Virginia DMV Fees: What You Really Pay for a License, Permit, and Tests

When you think about getting a driver’s license in Virginia, you probably think about the test, the lessons, the practice—but not the fees. Virginia DMV fees, the official charges set by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for licenses, permits, tests, and renewals. Also known as Virginia driver’s license costs, these fees are non-negotiable, and skipping them means you can’t move forward. Whether you’re a teen getting your first permit or an adult reapplying after a suspension, the DMV will ask for money—and it’s not always obvious how much.

Let’s break it down. The learner’s permit, the first official step toward a Virginia driver’s license. Also known as Virginia learner’s permit, it costs $3. That’s it. But then comes the written knowledge test, the vision screening, and the road signs test—all required before you even get behind the wheel. You don’t pay extra for those tests, but you can’t skip them. And if you fail? You can retake the written test after one day, but you’ll pay $3 again each time. The road test, the practical driving exam you take to earn your license. Also known as Virginia driving test, it costs $20. That’s one fee, one shot—at least until you fail. After that, you pay $20 again. No discounts. No exceptions.

Renewals are another story. A standard 8-year driver’s license in Virginia costs $32. But if you’re late? There’s a $10 late fee. If your license expired more than a year ago? You’ll need to reapply from scratch—meaning you pay for the permit, the tests, and the license all over again. And don’t forget the $10 fee if you want a REAL ID upgrade. These aren’t hidden charges—they’re printed right on the DMV website. But most people don’t read them until they’re standing in line with a $50 bill and no idea why they’re being asked for more.

And here’s the thing: Virginia doesn’t cap how many times you can fail your road test. You can fail five times. Ten times. Each time, you pay $20. Each time, you wait. Each time, you risk losing momentum. That’s why so many people end up in intensive driving courses—they’re not just faster, they’re cheaper in the long run. One 5-day crash course might cost $500, but if it saves you three failed attempts, you’ve already saved $40.

There’s no mystery here. Virginia DMV fees are straightforward, but they add up fast if you’re not prepared. You don’t need to know every regulation. You just need to know what you’re paying for—and why. Below, you’ll find real posts from drivers who’ve been there: what happened when their license expired, how many times they failed, what they wish they’d known before walking into the DMV. No fluff. Just the facts they wish someone had told them.