Virginia Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Virginia learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Virginia DMV — Apply for a Learner's Permit ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Virginia
- Apply in person at a DMV customer service center with documents, fees, and parent/guardian consent if under 18
- Pass the vision screening and two-part knowledge exam
- Hold the learner's permit at least 9 months if under 18 while completing driver education
- Have a parent/guardian certify 45 supervised hours, including 15 after sunset
- Receive the driver's license after meeting the education, holding-period, and practice-hour requirements
Virginia GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: A licensed driver must sit beside the permit holder; driver must be 21+, or 18+ if legal guardian or sibling
- Driver education: Under-18 applicants must complete a state-approved driver education program before licensing
Documents you'll need
- Completed Virginia driver's license application
- Parent/legal guardian consent if under 18
- One proof of identity
- One proof of legal presence
- Two proofs of Virginia residency
- Proof of Social Security number, if issued
- $3 learner's permit fee plus yearly driver-license cost
The details
- Permit eligibility: Virginia DMV says applicants must be at least 15 years and 6 months old
- Permit fee details: Learner's permit fee, plus the yearly cost of a driver license
- Permit validity: Non-REAL ID learner's permit expires on the applicant's birthday and is valid up to 8 years (5 years if age 75 or older)
- Practice hour details: Parent/guardian certifies the hours on the completion certificate for under-18 applicants
- Knowledge test: 35 questions; 80% to pass; 35 questions: a 10-question road-sign section requiring a perfect score, plus a 25-question general-knowledge section requiring 80% (20 correct).
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Virginia?
You can get a learner's permit in Virginia at 15½. Virginia DMV says applicants must be at least 15 years and 6 months old.
How much does a Virginia permit cost?
The Virginia permit fee is $3. Learner's permit fee, plus the yearly cost of a driver license.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Virginia?
You must hold your Virginia permit for at least 9 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Virginia require?
Virginia requires 45 hours of supervised practice driving, including 15 at night.
Where can I practice for the Virginia permit test?
Right here — take a free Virginia practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DMV-format experience with a readiness score.
