What's on the test
The questions come from the Virginia Driver's Manual. They cover these areas; each links to free practice questions on it:
- Signs, signals & markingsTraffic lights, sign shapes and colors, work zones, lane lines and curbs.
- Rules of the roadSpeed limits, stopping, right-of-way, roundabouts, passing and turns.
- Sharing the roadPedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, light rail, trucks, backing and parking.
- Defensive drivingHeadlights, bad weather, distraction, drowsiness, crashes and traffic stops.
- Seat belts, alcohol & penaltiesSeat belts and child seats, BAC limits, DUI penalties and demerit points.
- Tests, licenses & your carThe two-part exam, vision, permits, inspections and insurance.
A study plan in five steps
Read the Virginia Driver's Manual
Everything on the test is in it. Read it chapter by chapter, slowly, and come back to the parts you find hard:
- Testing
- Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings
- Safe Driving: speed, right-of-way, turns and following
- Safe Driving: sharing the road, backing and parking
- Safe Driving: lights, hazards, impairment and crashes
- Seat Belts, Air Bags and Child Safety Seats
- Penalties
- License Types
- Other Important Information
Practice one topic at a time
After each chapter, practice that topic. You see the right answer and why straight away, with the handbook page to reread.
Learn the road signs
Signs are quick points once you know them by shape and color. Study the signs one at a time, then test yourself on 20.
Fix your weak spots
Your practice results are saved on your device. Practice my weak spots builds a round from the topics you miss most.
Take the full practice exam
The full exam works like the real one: 40 questions, 34 to pass, no answers until the end. Keep going until you pass comfortably several times in a row, then review every question you missed.
Before test day
A two-part test
Part one is 10 traffic sign questions and you must get every one right before you can move on. Part two is multiple choice on laws and safe driving; you need at least 80 percent. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 3)
Waiting after a fail
You can take the exam once per business day. Under 18, you must wait a full 15 days after a failed exam before trying again. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 3)
Three fails means a course
After failing the knowledge exam three times, you need to complete driver education classroom training (or an approved 8-hour manual course) before a fourth try. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 3)
Permit supervision
On a learner's permit, a licensed driver 21 or older must sit in the front passenger seat; a brother, sister or guardian aged 18 to 20 also counts. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 31)
Reckless at 20 over
Driving 20 mph or more over the limit, or faster than 85 mph anywhere, can be charged as reckless driving, a criminal offense. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 14)
No phone in your hand
Virginia bans holding a phone while driving unless you're lawfully parked or stopped or in an emergency. Navigation is fine if you don't hold it or type. (Virginia Driver's Manual, p. 24)
More answers: Virginia permit test FAQ. Applying for the first time? How to get your Virginia permit.
This guide is a free study aid, not the official test. Rules and fees can change: always check the current Virginia Driver's Manual and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before your test.Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 2 higher.