Virginia · Permit Requirements
Virginia Driver's Permit Requirements
Virginia permit-test facts: Questions: 40 total in two parts: 10 road-sign questions and 30 general-knowledge questions; To pass: All 10 road-sign questions correct and at least 24 of 30 general-knowledge questions correct; Minimum age: 15 years and 6 months old for a Virginia learner's permit; Fee: $3 learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license; Re-takes: Under 18: wait 15 full days; age 18+: one test per day; after 3 failures at any age, complete classroom driver training before retesting; Official handbook: Virginia Driver's Manual.
Before you visit the DMV, make sure you meet every Virginia learner's permit requirement — missing a single document sends you home without a permit. This page lists everything you need: age, documents, tests, and fees, sourced from the Virginia Driver's Manual.
Already have your documents? Practice the free knowledge test below so you walk in ready to pass on the first try.
Direct answer
Virginia permit-test facts: Questions: 40 total in two parts: 10 road-sign questions and 30 general-knowledge questions; To pass: All 10 road-sign questions correct and at least 24 of 30 general-knowledge questions correct; Minimum age: 15 years and 6 months old for a Virginia learner's permit; Fee: $3 learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license; Re-takes: Under 18: wait 15 full days; age 18+: one test per day; after 3 failures at any age, complete classroom driver training before retesting; Official handbook: Virginia Driver's Manual.
Each field links to the primary official source used for its review. A field marked not stated means the reviewed source did not publish that requested fact; confirm current application details with the authority.
| Fact | Answer | Evidence status |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 40 total in two parts: 10 road-sign questions and 30 general-knowledge questions | Verified against cited official source |
| To pass | All 10 road-sign questions correct and at least 24 of 30 general-knowledge questions correct | Verified against cited official source |
| Minimum age | 15 years and 6 months old for a Virginia learner's permit | Verified against cited official source |
| Fee | $3 learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license | Verified against cited official source |
| Re-takes | Under 18: wait 15 full days; age 18+: one test per day; after 3 failures at any age, complete classroom driver training before retesting | Verified against cited official source |
| Official handbook | Virginia Driver's Manual | Verified against cited official source |
Official source
Field evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14 (retrieved)
Sample questions for Virginia
Three sample questions from our practice bank. Read the explanation after each.
Question 1 · Traffic signals
At a red light in Virginia, you must do what?
- Come to a complete stop at the stop line or before the crosswalk
- Yield only to pedestrians
- Slow down and proceed with caution
- Stop only if other traffic is present
See the explanation
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop at the stop line or before the crosswalk
Stop fully at the line or crosswalk on a red light.
Question 2 · Right of way
Drivers entering a Virginia interstate from an entrance ramp must yield the right of way to whom?
- Traffic already on the highway
- No one
- Only trucks
- Only emergency vehicles
See the explanation
Correct answer: Traffic already on the highway
Merging onto a highway? Yield to traffic already on it.
Question 3 · Right of way
In Virginia, when is a left turn on red permitted?
- You are on a one-way street turning left onto another one-way street
- Never — left on red is always illegal
- Any time after stopping
- Only at night
See the explanation
Correct answer: You are on a one-way street turning left onto another one-way street
Left on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
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Required documents for a Virginia learner's permit
Knowledge test requirements
Fees and permit holding period
Vision requirements
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a Virginia learner's permit?
Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number (Social Security card), and proof of Virginia residency (two documents such as utility bills or bank statements). Bring originals — photocopies are typically not accepted.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Virginia?
15 years and 6 months old for a Virginia learner's permit. Different requirements apply depending on your age — younger applicants must complete driver education before applying.
How much does a Virginia learner's permit cost?
$3 learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license. Check the DMV website for the current fee schedule as these can change.
Can I take the Virginia permit test without driver education?
It depends on your age. Adults (18+) can generally apply directly. Applicants under 18 in Virginia must typically complete an approved driver education program first.
Is the Virginia permit test available in Spanish?
Yes — Virginia offers the knowledge test in Spanish at most DMV offices. You can also request a Spanish version of the driver's handbook at the counter.
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More Virginia resources
Driver Handbook
Virginia Driver Handbook
Key points from the Virginia driver handbook — safe driving, traffic controls, speed limits, DUI laws, and road sharing, organized by chapter.
Study Guide
Virginia Permit Test Study Guide
Free Virginia DMV study guide for the 2026 permit test — road signs, right of way, speed limits, and alcohol laws explained topic by topic.
Permit Test Guide
Virginia Permit Test: The Complete Guide
Official test format: 40 total in two parts: 10 road-sign questions and 30 general-knowledge questions.
Practice Test
Free Virginia DMV Practice Test
Free Virginia DMV practice test.Official test format: 40 total in two parts: 10 road-sign questions and 30 general-knowledge questions.
Permit Test Answers
Virginia Permit Test Answers & Explanations
Virginia permit test answers explained. Every practice question comes with an AI explanation that breaks down the rule, not just the answer.
Cheat Sheet
Virginia DMV Cheat Sheet
Virginia DMV cheat sheet for. Quick-reference key facts, signs, and rules from the Virginia Driver's Manual, plus free practice questions.
How to Get a Permit
How to Get a Virginia Driver's Permit
How to get your Virginia learner's permit in. Step-by-step: age requirements, documents, knowledge test, fees, and what to bring to the DMV.
Road Signs Test
Virginia Permit Signs Test
Free Virginia road signs practice test for. Learn every sign shape, color, and meaning from the Virginia Driver's Manual, then drill sign questions with AI explanations.
Right-of-Way Practice
Virginia Right-of-Way Practice Test
Master right-of-way for the Virginia permit test. Intersections, 4-way stops, left turns, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles — with free practice questions.
Written Test Questions
Virginia DMV Written Test Questions
Free Virginia DMV written test questions for, written from the Virginia Driver's Manual. Practice real exam-style questions with AI explanations in 5 languages.
DMV Test in Spanish
Virginia DMV Permit Test in Spanish
Study for the Virginia DMV permit test in Spanish. Native-quality Spanish practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Chinese
Virginia DMV Permit Test in Chinese
Study for the Virginia DMV permit test in Chinese. Native-quality Chinese practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Korean
Virginia DMV Permit Test in Korean
Study for the Virginia DMV permit test in Korean. Native-quality Korean practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
DMV Test in Russian
Virginia DMV Permit Test in Russian
Study for the Virginia DMV permit test in Russian. Native-quality Russian practice questions, explanations, and an AI tutor — plus what to expect on the official exam.
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