Free Virginia DMV permit practice tests
Free Virginia permit and driver's license practice questions from the official driver handbook, with every answer explained.
- FreeNo registration required
- 80% to passThe real exam's passing score
- Every answer explainedSee why each option is right or wrong
Permit and driver's license tests
6 tests, 150 questions
What score do you need to pass the Virginia permit test?
Facts checked against official sources.
The written test has 40 questions, and you need 80% to pass. Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles handles driver licensing in Virginia. The minimum age for a permit is 15½. Our practice questions come from the Virginia Driver's Manual. We checked these facts against official sources on October 2, 2026.
| Passing score | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 40 |
| Minimum age for a permit | At least 15½ years old |
| Licensing agency | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Official handbook | |
| Checked on |
Sources
By the QuizDMV Editorial Team
Quick Virginia permit practice tests
4 short tests of 12 questions each, made from the questions in the full tests. Each one takes a few minutes.
How do you get a Virginia driver's license?
This is how the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles describes getting a first driver's license as a teen, based on the Virginia Driver's Manual and DMV's licensing pages. Requirements for new drivers 18 through 20 change on January 1, 2027, so check dmv.virginia.gov for the rules that apply to you before you visit.
Get your learner's permit
At 15 years and 6 months or older, apply at a DMV customer service center with one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of Virginia residency, and your Social Security number if you have one. You'll take a vision screening and the two-part knowledge exam. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian has to give written consent.
Practice and take driver education
Drive with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat. Finish a state-approved driver education program and hold your permit for at least nine months. Log at least 45 hours of driving, including 15 after sunset, and have a parent or guardian certify them.
Pass the road skills test
If you're under 18, you take the road skills test as part of your driver education course, through your driving school. The vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker, plates, registration, and working safety equipment.
Get your license
You can receive a driver's license at 16 years and 3 months. DMV mails the license to you. If you're under 18, your local juvenile court may require you and a parent or guardian to attend a licensing ceremony first.
Based on:Virginia Driver's ManualVirginia DMV: Apply for a Driver's LicenseVirginia DMV: Driver License Eligibility Requirements
Checked on October 2, 2026
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be for a Virginia learner's permit?
You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old, and Virginia DMV makes no exceptions. You can get a driver's license at 16 years and 3 months. If you're under 18, you also need a parent's or guardian's written consent and a state-approved driver education program.
How does the two-part Virginia knowledge exam work?
Part one has 10 traffic sign questions, and you must answer all ten correctly before you can move on. Part two has 30 general knowledge questions, and you need 24 right, which is 80%.
What happens if I fail the knowledge exam?
If you're under 18, you must wait a full 15 days before retesting. If you're 18 or older, you can take the exam once per business day. After three failures at any age, you have to complete an approved course before you can try a fourth time.
Do I need an appointment for the knowledge exam?
No. You can schedule one or walk in, but walk-in applicants must arrive by 4:30 p.m. on weekdays or 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays to test that day. The exam is on a computer, and an audio version, American Sign Language, and many other languages are available.
Who can ride with me while I drive on a permit?
A licensed driver who is at least 21, sitting in the front passenger seat. The supervising driver can be 18, 19, or 20 if they're your legal guardian, brother, sister, half-sibling, or step-sibling.
What do teens need before getting a Virginia driver's license?
Drivers under 18 must finish a state-approved driver education program, hold a learner's permit for at least nine months, and log at least 45 hours of driving, 15 of them after sunset. A parent or guardian signs to certify the hours.
I just moved to Virginia. How long do I have to get a Virginia license?
If you drive, you must get a Virginia driver's license within 60 days of moving to the state. You also need to title and register your vehicle within 30 days.
How much does a Virginia learner's permit cost?
As of April 2026, the Virginia DMV lists a $3 learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license. The DMV points you to its fee chart for the license cost.
What do I need to bring to get a Virginia learner's permit?
The Virginia DMV says to submit one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of Virginia residency, and proof of your Social Security number if you have been issued one. If you know your number, DMV can verify it electronically.
Permit practice tests for states near Virginia
Each state sets its own written test. These states border Virginia.