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Virginia Motorcycle Permit Practice Test

The class follows the road test or rider course you completed, so a rider who tested only on a trike gets M3. Practice with 760+ questions for the Virginia motorcycle knowledge test, written from the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual.

  • 25questions
  • 20to pass (80%)
  • $0full test here
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  • 8 topics from the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual
  • Answers explained, with the page to read
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Sample question

Virginia motorcycle test

Alcohol, drugs and fatigue

Which step helps keep you from getting too tired on a long ride?

Practice Alcohol, drugs and fatigue

Alcohol, Virginia's DUI law and fatigue

  • Each explanation names the manual page to read, so you study from the source.
  • Road signs have their own 20-sign test, the same signs drivers learn.
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Virginia motorcycle test topics

How practice rounds are picked

Virginia Motorcycle Operator ManualDMV 2checked Page numbers are the printed ones. About page numbers

Open the PDFVirginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

How the Virginia motorcycle test works

  1. Two tests, or one course

    To add a motorcycle class to a Virginia license you pass a vision screening, the 25-question motorcycle knowledge exam and a road skills test on your own motorcycle, holding a motorcycle learner's permit in between: 30 days from age 18, nine months under 18. Completing a Virginia Rider Training Program course waives both motorcycle tests for one year.

  2. M, M2 or M3

    Virginia marks the type of motorcycle you qualified on: M2 for two-wheeled, M3 for three-wheeled, and M for both. The class follows the road test or rider course you completed, so a rider who tested only on a trike gets M3. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 3

  3. Riding on the permit

    The motorcycle learner's permit lasts a year and allows riding between 4 a.m. and midnight, with a helmet and eye protection and no passengers. A licensed motorcyclist aged 21 or older supervises you from a separate vehicle; the manual also allows a licensed parent, guardian or sibling aged 18 or older.

Sources: Virginia DMV: Getting a Motorcycle License · Virginia DMV: Motorcycle Learner's Permit

Compare the pass mark in every state.

Riding in Virginia

  • Does Virginia require motorcycle helmets?

    Yes, for every operator and passenger. The operator also needs a face shield or safety glasses or goggles, unless the motorcycle has safety glass or a windshield of a type the Virginia State Police has approved. p. 4

  • Do I need to register and insure a motorcycle in Virginia?

    Yes. A motorcycle ridden in Virginia needs a Virginia title, registration card and license plate, and before registering you certify it is insured with a company authorized in Virginia. It must stay insured for the whole registration period. p. 3

  • What happens after a DUI on a motorcycle in Virginia?

    At .08 or above you are considered intoxicated, and your license is suspended on the spot for seven days. On conviction a court can revoke it for one year (first offense), three years (second) or indefinitely (third), and may assign the Alcohol Safety Action Program. Refusing the chemical test can cost a year's license on its own. p. 23

Rules from the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual

From the DMV 2 edition.

Virginia license, permit and tests

Practice Virginia license, permit and tests
  • p. 3
    Licensing

    Virginia's motorcycle classifications: M2 covers two-wheeled motorcycles, M3 three-wheeled ones, and M (for riders who tested on or trained for both types) covers both.

  • p. 3
    Motorcycle Registration

    To own and ride a motorcycle in Virginia you need a Virginia title, a registration card and a license plate.

Gear and motorcycle checks

Practice Gear and motorcycle checks
  • p. 4
    Preparing to Ride

    Virginia law requires the motorcycle operator to wear a protective helmet, and passengers must also wear an approved helmet.

  • p. 5
    Eye and Face Protection

    For protection (whatever the law allows), most windshields won't keep wind from your eyes, and neither will eyeglasses or sunglasses; glasses also won't stop your eyes watering and may blow off when you turn your head.

Control and keeping your distance

Practice Control and keeping your distance
  • p. 7
    Control for Safety

    No manual can teach you to control direction, speed or balance; that comes only through a lot of practice.

  • p. 7
    Turning

    Roll: roll on the throttle through the turn, keeping a steady speed or accelerating gradually; avoid slowing down while in the turn.

Seeing and being seen

Practice Seeing and being seen
  • p. 8
    See and Be Seen

    Even when a driver sees you, you aren't necessarily safe: because you and your motorcycle are small, it's easier for others to misjudge your distance and speed.

  • p. 9
    Position for Being Seen

    Each marked lane gives a motorcyclist three possible paths of travel, or 'mini-lanes', each about four feet wide; choosing the right one helps others see you.

Dangerous surfaces and night riding

Practice Dangerous surfaces and night riding
  • p. 15
    Handling Slippery Surfaces

    On slippery surfaces, don't be afraid to use the front brake along with the rear: it is still more effective than the rear brake, but apply it gradually and avoid locking the front wheel by squeezing too hard.

  • p. 17
    Be Flexible About Lane Position

    At night, be flexible about lane position: use whatever portion of the lane best helps you see, be seen and keep a space cushion.

Emergencies

Practice Emergencies
  • p. 17
    Dealing with Emergencies

    Your chances in a tight spot depend on reacting quickly and properly; the most important emergency skills are quick stops and quick turns, which you should practice in safe areas before you need them on the road.

  • p. 17
    Quick Stops

    If you must stop quickly while turning and can't straighten up first, apply the brakes and start slowing.

Virginia motorcycle license questions and answers

10 questions

The knowledge test

How many questions are on the Virginia motorcycle knowledge test?

25, all drawn from the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual and taken on a computer at a DMV customer service center. DMV doesn't publish a passing score; our practice exam uses 25 questions with 20 to pass (80%). Using a phone during the exam ends it, and you retest the next day.

What does this Virginia motorcycle practice test cover?

The Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): licensing, the learner's permit and rider training, helmets and gear, control, being seen and SIPDE, following distance, dangerous surfaces, night riding, emergencies, passengers and cargo, group riding, alcohol and Virginia's DUI law, motorcycle care and the license tests. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 3

Do I need a car license before the Virginia motorcycle test?

No. Without a Virginia driver's license or learner's permit you also pass the two-part driver's license knowledge exam, and you can get a license restricted to motorcycles only. Applicants under 18 must also finish an approved driver education program before any Virginia license, motorcycle-only included.

What score do I need to pass the Virginia motorcycle permit test?

You need 20 of the 25 questions right (80%). Always confirm the current test with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Compare every state

How many questions can I miss on the Virginia motorcycle permit test?

You can miss up to 5 of the 25 questions: you need 20 right (80%) to pass.

Getting your license

Can a rider course replace the Virginia motorcycle tests?

Yes. A Virginia Rider Training Program course waives the motorcycle knowledge exam and road skills test for one year from completion. Riders 19 and older may ride on the course certificate for 30 days before adding the class at DMV; riders under 18 still hold the permit nine months. Course certificates from other states aren't accepted.

How long do I keep a Virginia motorcycle learner's permit?

At least 30 days if you're 18 or older and nine months if you're younger, before you can add the motorcycle class. The permit itself is valid for one year.

What should I bring to the Virginia motorcycle road skills test?

A DOT-approved helmet with a face shield or safety glasses or goggles, your motorcycle with a valid plate and current inspection sticker, and protective clothing: long sleeves, long pants, riding gloves and footwear over the ankles. Not every DMV center gives the test, so check the list of test locations; three-wheeled tests are by appointment.

What happens after failing the Virginia motorcycle skills test twice?

You must complete a Virginia Rider Training Program course before DMV will add a motorcycle class to your license. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual p. 26

Can military members get a Virginia motorcycle class by mail?

Yes, if you hold a valid Virginia license and are on active duty stationed outside Virginia, or are the spouse or dependent of someone who is. Send proof of active duty status and your military-approved basic rider course certificate with the application, and DMV mails a license showing the class.

Sources: Virginia DMV: Motorcycle Knowledge Exam · Virginia DMV: Getting a Motorcycle License · Virginia DMV: Motorcycle Learner's Permit · Virginia DMV: Motorcycle Road Skills Test · Virginia DMV: Out-of-State Motorcycle Classification (military)