How licensing works in Virginia
Virginia teens start with a learner's permit, then get a provisional driver's license with limits until 18.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's permit | 15 years 6 months | Hold nine months. Log 45 hours, 15 at night. Night and passenger limits apply |
| Provisional license | 16 years 3 months | No driving midnight–4 a.m. (with exceptions). One passenger under 21 for the first year, then three |
| Full privileges | 18 | Limits end |
Driver education for students under 18 includes a 90-minute segment for a parent. It helps parents coach their teen during the 45 practice hours.
The Virginia knowledge exam
The exam is multiple choice and covers traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving. It has two parts:
| Part | Questions | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| Part one: road signs | 10 | All 10 correct |
| Part two: general knowledge | 30 | 24 correct |
- Take it on a computer at a DMV customer service center or in a classroom at a participating high school.
- It is offered in 26 languages, including English, American Sign Language, Spanish and Vietnamese.
- You can ask for an oral exam at any customer service center.
- Bring identity and residency documents. Each retake needs a new application.
If you fail
- Under 18: wait a full 15 days before retesting.
- 18 or older: you may test once per day.
- After three failures, you must complete the classroom part of a Virginia-approved driver training program first.
- If you pass but do not get your permit or license within one year, you must take the exam again.
Getting help, having the answers, or using a cell phone during the exam is not allowed.
Rules specific to Virginia
Road signs matter most
Because one wrong sign answer means failing part one, learn every common sign by shape, color and meaning. Practice until you can name them instantly.
Stop Yield Railroad crossing Do not enter
Phones
Virginia bans hand-held phone use for all drivers, and police can stop you for it alone. Texting is also banned, and school bus drivers may not use a phone at all while driving.
Night and passenger limits
Drivers under 18 may not drive from midnight to 4 a.m., with some exceptions. In the first year of the provisional license, they may carry only one passenger under 21. After that, the limit is three passengers under 21 until age 18.
Making the most of your practice
Your supervised hours are where you really learn to drive. Plan them instead of leaving them to chance, and ask your supervisor to give you calm, clear feedback after each trip.
- Start in an empty parking lot to learn steering, braking, turning and backing.
- Move on to quiet streets, then busier roads, multi-lane roads and highways.
- Practice at night and in rain, so your first night drive alone is not your first night drive ever.
- Work on the skills a road test checks: full stops, lane changes, turns, parking and backing.
- Say out loud what you see: signs, hazards, and what other road users might do next.
In Virginia, you need 45 hours, including 15 at night. Write down each drive right after it ends, with the date, the time and the conditions, so your log is complete when you apply.
On test day
- Check the official website the day before for documents, hours and any appointment rules.
- Bring every document on the official list, in the form the office asks for.
- Get a good night's sleep and arrive early, so you are not rushed.
- Read each question twice. Watch for words like always, never, only and except.
- If you are not sure, rule out the answers you know are wrong, then choose the safest one.
Test tips
- Learn the key numbers: 15½, nine months, 45 hours, 15 at night, 16 years 3 months, midnight to 4 a.m., 10 signs, 24 of 30, 15 days.
- Drill road signs until you never miss one.
- Read each general question slowly and look for the safest answer.
- Use the 15-day wait wisely if you fail: study every day.
Next: the general rules of the road
This guide covers Virginia's own rules. Part two of the exam also covers right-of-way, turns, passing, parking, alcohol and safe driving. Study those in our national US driving study guide, then take the full practice tests.