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  • 10 of 10Traffic sign questions you must get rightp. 3
  • 80%Needed on the general knowledge partp. 3
  • 21+Age of the licensed driver beside youp. 31
  • 60 daysPermit time before the road test (18+)p. 4

Step by step

  1. Study the manual

    Exam questions come from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which also has a short sample exam. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 3)

  2. Pass the vision screening

    You'll read letters or numbers in a machine; an unrestricted license needs 20/40 and 110 degrees of horizontal vision. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 4)

  3. Pass the two-part knowledge exam

    Answer all 10 sign questions correctly, then at least 80 percent of the general knowledge questions. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 3)

  4. Practice with a supervising driver

    Drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older (or an 18–20-year-old sibling or guardian) in the front passenger seat. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 31)

  5. Take the road skills test

    Under 18, it's part of driver education. At 18 or older, hold the permit 60 days or finish an approved course, and bring a vehicle that passes inspection. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 4)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website before you go.

Rules while you have a Virginia learner's permit

  • Always carry your learner's permit when you drive. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 31)
  • Don't hold a phone while driving; navigation is allowed only if you aren't holding it or typing. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 24)
  • Everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt, and you're responsible for passengers under 18. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 26)
  • Under 21, any alcohol in your blood (.02 BAC or more) brings serious penalties. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 30)

If you don't pass

Test once per business day. Under 18, wait 15 full days after a failed knowledge exam. After three fails, complete the required driver education (or approved 8-hour) course first. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 3)

What comes next

After passing the road skills test you receive a driver's license by mail; DMV doesn't hand licenses out at its offices. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 33)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Virginia practice exam: 40 questions, 34 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 2 higher.