Virginia Learner's Permit Fees: Permit, License and Retest Costs

A Virginia learner's permit costs $3.00, but you pay the driver's license fee upfront too. The total initial cost is $35.00 for an 8-year license.

What Are Virginia Permit Application and License Fees?

The Virginia learner's permit fee is $3. You also prepay the driver's license fee at $4 per year. For a standard 8-year driver's license, that fee is $32, so the usual combined permit and license payment is $35.

The initial knowledge exam is part of the permit application process rather than a separate $35 test charge. See the Virginia DMV fee chart for the current fee schedule.

Do You Pay the Virginia Driver's License Fee When You Apply for the Learner's Permit?

Yes. Virginia collects the $3 learner's permit fee along with the driver's license fee. With a standard 8-year license at $32, the usual combined DMV payment is $35.

REAL ID and Virginia Learner's Permit Cost

Yes. Choosing a REAL ID credential adds a one-time $10 fee. With the standard 8-year license pricing, that makes the usual combined permit, license, and REAL ID amount $45.

Do Virginia Knowledge Test Retakes Have a Standard DMV Fee?

Virginia's current driver-license fee statute does not list a standard learner-permit knowledge-test re-examination fee. Retesting still follows age-based timing rules.

• Under 18: Wait a full 15 days before taking the knowledge exam again.
• Age 18+: DMV allows one knowledge-exam attempt per day.

After three knowledge-test failures, the training requirement depends on age and prior driver-education completion. Applicants age 18 or older may complete the 8-hour Driver's Manual course. Under-18 applicants follow DMV's separate three-failure rules. For the full retest process, see the dedicated Virginia failed knowledge test guide.

First Knowledge Test and Permit Application Cost

Virginia DMV does not list a separate standard fee for the first knowledge-test attempt. The knowledge exam is part of the permit application process, while later retakes follow the waiting-period and three-failure training rules.

Other Costs Virginia Permit Applicants May Face

Costs beyond the standard DMV payment can include private driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, an eye exam if you are referred for additional vision review, certified replacement records, or a $2 replacement learner's permit.

Training prices vary by provider, so detailed classroom and in-car pricing belongs in the Virginia behind-the-wheel training cost guide. There is no general $10 late-cancellation fee for an ordinary learner's permit appointment in the current DMV fee schedule.

If an applicant is under 18, the parent or legal guardian provides written consent by signing the driver's license application. Standard parental consent is not a separate notarized DMV form requirement.

Payment Methods Virginia DMV Accepts for Permit Fees

Virginia DMV accepts major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cash, check, and money order. Keep the detailed payment-channel rules on the dedicated Virginia DMV payment methods page.

Avoiding Extra Costs and Delays at Virginia DMV

Bring the required original documents, use the current DL 1P application, and confirm the current DMV fee and payment options before you go. If you are preparing for the knowledge exam, use the current Virginia Driver's Manual and official practice material so avoidable retests do not add time or an applicable re-examination fee.