Virginia Permit Practice Test

How to use this VA practice test

1. Take the 40 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

VA practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable VA practice test with answer key

40 sample practice questions from the VA bank

Every question below comes from the Virginia question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. A stopped school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop sign. When may you resume driving?

   
   1. After all persons are clear and the bus moves again
   2. After waiting ten seconds, even if the bus remains stopped
   3. As soon as the nearest child reaches the sidewalk
   4. When traffic behind you begins passing
   Show answer

   After all persons are clear and the bus moves again. Drivers approaching from any direction on a highway, private road, or school driveway must stop for the specified school bus. Full explanation in Test 1

   Study this in the handbook: When you must stop, school buses and stopping distance

2. 2. What roadway arrangement does a Divided Highway Begins sign announce?

   
   1. A two-way road with no median ahead
   2. A highway split into two separate one-way roadways
   3. A mandatory U-turn at the next opening
   4. A lane reserved for bicycles only
   Show answer

   A highway split into two separate one-way roadways. Divided Highway Begins announces that a median or divider will separate the highway into two roadways, each carrying one-way traffic. Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: Regulatory and warning signs

3. 3. What vision does Virginia require for an unrestricted driver's license?

   1. 20/40 or better in one or both eyes, with 110 degrees or better horizontal vision
   2. 20/20 in both eyes
   3. 20/70 with 70 degrees of horizontal vision
   4. Any vision with glasses
   Show answer

   20/40 or better in one or both eyes, with 110 degrees or better horizontal vision. Virginia's unrestricted license standard is 20/40 or better vision in one or both eyes and 110 degrees or better horizontal vision in one or Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: The knowledge exam, road skills test and vision screening

4. 4. What does the color orange indicate in a highway work zone?

   1. The road is reserved for bicycles
   2. Slow down and stay alert
   3. A higher speed is permitted through the zone
   4. The work area has ended
   Show answer

   Slow down and stay alert. Orange marks a work zone and signals drivers to slow down and remain alert. Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings and work zones

5. 5. What does yellow used with black convey on a traffic sign?

   1. A regulatory instruction such as a speed limit
   2. Directions to a motorist service
   3. A warning about a curve, stop ahead, or slippery pavement
   4. A historical or cultural destination
   Show answer

   A warning about a curve, stop ahead, or slippery pavement. Yellow used with black marks a warning sign. Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and turns on red

6. 6. After the first impoundment, how much longer can a Virginia court impound the car of a driver convicted of driving on an alcohol-related suspension?

   1. An additional 10 days
   2. An additional 30 days
   3. An additional two years
   4. An additional 90 days
   Show answer

   An additional 90 days. The first 30 days of impoundment are immediate, and the court can add another 90 days if the driver is convicted. Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Suspensions, revocations and demerit points

7. 7. What action is prohibited by a No U-Turn sign?

   
   1. Making a U-turn at that location
   2. Turning right after a full stop
   3. Changing lanes before the intersection
   4. Turning around through a legal opening
   Show answer

   Making a U-turn at that location. Virginia's manual says a No U-Turn sign means U-turns are illegal, so do not make a U-turn when you see this sign. Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Sign colors and shapes

8. 8. How far from an intersection must a Virginia driver park?

   1. At least 10 feet
   2. At least 15 feet
   3. At least 50 feet
   4. At least 20 feet
   Show answer

   At least 20 feet. Virginia's parking list says you may not park within 20 feet of an intersection. Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: Special lanes, painted curbs and parking

9. 9. A Virginia driver under 18 is convicted of a second demerit point violation. What does DMV do?

   1. Sends a warning letter only
   2. Suspends the driving privilege for 90 days
   3. Revokes the license until age 21
   4. Requires only a second online course
   Show answer

   Suspends the driving privilege for 90 days. For violations committed under 18, the first demerit point conviction sends the driver to a driver improvement clinic, and the second brings Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Suspensions, revocations and demerit points

10. 10. Regardless of the posted limit, what speed can expose a Virginia driver to a reckless-driving charge?

    1. Over 85 MPH
    2. Over 65 MPH
    3. Exactly 80 MPH
    4. Exactly 75 MPH
    Show answer

    Over 85 MPH. Virginia identifies driving over 85 MPH as an independent reckless-driving basis, regardless of the posted limit. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and reckless driving

11. 11. In a Virginia school zone, a crossing guard steps into the street and holds up a stop paddle while your light is green. What must you do?

    1. Stop and follow the guard's signal
    2. Go on, since your light is green
    3. Slow down but keep moving past
    4. Honk so the guard steps back
    Show answer

    Stop and follow the guard's signal. At school zones and school crossings, drivers must obey the speed limit and the signals from crossing guards. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory and warning signs

12. 12. At a pedestrian hybrid beacon, which light pattern tells drivers they may go with caution if the crosswalk is clear?

    1. Both red lights glowing steadily
    2. The yellow light glowing steadily
    3. The two red lights flashing back and forth
    4. A single red light flashing alone
    Show answer

    The two red lights flashing back and forth. A pedestrian hybrid beacon goes through stages. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and turns on red

13. 13. Which of these is a place where Virginia law says you may not park?

    1. Along a curb with no paint or signs
    2. On the right side of a two-way street
    3. In front of someone's driveway
    4. In a marked space with no restrictions
    Show answer

    In front of someone's driveway. The manual lists places where parking is not allowed, including beside another parked vehicle, which is double parking, on crosswalks or sid Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Special lanes, painted curbs and parking

14. 14. According to the Virginia manual, how should you use your eyes while searching the road?

    1. Fix them on the car directly ahead
    2. Keep them on the center line ahead
    3. Keep them moving, not fixed on one thing
    4. Watch your mirrors most of the time
    Show answer

    Keep them moving, not fixed on one thing. Searching means looking at the whole scene for anything that might come into your path. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Hand position, following distance and blind spots

15. 15. The road ahead is covered with packed snow. How does the Virginia manual say to drive on it?

    1. Like dry pavement, at normal speed
    2. Like ice: brake gently, slow before turns
    3. Brake hard early so you stop sooner
    4. Speed up through turns to keep grip
    Show answer

    Like ice: brake gently, slow before turns. The manual says driving on packed snow is similar to driving on ice. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Headlights, night, fog, rain and snow

16. 16. Why does the Virginia manual say not to stop if you enter an E-ZPass-only toll lane by mistake?

    1. You would be fined twice for stopping
    2. Stopping could cause a rear-end crash
    3. The gate will not open for you
    4. Toll workers will direct you out
    Show answer

    Stopping could cause a rear-end crash. Some toll roads have high speed lanes reserved for vehicles with E-ZPass transponders. Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Special lanes, painted curbs and parking

17. 17. Your light turns red as you reach a green-painted box with a white bicycle symbol in front of the stop line. Where should you stop?

    1. Inside the box, at its front edge
    2. With your front wheels in the box
    3. Past the box, in the crosswalk
    4. Behind the box, at the stop line
    Show answer

    Behind the box, at the stop line. The green area with a bicycle symbol is a bicycle box. Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Special lanes, painted curbs and parking

18. 18. A bicycle symbol with a double chevron above it is painted in your Virginia travel lane. What does it mean for you as a driver?

    1. Cars may not use the lane at all
    2. Bicycles must ride on the shoulder
    3. A bike lane starts that cars must avoid
    4. Expect bicyclists riding in this lane
    Show answer

    Expect bicyclists riding in this lane. This marking is a shared lane marking, often called a sharrow. Full explanation in Test 18

    Study this in the handbook: Special lanes, painted curbs and parking

19. 19. What do Virginia's Road Construction Ahead and Detour signs tell you?

    1. The traffic pattern or route ahead changes
    2. The road ahead is now closed to all vehicles
    3. Work is finished and normal speed resumes
    4. A toll plaza is coming up on the route
    Show answer

    The traffic pattern or route ahead changes. Road Construction Ahead and Detour signs tell you there is a change in the traffic pattern or route ahead. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings and work zones

20. 20. A 16-year-old passenger in your back seat refuses to buckle up. Under Virginia law, who is responsible for making sure that passenger is secured?

    1. The passenger alone
    2. The passenger's parents
    3. You, the driver
    4. No one, since it is the back seat
    Show answer

    You, the driver. A driver transporting anyone younger than 18 must make sure that passenger is properly secured in a safety belt, booster seat or child safet Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Seat belts, air bags and child safety seats

21. 21. Near Virginia's warning sign for horse-drawn buggies, which action does the manual tell you to avoid?

    1. Slowing down well below the limit
    2. Leaving three feet when you pass
    3. Using your low beam headlights
    4. Sounding your horn near the buggy
    Show answer

    Sounding your horn near the buggy. The horse-drawn buggy sign means these vehicles regularly travel in the area. Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory and warning signs

22. 22. A hill hides the intersection beyond it, and on the way up you pass a yellow diamond sign showing a red octagon symbol with an arrow. What is waiting past the hilltop?

    
    1. A traffic signal that may be green
    2. A stop sign you must be ready for
    3. A lane that ends at the crest
    4. A railroad crossing with gates
    Show answer

    A stop sign you must be ready for. This warning sign shows a stop sign symbol, meaning a stop sign is ahead. The manual tells drivers to slow down and be ready to stop. Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory and warning signs

23. 23. You pass a Photo Speed Enforcement sign as you enter a Virginia work zone. What does it tell you?

    1. Cameras may record speeding in this work zone
    2. Workers will hold up signs showing your speed
    3. The speed limit does not apply right now
    4. Photos are taken of drivers using phones
    Show answer

    Cameras may record speeding in this work zone. In a work zone, a Photo Speed Enforcement sign means automated photo enforcement is in place for speeding there. Full explanation in Test 23

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings and work zones

24. 24. It is raining as you pass this yellow diamond sign showing a car with wavy skid marks, and you need to turn soon. What should you avoid doing?

    
    1. Slowing down early for the turn
    2. Leaving more space behind the car ahead
    3. Using your low beam headlights
    4. Braking hard or turning sharply
    Show answer

    Braking hard or turning sharply. The Slippery When Wet sign warns that the pavement loses grip when wet. Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory and warning signs

25. 25. With your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel, how does the Virginia manual say to back a trailer to the left?

    1. Use your right hand to move the wheel left
    2. Turn the wheel to the right to swing it left
    3. Use your left hand to move the wheel left
    4. Hold the wheel still and steer with the brakes
    Show answer

    Use your left hand to move the wheel left. Backing a trailer feels backward at first. The manual tells you to place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel while backing. Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Bicycles, motorcycles, trucks and other road users

26. 26. In Virginia, how close to a railroad crossing may you park?

    1. No closer than 15 feet
    2. No closer than 25 feet
    3. No closer than 100 feet
    4. No closer than 50 feet
    Show answer

    No closer than 50 feet. The list of places where you may not park includes anywhere within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Special lanes, painted curbs and parking

27. 27. Who under age 21 may supervise a Virginia learner's permit holder?

    1. Any licensed friend age 18 or older
    2. Any licensed driver age 16 or older
    3. A licensed legal guardian or sibling age 18, 19 or 20
    4. No one under 21 may ever supervise
    Show answer

    A licensed legal guardian or sibling age 18, 19 or 20. A permit holder normally drives with a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat. Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: DUI suspensions, open containers and underage drinking

28. 28. At least how far above the posted speed limit may support a Virginia reckless-driving charge based on speed?

    1. 10 MPH
    2. 15 MPH
    3. 20 MPH
    4. 5 MPH
    Show answer

    20 MPH. Virginia identifies 20 miles per hour above the posted limit as one speed based threshold for a possible reckless-driving charge. Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and reckless driving

29. 29. Why should you create a space cushion around your vehicle?

    1. It gives you distance to react and avoid a crash
    2. It prevents every other driver from passing you
    3. It lets you drive faster than the posted limit safely
    4. It removes the need to check mirrors and blind spots
    Show answer

    It gives you distance to react and avoid a crash. Open space around the vehicle gives a driver room to respond when traffic changes suddenly. Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: Hand position, following distance and blind spots

30. 30. When a green arrow points left, what movement does it permit if the way is clear?

    1. Turn right across the intersection
    2. Proceed straight only, not left
    3. Travel in the direction of the arrow
    4. Treat the signal as a stop sign
    Show answer

    Travel in the direction of the arrow. A green arrow permits movement in the arrow's direction when the way is clear, so a left-pointing arrow authorizes the left movement. Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and turns on red

31. 31. An applicant fails the Virginia road skills test at DMV. How long must the person wait to take it again?

    1. One day
    2. Two days
    3. 15 days
    4. 30 days
    Show answer

    Two days. After failing the road skills test, the applicant must wait two days before trying again. Full explanation in Test 6

    Study this in the handbook: The knowledge exam, road skills test and vision screening

32. 32. Which location is included in Virginia's definition of a vehicle's passenger area for open-container enforcement?

    1. Only the exterior roof rack
    2. Only the trunk of the vehicle
    3. An unlocked glove compartment within the driver's reach
    4. A separate building next to the vehicle
    Show answer

    An unlocked glove compartment within the driver's reach. Virginia defines the passenger area broadly for this rule. Full explanation in Test 7

    Study this in the handbook: Suspensions, revocations and demerit points

33. 33. A Virginia driver whose license is suspended for an alcohol-related offense is caught driving. What happens to the vehicle right away?

    1. It is impounded for 30 days
    2. It is impounded for 3 days
    3. It is towed only if it is blocking traffic
    4. It is impounded for one year
    Show answer

    It is impounded for 30 days. The vehicle is impounded immediately for 30 days when someone drives after a suspension for an alcohol-related offense. Full explanation in Test 8

    Study this in the handbook: Suspensions, revocations and demerit points

34. 34. A 20-year-old Virginia driver is convicted of driving after illegally drinking, with a BAC of .09. Which penalties can apply?

    1. Only the underage .02 penalties
    2. No penalty, because the driver is not yet 21
    3. Only a written warning to the parents
    4. The same penalties as an adult
    Show answer

    The same penalties as an adult. An underage driver whose BAC was .08 percent or higher may face the same penalties as an adult DUI offender. Full explanation in Test 9

    Study this in the handbook: DUI suspensions, open containers and underage drinking

35. 35. How many traffic-sign questions must an applicant answer correctly before moving to part two of Virginia’s knowledge exam?

    1. At least eight
    2. All ten
    3. At least five
    4. All thirty
    Show answer

    All ten. Part one contains ten traffic-sign questions, and the applicant must answer all ten correctly before taking part two. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: The knowledge exam, road skills test and vision screening

36. 36. On which kind of road must you pull over and stop for an emergency vehicle coming toward you in the opposite lane?

    1. A divided highway with a median
    2. A one-way street in town
    3. An interstate with a barrier
    4. An undivided highway
    Show answer

    An undivided highway. When an emergency vehicle approaches in the opposite lane on an undivided highway, you must pull over to the edge of the road and stop until Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Special lanes, painted curbs and parking

37. 37. An exit ramp sign shows an advisory speed of 25 mph. What does that number mean?

    1. The lowest speed allowed on the ramp
    2. The maximum safe speed for the exit
    3. The limit on the main road ahead
    4. The speed at which tolls are charged
    Show answer

    The maximum safe speed for the exit. An Advisory Speed sign indicates the maximum safe speed for a highway exit. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory and warning signs

38. 38. A funeral procession is moving through an intersection ahead of you in Virginia, and you are running late. What may you do?

    1. Slip into a gap between two cars
    2. Join the end to get through the light
    3. Wait and let the whole procession pass
    4. Cut through once your light is green
    Show answer

    Wait and let the whole procession pass. Virginia drivers must yield to funeral processions and must not cut through, join or interfere with one. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Special lanes, painted curbs and parking

39. 39. You park on a hill beside a Virginia road that has no curb. How should you set your front wheels?

    1. So the car would roll away from traffic
    2. Straight ahead, with the brake on
    3. So the car would roll into the road
    4. Toward the center of the road
    Show answer

    So the car would roll away from traffic. Without a curb to stop the tires, the goal is to make sure a rolling car goes away from moving traffic. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Special lanes, painted curbs and parking

40. 40. You face a flashing yellow left-turn arrow, and an oncoming car is approaching the intersection. What must you do?

    1. Turn at once; the arrow gives you priority
    2. Let it pass, then turn if the way is clear
    3. Stop and wait for a solid green arrow
    4. Treat the arrow as a red light and stay
    Show answer

    Let it pass, then turn if the way is clear. At a flashing yellow arrow, you may turn in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear, but you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and turns on red