Free Virginia Permit Practice Tests 2025

In Virginia you must be at least 15½ years old to apply for a learner’s permit. This age applies to all first-time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Virginia you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of your Social Security Number (Social Security card or W-2 form)
• Two proofs of Virginia residency
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
• Payment for the application fee
• If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required. Check the Virginia DMV website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application in person at the DMV
• Give their consent for you to get your permit
• Take responsibility for your driving

The application process in Virginia is as follows:

1. Fill out a driver’s license application (DL 1P)
2. Gather all the required documents and bring them to your local DMV
3. If you’re under 18, have a parent or guardian sign your application
4. Pay the application fee
5. Pass the vision screening
6. Pass the two-part knowledge exam

Virginia allows you to start the application process online by filling out a pre-application form on the DMV website, but you must visit a DMV Customer Service Center in person to complete the application, bring your documents, take your vision test, and complete your knowledge exam.

The Virginia DMV charges a non-refundable application fee for a learner’s permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the knowledge exam, and issuing your permit. Visit the Virginia DMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Virginia you must pass:

• A vision screening to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A two-part knowledge exam that tests your understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Virginia knowledge exam consists of two parts:

• Part 1: 10 questions about road signs (you need to answer 7 correctly to pass)
• Part 2: 25 questions about rules of the road (you need to answer 20 correctly to pass)

You must pass both parts to get your learner’s permit.

The Virginia permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Rules of the road

The best ways to prepare for your Virginia permit test:

• Study the Virginia Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Virginia Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Pay special attention to the sections on road signs and rules of the road
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the Virginia permit test:

• You can retake the test after waiting at least one day
• If you fail the test three times, you must complete a driver’s education course before taking the test again
• You will need to pay the testing fee each time you retake the test

With a Virginia learner’s permit, you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old (or a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is at least 18 years old) in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road skills test
• Complete required practice hours for your driver’s license

When driving with a permit in Virginia you:

• Must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old (or a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is at least 18 years old) in the front passenger seat
• Cannot use a handheld personal communications device while driving
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• If you’re under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
• If you’re under 21, you can only have one passenger under 21 in the car with you (with some exceptions)

In Virginia the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your learner’s permit for at least 9 months before applying for a driver’s license
• You must complete 45 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, with 15 hours after sunset
• Your practice must be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years old

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your learner’s permit
• Practice until you develop safe driving skills before taking your road skills test

Virginia requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 18: You don’t need to take a driver education course to get your learner’s permit, but you must complete a state-approved driver education program before you can get your driver’s license.
• If you are 18 or older: No, driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a safer driver.

In Virginia before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must complete a state-approved driver education program that includes 36 periods of classroom instruction, 14 periods of in-car instruction, and 45 hours of supervised driving practice (15 hours at night) with a licensed driver at least 21 years old.

If you are 18-19 years old:

• You must either complete a driver education program OR hold your learner’s permit for 60 days before applying for a license.

If you are 20 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial.

You can find Virginia-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the Virginia DMV website
• Contacting your local DMV office
• Looking for instructors certified by the Virginia Department of Education or DMV

The Virginia road skills test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the examiner will check that your vehicle is safe to drive and has:

• Working lights, signals, horn and brakes
• A valid inspection sticker
• Valid registration
• Proper insurance

You can schedule your road skills test in Virginia by:

• Visiting the Virginia DMV website
• Using the DMV’s online appointment system
• Calling the DMV Customer Service Center

If you’re under 18 and completing a driver education program, your instructor may administer the road skills test as part of your course.

On the day of your road skills test in Virginia, bring:

• Your learner’s permit
• A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old (or a parent, guardian or spouse who is at least 18)
• A properly registered, inspected and insured vehicle
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle
• Completed 45-hour driving log (if under 18)
• Driver education certificate (if under 18)

Common reasons for failing the Virginia road skills test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Failing to use turn signals appropriately

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in Virginia:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your learner’s permit for at least 9 months
• Complete 45 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (15 hours after sunset)
• Complete a state-approved driver education program
• Pass the road skills test
• Have your parent or guardian attend the licensing ceremony at the DMV or court
• Pay the licensing fee

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road skills test
• Pay the licensing fee

Virginia’s graduated licensing program for minors has these stages:

• Learner’s Permit: Must be at least 15 years and 6 months old, pass the knowledge exam, and is valid until you’re eligible for a provisional license.
• Provisional License: Must be at least 16 years and 3 months old, hold your permit for at least 9 months, complete driver education, and pass the road skills test. This license has restrictions on passengers and driving hours.
• Full License: Provisional restrictions end when you turn 18.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the road skills test.

As a new driver under 18 in Virginia, your provisional license will have these restrictions:

• You cannot carry more than one passenger under 21 years old unless a parent or licensed driver over 21 is in the front seat
• After holding your license for one year, the limit increases to three passengers under 21
• You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. except for work, school, or a medical emergency — or if accompanied by a parent or an adult over 21

These restrictions apply until you turn 18.

Virginia does not recognize out-of-state learner’s permits. If you are moving to Virginia with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Virginia permit
• You must meet all Virginia permit requirements, including age, documentation, and testing
• If you’re under 18, you must meet all the graduated licensing requirements

Virginia offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver’s manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• Sign language interpreters (requested in advance)
• Extended testing time
• Special equipment for the driving test
• Medical and adaptive equipment evaluations
• Contact your local DMV office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, Virginia issues driver’s licenses for non-U.S. citizens who can provide:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
• Proof of Virginia residency
• Social Security Number (if eligible)

Visit the Virginia DMV website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens.

You can download a copy of the Virginia Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any DMV office.

Yes! We offer free Virginia-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your actual exam.

For more information about the Virginia permit process:

• Visit the Virginia DMV website at dmv.virginia.gov
• Call 804-497-7100 during business hours
• Visit your local DMV Customer Service Center
• For hearing impaired assistance, use the Virginia Relay service by dialing 711

If you lose your Virginia permit:

• You can request a replacement online or visit a DMV Customer Service Center
• Provide proof of your identity
• Pay the replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the DMV. The cancellation remains in effect until they turn 18 or until consent is reestablished.