Permit Tests/Virginia/Retake Rules

Virginia Permit Test Retake Rules (2026)

What the Virginia DMV publishes:

Under 18: 15 days. 18 and older: none, but a $2 re-exam fee applies within 15 days
Wait
After 3 failures you must complete the classroom part of a Virginia driver training school program
Attempts
$2 re-exam fee if you retake within 15 days (18 and older)
Retest fee
Verified against official records from Virginia DMV — the knowledge exam on September 30, 2026.
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Official Rules

Virginia exam specifications

Virginia Knowledge Exam Specifications

  • Passing score: 80% correct
  • Road signs: Separate section

Official Virginia DMV Examination Notes:

  • Part one is 10 traffic-sign questions and you must answer all 10 correctly before part two opens.
  • Part two is general knowledge; you need at least 80%.

Official Failure Rules in Virginia

From the Virginia DMV:

  • Waiting period: Under 18: 15 days. 18 and older: none, but a $2 re-exam fee applies within 15 days
  • Attempt limits: After 3 failures you must complete the classroom part of a Virginia driver training school program
  • Retest fees: $2 re-exam fee if you retake within 15 days (18 and older)

How Virginia Compares

  • Its 80% pass mark sits between 5 stricter and 8 more lenient states.
  • In Virginia, the road-sign section is scored separately from the rest of the knowledge test — one of 7 states.
  • Virginia is one of 26 states whose agency publishes a mandatory waiting period.
  • The Virginia DMV publishes attempt limits, as do 17 other states.
  • A retest fee is published in 13 states, Virginia included.

States Similar to Virginia

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Virginia-verified practice

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Practice questions from the official Virginia Driver's Manual; every answer cites it.

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Retake Questions for Virginia

Under 18: 15 days. 18 and older: none, but a $2 re-exam fee applies within 15 days. Verify current rules with the Virginia DMV before booking.

After 3 failures you must complete the classroom part of a Virginia driver training school program. Verify current rules with the Virginia DMV before booking.

$2 re-exam fee if you retake within 15 days (18 and older). Verify current rules with the Virginia DMV before booking.

Applicants in Virginia must score at least 80% correct on the Virginia DMV-administered knowledge exam.

Virginia scores road signs separately from the general knowledge section; failing that section fails the entire exam.

Study from the official Virginia Driver's Manual, which supplies every Virginia question; the exam requires 80% correct to pass. Practice road signs on their own, since they are graded separately.