Virginia Permit Test and Learner’s Permit: Exam, Rules, Fees

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The Virginia permit test is a two-part DMV knowledge exam: road signs first, where you must get every question right, then general knowledge, where you need at least 80 percent. Pass it and the vision screening and, if you are over 15 years and 6 months, you can get a learner’s permit. This guide covers the exam format, retake rules, the $3 permit fee and what the permit lets you do.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Minimum age: over 15 years and 6 months.
• Part one: 10 traffic sign questions, all must be correct before you can move to part two.
• Part two: multiple-choice general knowledge, at least 80 percent correct. DMV describes this as 30 questions with 24 needed to pass; confirm on the day.
• Under 18 and failed: wait at least 15 days to retest.
• Failed 3 times: you must complete a course before a fourth attempt.
• Learner’s permit fee: $3.

How many questions are on the Virginia permit test?

The exam is taken on a computer and the questions come from the Virginia Driver’s Manual. By law, distracted driving must be part of the knowledge exam, so expect questions on phones and other distractions.

What you need to apply for a Virginia learner’s permit

• Be a Virginia resident over 15 years and 6 months.
• Pass the knowledge exam and the vision screening.
• Meet the vision standard: at least 20/40 in one or both eyes and 110 degrees of horizontal vision, with or without glasses or contacts.
• If you are of compulsory school age, show good academic standing, or have a parent or guardian sign DMV’s written authorization form.
• Pay the $3 permit fee (no fee for homeless youth).
• Bring identity and residency documents. See the REAL ID first license checklist and confirm the current document list with Virginia DMV.

If you take driver education through a school or licensed driver training school, your permit application also serves as your driver’s license application.

Virginia permit test retake rules

• Under 18: wait at least 15 days after a failed attempt.
• Three failures: no fourth attempt until you complete, after the third failure, the classroom part of driver education at a licensed driver training school or an approved course.
• 18 or older, or under 18 and already finished driver ed classroom: you may instead take a course based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual, in a classroom or online, from a licensed provider.

After the course, you retake the exam at DMV.

What a Virginia learner’s permit lets you do

Who can supervise you

• Any licensed driver 21 or older, or
• Your parent or legal guardian, or
• A brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepbrother or stepsister 18 or older.

The supervisor must sit in the seat beside you, be alert and able to help, and be legally allowed to drive at that time. Keep the permit with you whenever you drive.

Passenger and night limits on the permit

• No more than one passenger under 21, except family or household members and during an approved driver education course.
• No driving between midnight and 4 a.m.

How long the permit lasts

A car learner’s permit stays valid until you are issued a driver’s license or no longer qualify for it. Under 18, you must hold it for at least 9 months (or until you turn 18) before getting a license. Breaking the permit rules is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

How to study for the Virginia knowledge exam

1. Read the Virginia Driver’s Manual end to end, especially signs, signals and right-of-way.
2. Learn sign shapes and colors until you can name each one on sight. Part one allows no mistakes. Use US road signs by shape and color.
3. Review lines and signals: pavement markings and traffic signals.
4. Know the distracted driving rules: hands-free and texting laws.
5. Take DMV’s free sample knowledge exam until you score well above 80 percent.

Common questions

Can I skip part two if I fail the sign questions?

No. You must answer all 10 sign questions correctly before part two opens.

Is the Virginia permit test in other languages?

DMV’s manual says the exam is offered in many languages, as audio and in American Sign Language, so translators cannot be used for offered languages. Check the current options with DMV.

Does my Virginia permit expire?

A car permit does not have a fixed expiry. It lasts until you get a license or stop qualifying. Motorcycle learner’s permits last 12 months.

Can my 18-year-old brother supervise me?

Yes. Siblings, half-siblings and step-siblings can supervise from age 18. Anyone else who is not your parent or guardian must be 21 or older.

Can I drive friends around on my permit?

Only one passenger under 21, unless they are family or household members.

I have a license from another state. Do I take the exam?

Usually not: the manual says the knowledge exam is for applicants without a valid license from another US state, Canada and certain countries. Ask DMV which tests apply to you, and see moving to a new state.

Next steps: the 45-hour log and driver ed and the road skills test. Back to the full guide: learning to drive in Virginia. Compare states in permit tests by state.

Sources

• Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia 46.2-335: Learner’s permits; fees; certification required” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
• Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia 46.2-335.1: Knowledge test; waiting period prior to reexamination” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
• Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia 46.2-335.2: Learner’s permits; minimum holding period” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
• Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia 46.2-325: Examination of applicants” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
• Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia 46.2-311: Minimum standards of visual acuity and field of vision” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
• Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia 46.2-818.2: Use of handheld personal communications devices” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
• Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Virginia Driver’s Manual, Section 1: Testing” (DMV 39, earlier edition) (dmv.virginia.gov)