Test If You Fail
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most DMV offices. There is no additional fee. You do not have to wait or come back another time, though some offices may ask you to wait a short period between attempts. Use that time to review the questions you missed and study those sections of the manual more carefully.
If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You will need to schedule another appointment, which may not be available for several weeks depending on your area. There is no fee for retaking the road test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt — failing once does not mean you will not pass eventually.
Scam Alert: Fake DMV Websites and Test Prep Services
Be careful of websites that claim to be the Virginia DMV but are not. The official Virginia DMV website is dmvnow.com. Some fake sites charge money for practice tests or claim they can help you pass faster. The real practice tests and the Driver's Manual are free on the official DMV website.
Avoid any service that claims to may provide you will pass the test or promises to get you a license without taking the real exam. There is no shortcut — you must pass both the written test and the road test administered by Virginia DMV. Anyone offering to bypass these tests is committing fraud, and using such a service is illegal.
If you see an ad on social media or a website claiming you can get a Virginia driver's license without testing, report it to the Virginia DMV and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I retake the written test?
Virginia does not limit how many times you can retake the written test. You can retake it the same day if you fail, or come back another day. Each attempt costs the same as the first test. Most people pass within two or three attempts if they study the manual between tries.
Can I use my phone or notes during the written test?
No. You cannot bring study materials, phones, or any other devices into the testing area. The DMV will ask you to put your phone away before you sit down at the computer. The test is proctored, meaning a DMV employee watches to make sure no one cheats.
What happens if I fail the road test — do I lose my permit?
No. Your learner's permit remains valid after you fail a road test. You can retake the road test as many times as you need. Your permit will eventually expire based on its issue date, so check the expiration date on your permit and renew it if necessary before scheduling another road test.
Do I have to test in the same county where I got my learner's permit?
No. You can take both the written test and the road test at any DMV office in Virginia, regardless of which county issued your permit. Some people choose a different office if wait times are shorter there or if the location is more convenient.
What if I am nervous about driving in front of an examiner?
Many people feel nervous during the road test. A few practice sessions with a professional driving instructor can help you build confidence and get feedback on your driving. Instructors are used to working with nervous drivers and can teach you techniques to stay calm during the test.