DMV ORIENTATION — LEARNER’S PERMIT TESTING
As an advocate for the client, do not be afraid to ask for assistance or clarification from DMV employees.
Checking In
The client must produce all of the required documents in order to receive an application to take the learner's permit test. Assist the client to complete the application – or fill out for them, if necessary. This form asks for basic information like full name, address, date of birth, etc. Be prepared to make an educated guess for height and weight or to convert these measurements from metric.
Understanding the Learner's Permit Test
Part 1 = 10 questions on traffic signs and signals. The client must correctly answer all 10 questions in order to advance to Part 2 of the test.
Part 2 = 30 questions on the general rules and regulations of safe driving. In order to pass the test and get a learner's permit, the client must correctly answer 24 of these 30 questions.
Language Access
The learner's permit test is available in 24 languages, in addition to English.
On the touch-screen computer, if the test is taken in a language other than English, the client can click back and forth between their chosen language and English for each question, if desired. There is also a button on the screen for audio support and a handset at the computer station. When the client clicks the audio button, they will hear a recorded voice reading the questions and answer choices as they appear on the screen. If the test is taken in English, no other language is accessible during this testing attempt.
If the test is not available in the client’s language, they will need to bring an interpreter and take the test on paper, using a scantron answer sheet. The client and interpreter will sit back-to-back, and the interpreter will read the questions and answer choices to you. No other questions or discussion is allowed.
According to DMV policy, if the test is available in the client’s language, they may choose to take the test on paper but may not use an interpreter.
Vision Test
Anyone who wants to take the learner’s permit test must prove that their vision is at least 20/40. In order to pass the vision test, the client must be able to recognize and say the names of a row of capital letters, from left to right, and identify flashing peripheral lights when prompted by the DMV employee.
Photo
Head coverings for religious purposes are permitted.
Testing Protocols
This is not a timed test. Encourage the client to take a deep breath, try to relax, and consider all the questions and answer choices carefully before answering. There is no rush.
No one is allowed in the testing area except those who are testing, so be sure that a DMV employee assists the client in launching the exam, showing them how to use the audio prompt telephone, etc.
Failing the Test
Most newcomers do not pass the learner’s permit test the first time. Encourage the client to continue studying the driver’s manual and the online practice questions before returning to the DMV. There is no cost to test again after 15 days. If the client wants to retest earlier, there is a $2 charge.
The learner’s permit test may be taken up to 3 times without penalty. However, when someone fails the learner’s permit test on their third attempt, they must complete the classroom portion of a Virginia DMV-approved re-examination class at a certified local driving school. If needed, ReEstablish Richmond can connect the client to a local driving school that offers this class for a reduced price (paid to the driving school by the client).
The 8-hour re-examination class is offered on Sundays twice a month. At the end of the class, the client must pass a test in order to receive the re-examination certificate. Clients with limited English proficiency will need to bring an interpreter to help them understand the instructor, take notes, and access the test.
After passing the class, the client will take the re-examination certificate back to the DMV, along with the necessary documents, where they may retest unlimited times until they pass.
Passing the Test
The client should be prepared to pay $45 if they pass the test. This fee covers the cost of the learner’s permit, taking the road test at the DMV, and the driver’s license. The client is now legally allowed to drive with a licensed driver in the front passenger seat.
Please let a member of ReEstablish Richmond’s Transportation Independence program staff know of any client who passes the learner’s permit test. If needed, ReR can connect the client to a DMV-certified driving school for behind the wheel (BTW) lessons. A partial scholarship is available for clients when ReR makes the referral to a partner driving school.