Virginia Permit Practice Test: 40 Free Questions

Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Virginia DMV knowledge exam has two parts. Part one is 10 road sign questions, and you must get all 10 right before part two opens. Part two is multiple-choice general knowledge, where you need at least 80%; DMV describes it as 30 questions with 24 needed to pass. This practice test copies that layout with 40 original, unofficial questions based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual topics and the Code of Virginia.

How to take this practice test

Do part one first. Score it strictly: anything less than 10 out of 10 would stop you on the real exam.
Then do part two and count your correct answers out of 30.
Confirm the current exam format on the day. The full guide, including retake rules, is in Virginia DMV knowledge exam and learner’s permit.

Every question in this part must be correct. Learn sign shapes and colors until you can name each one on sight.

Part one, road signs (questions 1 to 10)

1. An eight-sided red sign means:

A. Yield
B. Stop
C. Wrong way
D. Do not enter

Answer: B. The octagon is reserved for STOP signs. Manual topic: sign shapes.

2. A downward-pointing triangle means:

A. Yield the right of way
B. Road narrows
C. Merge right
D. Stop

Answer: A. Slow down and let traffic with the right of way go first; stop if needed. Manual topic: sign shapes.

3. A five-sided (pentagon) sign marks:

A. A railroad crossing
B. A school zone or school crossing
C. A hospital
D. A no-passing zone

Answer: B. The Virginia manual says the pentagon marks school zones and school crossings. Manual topic: sign shapes.

4. A round yellow sign warns of:

A. A rest area
B. A curve
C. A school zone
D. A railroad crossing ahead

Answer: D. The round shape is used for the railroad advance warning sign. Manual topic: sign shapes.

5. A pennant-shaped yellow sign on the left side of the road means:

A. Two-way traffic
B. No passing zone
C. Slippery road
D. Hill ahead

Answer: B. The pennant marks the start of a no-passing zone. Manual topic: sign shapes.

6. A diamond-shaped yellow sign is a:

A. Regulatory sign
B. Guide sign
C. Service sign
D. Warning sign

Answer: D. Diamonds warn of special conditions or hazards ahead. Manual topic: warning signs.

7. A fluorescent yellow-green sign showing children walking warns of:

A. School or pedestrian activity
B. A playground only on weekends
C. A bike trail
D. A park

Answer: A. The Virginia manual says the strong yellow-green color is used for school zone and pedestrian activity. Manual topic: warning signs.

8. Orange signs on the road mean:

A. Hospital
B. Truck route
C. Tourist information
D. Construction or maintenance work ahead

Answer: D. Orange is the work zone color. Slow down and watch for workers. Manual topic: work zone signs.

9. A blue sign with white symbols shows:

A. A school
B. A speed limit
C. Motorist services such as gas, food or lodging
D. A city name

Answer: C. Blue signs give service information. Green signs give directions and brown signs show recreation. Manual topic: guide signs.

10. A rectangular white sign with black letters is usually:

A. A detour
B. A recreation guide
C. A regulatory sign stating a law you must obey
D. A warning

Answer: C. White rectangles state rules such as speed limits and lane use. Manual topic: regulatory signs.

Part two: general knowledge. Score this part out of 30. At least 80% (24 correct) is the standard.

Part two, signals, markings and right of way (questions 11 to 17)

11. A steady yellow traffic light means:

A. Go, the same as green
B. The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely
C. Speed up to clear the intersection
D. Stop immediately, even in the intersection

Answer: B. Stop for yellow unless you are too close to stop safely. Manual topic: traffic signals.

12. A flashing red light means:

A. Slow down and continue
B. Come to a full stop, then go when it is safe
C. The light is about to turn green
D. Yield only to pedestrians

Answer: B. Treat a flashing red light like a STOP sign. Manual topic: traffic signals.

13. A diamond-shaped marking painted in a lane means:

A. A crosswalk
B. A speed bump
C. The lane is reserved, such as an HOV lane
D. A school zone

Answer: C. The Virginia manual uses the diamond marking for HOV lanes. Check signs for hours. Manual topic: pavement markings.

14. Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time. Who goes first?

A. The vehicle on the left
B. The larger vehicle
C. The vehicle on the right
D. The one that honks

Answer: C. When you arrive together, yield to the driver on your right. Manual topic: right of way.

15. You are turning left at a green light without an arrow. You must:

A. Turn from the right lane
B. Turn quickly before oncoming cars arrive
C. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
D. Stop until the light turns red

Answer: C. Left turns on a plain green light are not protected. Manual topic: turns.

16. How far before a turn should you signal?

A. At least 25 feet
B. Only as you start to turn
C. At least 500 feet
D. At least 100 feet, about three to four seconds

Answer: D. The Virginia manual says to signal at least three to four seconds, 100 feet, before the turn. Manual topic: turns.

17. A fire truck is answering an emergency call. How close may you follow it?

A. Within 300 feet
B. No closer than 500 feet
C. Within 100 feet
D. Any distance if you are careful

Answer: B. Virginia law bars following fire apparatus or EMS vehicles on an emergency call closer than 500 feet, or parking within 500 feet of a stopped fire truck at a fire. Code of Virginia 46.2-921.

Part two, speed, space and sharing the road (questions 18 to 24)

18. Unless signs post a higher limit, what is the maximum speed on Virginia interstates?

A. 65 mph
B. 75 mph
C. 55 mph
D. 45 mph

Answer: C. The general maximum is 55 mph. Signs may raise it to 70 mph on interstates after an engineering study. Code of Virginia 46.2-870.

19. You want to pass a cyclist going the same way. Virginia law requires you to pass:

A. Only on four-lane roads
B. At least 3 feet to the left, changing lanes if the lane is too narrow
C. At least 1 foot to the left
D. On the right

Answer: B. Pass bicycles, mopeds and similar road users at a reasonable speed and at least 3 feet to the left. Code of Virginia 46.2-839.

20. A school bus is stopped ahead with children getting off on an undivided road. You must:

A. Sound your horn
B. Stop only if you are behind it
C. Stop, from any direction, and stay stopped until the children are clear and the bus moves
D. Pass slowly on the left

Answer: C. Failing to stop is reckless driving. The exception is a bus on the other roadway of a divided highway separated by a physical barrier or unpaved area. Code of Virginia 46.2-859.

21. What is a safe way to deal with a tailgater?

A. Move to another lane if possible, or gently tap your brakes and slow down to encourage them to pass
B. Ignore them and follow the car ahead more closely
C. Speed up
D. Brake hard to warn them

Answer: A. The manual advises not to brake suddenly. Keeping a safe gap ahead protects you both. Manual topic: following distance.

22. You are merging onto an interstate from an on-ramp. You should:

A. Use the ramp to match the speed of traffic and merge into a safe gap
B. Expect traffic to move over
C. Merge at 30 mph
D. Stop at the end of the ramp

Answer: A. Signal, check your blind spot and fit into a gap at traffic speed. Manual topic: interstate driving.

23. When you park facing downhill next to a curb, turn your front wheels:

A. It does not matter
B. Away from the curb
C. Straight ahead
D. Toward the curb

Answer: D. Turning the wheels toward the curb stops the car rolling into traffic if the brake fails. Manual topic: parking on hills.

24. When must you use your headlights?

A. Only when other cars use theirs
B. Only on interstates
C. When you cannot see clearly, such as at night or in rain, fog or snow
D. Only after midnight

Answer: C. Use headlights whenever visibility is poor, not just after dark. Manual topic: night driving.

Part two, alcohol, drugs and distraction (questions 25 to 30)

25. A Virginia driver aged 19 has a BAC of 0.03%. What does Virginia law say?

A. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a one-year license forfeiture and at least a $500 fine or 50 hours of community service
B. It applies only to commercial drivers
C. It is a warning only
D. It is legal because it is under 0.08%

Answer: A. Drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% to under 0.08% violate Code of Virginia 18.2-266.1.

26. Under Virginia law, when may a driver hold a handheld phone?

A. When traffic is light
B. At any time if using speakerphone
C. When lawfully parked or stopped, or to report an emergency
D. While driving slowly

Answer: C. Holding a handheld personal communications device while driving a moving vehicle is illegal for every driver. Code of Virginia 46.2-818.2.

27. Which statement about prescription and over-the-counter medicines is true?

A. They are safe if you also drink coffee
B. Only illegal drugs count as impairment
C. They never affect driving
D. Some can slow your reactions and judgment, so read the label before you drive

Answer: D. Legal drugs can impair you too. Manual topic: alcohol and drugs.

28. You feel drowsy on a long night drive. The safest choice is to:

A. Stop somewhere safe and rest
B. Drive faster to get home sooner
C. Open the window and keep going
D. Turn up the music

Answer: A. Only rest fixes drowsiness. Manual topic: fatigue.

29. Which of these is NOT a distraction to avoid while driving?

A. Reading a text
B. Checking your mirrors
C. Reaching for something on the floor
D. Eating a meal

Answer: B. Mirror checks are part of driving. Everything else takes your eyes or mind off the road. Manual topic: distracted driving.

30. When you drive on Virginia highways, you are deemed to have agreed to:

A. Keep your windows closed
B. Carry a spare tire
C. Use cruise control
D. A chemical test of your breath or blood if arrested for DUI

Answer: D. This is implied consent. Refusing has its own penalties. Manual topic: implied consent.

Part two, Virginia permit and provisional license rules (questions 31 to 39)

31. When may a Virginia learner’s permit holder NOT drive?

A. Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
B. Between midnight and 4 a.m.
C. On weekends
D. After sunset

Answer: B. The permit has the same midnight to 4 a.m. limit as the provisional license. Topic: learner’s permit.

32. You are approaching a railroad crossing and the lights begin flashing. You must:

A. Slow down and cross carefully
B. Stop on the tracks to look
C. Speed up to cross first
D. Stop and wait until the lights stop and the tracks are clear

Answer: D. Never race a train or drive around lowered gates. Manual topic: railroad crossings.

33. Who may supervise a Virginia learner’s permit holder?

A. A licensed driver 21 or older, a parent or legal guardian, or a sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling 18 or older
B. Any licensed driver 18 or older
C. Any adult passenger
D. A friend with a provisional license

Answer: A. The supervisor sits beside you and must be alert and legally able to drive. Topic: learner’s permit.

34. How many passengers under 21 may ride with a permit holder, not counting family or household members?

A. Two
B. None
C. Three
D. One

Answer: D. No more than one passenger under 21, except family or household members or during approved driver education. Topic: learner’s permit.

35. Under 18, how long must you hold a learner’s permit before getting a license?

A. 60 days
B. One year
C. 9 months, or until 18
D. 6 months

Answer: C. Code of Virginia 46.2-335.2 sets a 9-month minimum for applicants under 18. Topic: learner’s permit.

36. How many hours of supervised driving must a parent certify for a Virginia driver under 18?

A. 40, with 10 after sunset
B. 30, with 10 after sunset
C. 45, with 15 after sunset
D. 50, with 10 after sunset

Answer: C. A parent, foster parent or guardian certifies at least 45 hours, 15 after sunset. Topic: driving log.

37. In the first year of a Virginia provisional license, how many passengers under 21 may you carry (not family)?

A. One
B. None
C. Two
D. Three

Answer: A. Until 18, only one passenger under 21 in the first year. After the first year, up to three under 21 only for school-sponsored activities, with a 21+ licensed driver beside you, or in an emergency. Code of Virginia 46.2-334.01.

38. A 17-year-old provisional driver in Virginia may NOT drive during which hours, unless an exception applies?

A. 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
B. Midnight to 4 a.m.
C. 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
D. 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Answer: B. Exceptions include work, adult-supervised school, civic or religious activities, a parent beside you and emergencies. Code of Virginia 46.2-334.01.

39. You failed the Virginia knowledge exam and you are 16. How long must you wait to retake it?

A. At least 15 days
B. 90 days
C. The next day
D. 30 days

Answer: A. Under 18, wait at least 15 days after a failed attempt. After three failures, a course is required first. Code of Virginia 46.2-335.1.

Part two, emergencies (question 40)

40. A tire blows out at highway speed. You should:

A. Turn sharply onto the shoulder
B. Brake hard
C. Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas and slow gradually
D. Shift to neutral and coast

Answer: C. Keep control first, then pull off once you have slowed. Manual topic: emergencies.

Scoring

Part	Your target	If you miss it
Part one (signs)	10 of 10	Drill sign shapes and colors. One miss means a fail on the real exam.
Part two (knowledge)	24 or more of 30	Reread the manual sections behind each miss, especially teen rules and alcohol.

DMV also has a free sample knowledge exam. Practice until you score well above 80%. The teen limits are covered in depth in Virginia provisional license rules for teen drivers and the 45-hour driving log and driver education guide.

Common questions

Are these the real Virginia DMV questions?

No. These are original, unofficial practice questions based on Virginia Driver’s Manual topics and the Code of Virginia.

Why must I get all the sign questions right?

Virginia’s exam requires every sign question in part one to be correct before you can move on to part two.

How many questions can I miss in part two?

You need at least 80%. On the 30-question format DMV describes, that is up to 6 wrong.

What happens after three failed attempts?

You must finish a course before a fourth try: the classroom part of driver education, or for those 18 and older or already through driver ed classroom, a course based on the Virginia Driver’s Manual.

Can I take the exam in another language?

The manual says the exam is offered in many languages, as audio and in American Sign Language. Check the current options with DMV.

Where are tests for other states?

See US permit practice tests by state. For every step from permit to license, see learning to drive in Virginia.

Sources

Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia 46.2-334.01, 46.2-335.1 and 46.2-335.2” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia 46.2-818.2, 46.2-839, 46.2-859, 46.2-870 and 46.2-921” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
Virginia General Assembly, “Code of Virginia 18.2-266.1, Persons younger than 21 years of age driving after illegally consuming alcohol” (law.lis.virginia.gov)
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Virginia Driver’s Manual” (earlier edition, DMV 39) (dmv.virginia.gov)

Virginia Permit Practice Test: Signs and Knowledge (40 Questions)