What Virginia's DMV tests cover and when you take them

Virginia requires two separate tests before you can drive legally: a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel road test. The written test comes first and covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Virginia. You take the road test only after you pass the written exam and hold a learner's permit for the required waiting period.

The written test has 35 questions and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The road test lasts about 20 minutes and a Virginia DMV examiner watches you drive on public roads to check your control of the vehicle, your awareness of other traffic, and your ability to follow traffic laws. Both tests happen at DMV locations, and you schedule them separately.

Virginia does not offer online written tests. You must go to a DMV office in person to take the written exam. Road tests also happen in person at DMV locations, though the examiner will ride in your vehicle during the actual driving portion.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test has 35 questions about Virginia traffic laws and road signs, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
  • You must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can schedule a road test, or 14 days if you are 18 or older.
  • Road tests take about 20 minutes and happen on public roads near the DMV office where you scheduled your test.
  • You can retake either test if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before retesting for the written exam and at least two weeks for the road test.
  • Bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of Virginia residency to both tests, or you will not be allowed to test.

What to bring and how to prepare for the written test

Before you arrive at the DMV, gather your learner's permit, a valid photo ID (such as a passport or school ID), and proof of your Virginia address (such as a utility bill or lease). The DMV will not let you test without these documents. Bring originals, not copies.

Study the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Virginia DMV website. The manual covers all the topics on the written test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. The test questions come directly from this manual, so reading it thoroughly is the most effective way to prepare.

You can also take practice tests online through the Virginia DMV website at no cost. These practice tests use the same format and types of questions as the real exam. Taking several practice tests helps you identify which topics you need to study more carefully. Many people find that practicing until they consistently score above 30 out of 35 gives them confidence going into the real test.

Scheduling and taking the written test

Schedule your written test through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. You can book a test date that works for your schedule, though wait times vary by location and season. Some offices have openings within a few days, while others may have a wait of several weeks during busy periods.

On test day, arrive at least 15 minutes early. The DMV staff will check your documents, take your photo, and explain the test rules. You will sit at a computer terminal and answer 35 multiple-choice questions. You have up to one hour to complete the test. The computer tells you when ready whether you passed or failed.

If you pass, you receive a printed score sheet. Keep this document because you will need it to schedule your road test. If you fail, you can retake the written test after one day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written exam, though you will pay the test fee each time.

Learner's permit waiting periods before your road test

After you pass the written test, you cannot take the road test right away. Virginia law requires you to hold your learner's permit for a minimum waiting period before you are allowed to schedule a road test. If you are under 18, you must wait at least 30 days. If you are 18 or older, you must wait at least 14 days.

During this waiting period, you should practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. Virginia does not require a specific number of practice hours, but the more you drive before your road test, the more comfortable you will be during the exam. Many people practice for several weeks during this waiting period.

Once the waiting period has passed, you can schedule your road test through the Virginia DMV website or by calling your local office. Road test appointments fill up quickly, so book as soon as you are may be able to access. Some locations have openings within a week or two, while others have longer waits.

What happens during the road test

Your road test appointment will be at a specific DMV office. Arrive 15 minutes early with your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The DMV examiner will check that the vehicle has working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before you begin.

The examiner will sit in the front passenger seat while you drive on public roads near the DMV office. The test lasts about 20 minutes and includes a mix of driving situations: residential streets, busier roads, turns, stops, parking, and possibly highway driving depending on the test route. The examiner will give you directions as you drive and will not speak unless necessary.

The examiner is watching for safe vehicle control, proper use of mirrors and signals, awareness of other traffic and pedestrians, correct speed for the road and conditions, and ability to follow traffic laws. Common reasons people fail include failing to stop completely at stop signs, not checking mirrors before changing lanes, speeding, improper turning, and hitting the curb while parking.

What to do if you fail the road test

If you do not pass the road test, you receive a score sheet listing the specific skills you need to improve. You must wait at least two weeks before you can retake the road test. During this time, practice the skills the examiner noted as problems. If you failed because you did not check your mirrors, spend extra time practicing mirror checks. If you failed because of parking, practice parking in different situations.

You can retake the road test as many times as you need. Each retake costs the same fee as the original test. There is no limit to the number of attempts. Many people pass on their second or third try after focused practice on the skills they struggled with.

When you are ready to retake the test, schedule a new appointment through the Virginia DMV website or by phone. You will need your learner's permit and the same documents you brought to your first road test. The second test follows the same format as the first.

Test fees and what happens after you pass

The written test costs $10. The road test costs $20. These are one-time fees per test attempt, so if you retake either test, you pay the fee again. Virginia DMV accepts cash, check, and card payments at most locations.

Once you pass both the written test and the road test, you are issued a Virginia driver's license. If you passed before your 18th birthday, you receive a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) with restrictions on when and how you can drive. If you passed at 18 or older, you receive a standard driver's license with no restrictions. The license is valid for five years.

Your new license is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office on the day you pass your road test, and you can drive legally using that temporary license until your plastic card arrives.

Common mistakes that cause test failures

On the written test, the most common mistakes happen on questions about right-of-way rules, speed limits in different zones, and what specific road signs mean. Many people rush through the test without reading each question carefully. Since you have up to one hour and only 35 questions, take your time and read every option before choosing your answer.

On the road test, failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs is the single most common reason for failure. Virginia examiners watch for a full stop where the vehicle comes to rest, not a rolling stop. Checking mirrors before every lane change, turn, and merge is also critical. Many test-takers forget to check mirrors or check them too quickly. Practicing these specific skills during your waiting period makes a real difference.

Parking is another frequent problem area. Practice parallel parking and perpendicular parking before your test. If you hit the curb or go over the line, you will likely fail that portion of the test. Backing up smoothly and checking your mirrors while backing are also tested.

Scam alerts and where to get real information

Do not pay anyone to take your written test for you or to may provide you will pass. This is illegal and will result in criminal charges. Your test score is recorded in Virginia's system, and fraud is straightforward to detect.

Avoid websites that claim to sell you the "real" test questions or promise you will pass if you buy their study materials. The Virginia DMV provides the official study manual and practice tests for free on its website. Paid study apps may be helpful for some people, but they are not necessary and no paid service can may provide a passing score.

Do not schedule your test through any website other than the official Virginia DMV site or by calling your local DMV office directly. Some third-party websites charge extra fees to schedule appointments. Go to dmvnow.com (Virginia's official DMV portal) or call your local office to book your test at no extra cost.

If someone offers to sell you a fake Virginia driver's license or learner's permit, do not engage. Using a fake license is a felony in Virginia. Report any offers like this to the Virginia DMV or local law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without a learner's permit?

No. You must have a valid Virginia learner's permit before you can take the written test. To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old and pass a vision screening at the DMV. The learner's permit itself does not require a written test.

What if I fail the written test multiple times?

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test. You must wait at least one day between attempts. Each retake costs $10. Most people pass within two or three tries after studying the Virginia Driver's Manual more thoroughly.

Do I have to use my own car for the road test?

No. You can use any vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Many people borrow a parent's or friend's car for the test. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors, and the examiner will check these before you start driving.

What if I am nervous during the road test?

It is normal to feel nervous. The examiner expects this and is not trying to trick you. Focus on the basics: check your mirrors, use your signals, come to complete stops, and follow the examiner's directions. If you have practiced during your waiting period, your muscle memory will carry you through even if you feel anxious.

How long is my learner's permit valid while I am waiting to take the road test?

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your road test within that year, your permit expires and you must reapply. Plan to schedule your road test well before your permit expires to avoid having to start over.