VA Permit Practice Test

How to use this VA practice test

1. Take the full 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. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

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

Printable VA practice test with answer key

First 40 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. At what BAC are drivers age 21 or older considered to be driving under the influence in Virginia?

   1. 0.02 percent or higher
   2. 0.05 percent or higher
   3. 0.08 percent or higher
   4. 0.10 percent or higher
   Show answer

   0.08 percent or higher. Virginia treats a driver who is at least 21 as driving under the influence when BAC reaches .08 percent. A reading of . Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. If no sign gives a different limit, what default speed applies to all other Virginia roads for passenger vehicles and motorcycles?

   1. 25 MPH
   2. 35 MPH
   3. 65 MPH
   4. 55 MPH
   Show answer

   55 MPH. The manual assigns 55 MPH to all other roads in its default-speed list for passenger vehicles and motorcycles. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. What does a Virginia sign reading “Speed Photo Enforced” indicate?

   1. The speed limit is advisory only
   2. Officers may not issue speeding citations there
   3. Automated photo enforcement may be used for speeding in a school zone
   4. The road has no posted maximum speed
   Show answer

   Automated photo enforcement may be used for speeding in a school zone. Virginia says some school zones may use automated photo enforcement, and the sign wording identifies that possibility. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. What must a Virginia driver do before entering a roadway from a private driveway?

   1. Yield only to vehicles traveling on the road
   2. Slow down but continue if no car is nearby
   3. Stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians
   4. Sound the horn and enter before approaching traffic
   Show answer

   Stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians. A driver leaving a private road or driveway must stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. What minimum following distance does the Virginia manual give for an emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

   1. 100 feet
   2. 200 feet
   3. 1,000 feet
   4. 500 feet
   Show answer

   500 feet. When an emergency vehicle's lights are flashing, Virginia says never to follow it closer than 500 feet. Full explanation in Test 1

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

   1. All ten
   2. At least eight
   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 2

7. 7. In Virginia business districts, cities, and towns, where are U-turns allowed?

   1. Anywhere the roadway is clear
   2. Only at railroad crossings
   3. Only in a marked passing lane
   4. Only at intersections
   Show answer

   Only at intersections. Within business districts, cities, and towns, Virginia allows U-turns only at intersections. Full explanation in Test 2

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

   1. 20/20 in both eyes
   2. 20/40 or better in one or both eyes, with 110 degrees or better horizontal vision
   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 2

9. 9. What must a Virginia driver carry whenever operating a vehicle?

   1. A vehicle title and insurance card only
   2. A current passport instead of a license
   3. A valid driver's license or learner's permit
   4. A copy of the most recent inspection receipt
   Show answer

   A valid driver's license or learner's permit. Virginia requires the driver to have a valid driver's license or learner's permit on the person whenever driving. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. What vision standard allows a Virginia license restricted to daylight driving only?

    1. 20/40 with 110 degrees
    2. 20/70 or better in one or both eyes, with 70 degrees or better horizontal vision
    3. 20/100 with 50 degrees
    4. No minimum for daylight driving
    Show answer

    20/70 or better in one or both eyes, with 70 degrees or better horizontal vision. A license restricted to daylight hours only requires 20/70 or better vision in one or both eyes and 70 degrees or better horizontal vision. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. Where do the Virginia requirements for yielding to vehicles with flashing lights not apply?

    1. Residential streets
    2. Divided highways
    3. Highway work zones
    4. Roads with posted speed limits
    Show answer

    Highway work zones. The manual expressly says these requirements do not apply in highway work zones. Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. How far may a Virginia driver travel in a two-way center left turn lane?

    1. As far as needed to reach the turn
    2. Up to one half mile
    3. No more than 500 feet
    4. No more than 150 feet
    Show answer

    No more than 150 feet. A center lane bordered by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line on each side may be used by drivers traveling in either direction for Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. How often may the Virginia knowledge exam be taken?

    1. Twice during every business day
    2. Once per calendar month
    3. Any number of times on the same day
    4. Only once per business day
    Show answer

    Only once per business day. Virginia allows the knowledge exam only once per business day. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What does a Do Not Enter sign tell you about the direction of travel?

    1. The direction is open to local traffic only
    2. You may enter after stopping twice
    3. You cannot drive in that direction
    4. The road becomes two-way beyond the sign
    Show answer

    You cannot drive in that direction. Do Not Enter is a regulatory warning that the approach is prohibited. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. In Virginia, what additional movement is illegal when a No Left Turn sign is posted?

    1. A right turn from the outside lane
    2. A lane change after checking the mirror
    3. A U-turn, because Virginia treats it as two left turns
    4. A left turn after yielding at a green arrow
    Show answer

    A U-turn, because Virginia treats it as two left turns. Virginia gives the No Left Turn sign an important added consequence: a U-turn is treated as two left turns. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What kind of information does a diamond-shaped traffic sign provide?

    1. A command to park in a marked space
    2. A route number and destination only
    3. A guarantee that the road is clear
    4. A warning about special conditions or hazards ahead
    Show answer

    A warning about special conditions or hazards ahead. The diamond shape is a warning shape. It alerts the driver to special conditions or hazards ahead and calls for slower, more cautious drivin Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What does a Signal Ahead warning sign indicate?

    1. Traffic signals are ahead, so slow and be ready to stop
    2. The next signal is permanently out of service
    3. Only emergency vehicles may enter the intersection
    4. A signal is behind you and can be ignored
    Show answer

    Traffic signals are ahead, so slow and be ready to stop. Signal Ahead is advance notice that traffic lights are coming. Full explanation in Test 4

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

    1. A two-way road with no median ahead
    2. A mandatory U-turn at the next opening
    3. A highway split into two separate one-way roadways
    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 4

19. 19. What should you do when a sharp right turn warning appears?

    1. Maintain highway speed until the turn begins
    2. Stop on the center line before turning
    3. Pass the turn by using the shoulder
    4. Slow down and prepare for the sharp turn ahead
    Show answer

    Slow down and prepare for the sharp turn ahead. The sharp-right-turn warning indicates that the roadway will turn sharply and calls for lower speed before the maneuver. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. What kind of message does a black and white traffic sign usually convey?

    1. A warning about a curve or slippery pavement
    2. A legal regulation such as a speed limit or turn rule
    3. Directions to a historical or cultural attraction
    4. Information about nearby motorist services
    Show answer

    A legal regulation such as a speed limit or turn rule. Black paired with white signals regulatory information, meaning the sign communicates an operating rule backed by law. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. When a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, who must stop?

    1. Vehicles approaching from any direction on the highway, private road, or school driveway
    2. Only vehicles approaching from behind the bus
    3. Only vehicles traveling in the bus's lane
    4. No one if the bus is on a private road
    Show answer

    Vehicles approaching from any direction on the highway, private road, or school driveway. A stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign requires traffic approaching from any direction to stop on a highway Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. What must drivers do when approaching a Virginia roundabout?

    1. Ignore signs once the entry lane is clear
    2. Follow only the vehicle ahead without checking signs
    3. Use the shoulder if the signs require a yield
    4. Pay attention and obey the roundabout signs
    Show answer

    Pay attention and obey the roundabout signs. Roundabouts use signs and pavement markings to organize entry and movement, so drivers must pay attention and obey them. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. What does a diamond-shaped traffic sign generally warn you about?

    1. A special condition or hazard ahead
    2. A legal requirement to park
    3. A destination service such as fuel
    4. A school crossing only
    Show answer

    A special condition or hazard ahead. The diamond shape is used for warning signs that identify special conditions or hazards ahead. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. After a crash involving property damage, personal injury, or death, what must be reported to the police?

    1. Only the vehicle color
    2. The motor vehicle crash
    3. Only the weather conditions
    4. Nothing unless another driver asks
    Show answer

    The motor vehicle crash. Virginia requires a motor vehicle crash involving property damage, personal injury, or death to be reported to the police. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. At a flashing yellow arrow, when may you turn in the arrow's direction?

    1. Immediately, because the arrow gives absolute priority
    2. Only after waiting for a steady green arrow
    3. Only if no vehicle is behind you
    4. When the way is clear after yielding to opposing traffic and pedestrians
    Show answer

    When the way is clear after yielding to opposing traffic and pedestrians. A flashing yellow arrow permits a turn in its direction only when the way is clear. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. If your vehicle veers off the road, what should you do to regain the roadway safely?

    1. Brake hard and turn sharply back onto the road
    2. Accelerate onto the shoulder until the vehicle straightens
    3. Gradually reduce speed, look where you want to go, and steer slowly back
    4. Turn toward the ditch to keep the tires from sliding
    Show answer

    Gradually reduce speed, look where you want to go, and steer slowly back. A driver who leaves the roadway should stay calm, ease the vehicle down in speed, focus on the intended path, and make a gentle steering cor Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. A Virginia driver ignores an officer's signal to stop, and the pursuing officer is killed as a result. What charge applies?

    1. A Class 1 misdemeanor
    2. A Class 4 felony
    3. A traffic infraction
    4. Reckless driving
    Show answer

    A Class 4 felony. If you do not obey a law enforcement officer's signal to stop and the officer pursues you and is killed as a direct result of the pursuit, y Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. If a collision with a deer is unavoidable, what does the manual advise?

    1. Swerve into oncoming traffic to miss the animal
    2. Accelerate so the animal has less time in the roadway
    3. Brake firmly, stay in your lane, and make a controlled stop
    4. Leave your lane and drive onto the shoulder immediately
    Show answer

    Brake firmly, stay in your lane, and make a controlled stop. When an animal cannot be avoided, the safest response is firm braking while keeping the vehicle in its lane and bringing it to a controlled Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. When must Virginia motorists use headlights because of reduced visibility or bad weather?

    1. Only after sunset, regardless of weather
    2. Only when visibility falls below 100 feet
    3. Whenever the road is wet, even if visibility is clear
    4. When visibility is reduced to 500 feet or when wipers are required by bad weather
    Show answer

    When visibility is reduced to 500 feet or when wipers are required by bad weather. Virginia requires headlights during inclement weather when visibility is reduced to 500 feet, and also whenever windshield wipers are being Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. What must drivers obey in a school zone or school crossing area?

    1. Only the regular highway speed limit
    2. The speed limit and signals from crossing guards
    3. A horn signal from every approaching vehicle
    4. Only the school bus's flashing lights
    Show answer

    The speed limit and signals from crossing guards. In a school zone or school crossing area, drivers must obey the applicable speed limit and signals from crossing guards while watching for c Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. What do yellow center lines indicate about traffic on the road?

    1. They separate traffic traveling in opposite directions
    2. They separate lanes traveling in the same direction
    3. They mark a lane reserved for bicycles
    4. They show where parking is permitted
    Show answer

    They separate traffic traveling in opposite directions. Yellow center lines divide traffic moving in opposite directions. Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. What should you do when a yellow traffic light warns that the signal is changing?

    1. Speed up to clear the intersection before red appears
    2. Treat it exactly like a green signal
    3. Stop only when another vehicle is entering
    4. Stop if you have not entered, or proceed cautiously if stopping is unsafe
    Show answer

    Stop if you have not entered, or proceed cautiously if stopping is unsafe. A changing yellow signal calls for a judgment about a safe stop. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. What does red used with white convey on a Virginia traffic sign?

    1. Stop, yield, do not, and no
    2. A destination or route distance
    3. Motorist services only
    4. A historical or cultural interest
    Show answer

    Stop, yield, do not, and no. Red used with white conveys stop, yield, do not, and no on Virginia traffic signs. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. When a broken yellow line is beside a solid yellow line, from which side is passing allowed?

    1. From the side with the solid line
    2. From the side with the broken line
    3. From both sides at all times
    4. From neither side, even for a left turn
    Show answer

    From the side with the broken line. The paired center marking assigns different passing rules to the two directions. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. You hit an unattended parked vehicle in Virginia and cannot find the owner. What must you do?

    1. Drive away, since no one was present
    2. Wait at the scene for one hour then leave
    3. Call your insurer only
    4. Leave an easily found note with your name, phone, date, time and damage description, and report to police within 24 hours
    Show answer

    Leave an easily found note with your name, phone, date, time and damage description, and report to police within 24 hours. You must make a reasonable effort to find the owner of an unattended vehicle or other property damaged in a crash. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. What should you do when a winding road warning shows a series of curves ahead?

    1. Accelerate before each curve
    2. Keep the same speed until the last curve
    3. Slow down for better control
    4. Use the posted speed only after the winding section
    Show answer

    Slow down for better control. A winding road warning identifies a series of turns or curves ahead, so Virginia advises slowing down for better control on all curves. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. What is the first required action at a flashing red arrow?

    1. Turn immediately in the arrow's direction
    2. Come to a complete stop
    3. Continue straight without checking traffic
    4. Treat the arrow as a flashing yellow light
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop. A flashing red arrow begins with a complete stop. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. On an unmarked two-lane road, when may you pass a slow moving vehicle on the left?

    1. Whenever the vehicle ahead is traveling below 35 MPH
    2. Only after a double yellow line appears
    3. When no signs prohibit passing and the way is clear
    4. Only when an approaching vehicle flashes its headlights
    Show answer

    When no signs prohibit passing and the way is clear. On an unmarked two-lane road, Virginia permits passing a slow moving vehicle on the left when no sign prohibits passing and the way is clear Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. In which vehicles must Virginia children under 8 ride in a child safety seat or booster?

    1. Only vehicles with rear seats
    2. Vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968
    3. Only vehicles built after 2000
    4. All vehicles including antiques
    Show answer

    Vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968. All children under age 8 must be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat when riding in vehicles manufactured after January Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. Before starting across railroad tracks, what must a driver make sure of?

    1. There is room on the other side to clear the tracks completely
    2. A vehicle is stopped on the opposite side of the crossing
    3. The crossing lights are off even if traffic blocks the exit
    4. The driver can shift gears while on the tracks
    Show answer

    There is room on the other side to clear the tracks completely. A driver must not enter a railroad crossing unless the vehicle can clear the tracks completely and there is space beyond them. Full explanation in Test 8