Driving Instruction

How to Retake Your Virginia Driving Test If You’ve Failed Three Times

June 30, 2021

How to Retake Your Virginia Driving Test If You’ve Failed Three Times

There’s no shame in failing the learner’s permit three times. There are still ways for you to get your license, get in a car, and get on the road.

Are you 19 years old or older? Or, under 18?

Have you failed the permit test three times?

Do you know where to find the best 8-hour driving course in VA?

The Virginia driver’s test is complex, and many people fail it three times. Whether you’re 19 years old or still under 18, there’s a way for you to take re-examination classes in VA and get your permit. However, the requirements differ based on age.

If you’ve failed your permit test three times, then keep reading to learn all about what to do next.

If You Fail Your Permit Test, When Can You Retake It?

You get three tries to pass the permit test, so failing it once or twice isn’t a big deal. However, failing the permit test three times in VA means that before retaking the permit test, you’ll need to:

Re-examination requirements and eligibility to take an 8-hour driving course in VA will depend on your age. Below we’ve outlined the different needs based on age.

19 Years or Older

If you’re 19 years of age or older and have failed the permit test three times, you must do one of two things:

  1. You can retake the Driver’s Education classroom portion, which consists of 36 fifty-minute classroom sessions.
  2. Register for and complete an 8-hour Virginia Driver’s Manual Course.

Once you complete either of these requirements and show the DMV your certificate of completion, you can retake the permit test.

18 Years or Younger

The requirements for retaking the permit test are slightly different if you’re under 18.

There are two under-18 groups: those who have passed the in-class Driver’s Ed portion and those who haven’t.

1. Already Passed Driver’s Ed Classroom Portion

If you’re under 18 and have already passed the classroom component of Driver’s Ed, then you’re eligible to take the 8-hour Driver Manual Course. After completing the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion and can then retake your permit test.

2. Haven’t Passed Driver’s Ed Classroom Portion

Those under 18 who haven’t yet completed the in-class Driver’s Ed Knowledge Course need to do so. Ensure you sign up for a DMV-approved knowledge course; otherwise, your certificate won’t make you eligible to retake the permit test. Once you complete the classroom knowledge portion, you retake the permit test.

How to Pass the DMV Re-Examination Test

Now that you know what to do when you fail the permit test three, we’re going to offer two tips to help you pass the re-examination test.

1. Pay Attention in Class

Paying attention in class may seem obvious, but it’s essential. Taking an 8-hour Driver Manual Course will require your time and money, but it’s worth it if you pay attention. In the class, you’ll re-learn everything necessary to pass the permit test on your next try. Take notes in the class and ask questions when you need clarification.

2. Study and Take Practice Tests

Another way to better prepare for the permit test is to study and take practice tests. Since you’ll be taking the permit test at the DMV, use their practice materials. They have study guides and tests on their website that you can download and use for personal study.

Many private driving schools may also have online resources available. If you take an 8-hour driving course in VA at a private driving school, see if they have blogs about tricky driving situations or quizzes about traffic signals.

Any study materials you can find will give you confidence and knowledge to pass the permit test.

Where to Take an Online Virginia Driving Test or Course

It’s not the end of the road for you if you fail the permit test three times. There are ways to regain eligibility to take the test.

Adults 19 and up can take a series of in-class courses or an 8-hour Driver’s Manual Course. Those 18 and younger may need to take the Driver’s Ed classroom portion first but are also eligible for re-examination classes in VA.

If you’ve failed your permit test three times and are searching for “failed permit test 3 times near me” or “driver’s manual course near me”, look no further.

Colonial Driving School in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the best private driving schools around. We offer a host of online and in-person classes for every age group, and all our courses are DMV-approved. Whether you need behind-the-wheel instruction or an online 8-hour Driver’s Manual Course, we’ve got you covered.

Sign up for our 8-hour Driver’s Manual Course online and get a $15 discount! We offer this class every other Saturday from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm with a break for lunch. Register today so you can get back into the DMV and retake your permit test.