Virginia Permit Test Practice 2026
The Virginia learner’s permit knowledge exam, administered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Virginia DMV), runs 25 questions and requires 80% to pass (20 of 25 correct). Practice the same 25-question format free below, with state-specific road-sign and traffic-law samples, no signup.
What’s on the Virginia permit test?
Expect 25 multiple-choice questions on the Virginia written test. You need 80% correct to pass - roughly 20 right. The question pool draws from the official Virginia handbook: signs, signals, right of way, safe-driving practices, and a few rules unique to Virginia. Virginia’s DMV uses a 25-question test with an 85% pass mark - one of the stricter pass marks. You can only miss 3 or 4.
Questions split into two kinds: factual recall (signs, limits, right-of-way order) and short scenarios (what to do when X happens). Recall is the larger share.
Here’s the thing: Virginia-specific rules show up on the test, and a generic practice app won’t have them. If you’re testing in Virginia, practice Virginia questions. The format and content track the real exam.
Sample questions (free, no signup)
Here are 6 practice questions in the Virginia format. Tap each to reveal the answer and the explanation. Want unlimited? Get the app.
Question 1: What color marks a work zone and means slow down and be alert?
- Orange
- Red
- Yellow
Correct answer: Orange
Why: According to the Virginia Driver’s Manual, the color orange marks a work zone and means slow down and be alert.
💡 Memory tip: Orange cones = construction zone = slow down and stay alert.
Question 2: What is the speed limit for unpaved roads in Virginia unless otherwise posted?
- 35 MPH
- 25 MPH
- 55 MPH
Correct answer: 35 MPH
Why: According to the Virginia Driver’s Manual, unless there is a speed limit sign stating otherwise, the maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles is 35 MPH for unpaved roads.
💡 Memory tip: Gravel? Go 35 MPH. Virginia’s unpaved-road speed limit.
Question 3: In Virginia, what happens to U-turns when a ‘No Left Turn’ sign is posted?
- U-turns are only illegal during peak traffic hours
- U-turns are illegal because they are considered as two left turns
- U-turns are still allowed since they’re different from left turns
Correct answer: U-turns are illegal because they are considered as two left turns
Why: According to the Virginia manual, U-turns are considered as two left turns and are illegal if a ‘No Left Turn’ sign is posted. This is a Virginia-specific interpretation of traffic laws.
💡 Memory tip: No left turn sign = U-turn illegal; it’s two lefts.
Question 4: What is the maximum distance you can travel in a center turn lane marked with solid and broken yellow lines?
- 100 feet
- 200 feet
- 150 feet
Correct answer: 150 feet
Why: When both sides of the center lane are marked by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line, drivers may use the lane for making left turns but may not travel further than 150 feet in this lane.
💡 Memory tip: Center turn lane: 150 feet max. Turn only, no cruising.
Question 5: In Virginia, driving how many miles per hour over the speed limit can result in a reckless driving charge?
- 20 MPH or more
- 15 MPH or more
- 25 MPH or more
Correct answer: 20 MPH or more
Why: According to Virginia law, if you are driving 20 or more miles per hour above the speed limit, or over 85 MPH, a law enforcement officer may charge you with reckless driving, regardless of the speed limit. This is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense.
💡 Memory tip: 20 MPH over the limit = reckless driving charge in Virginia.
Question 6: What do slow moving vehicle signs indicate?
- Vehicles traveling at 15 MPH or less
- Vehicles traveling at 35 MPH or less
- Vehicles traveling at 25 MPH or less
Correct answer: Vehicles traveling at 25 MPH or less
Why: In Virginia, slow moving vehicles traveling at 25 MPH or less, such as farm equipment, horse-drawn vehicles, or highway work vehicles, must display these signs when using a public highway.
💡 Memory tip: Orange triangle = 25 MPH or less.
Virginia-specific rules to know
Eight Virginia rules worth knowing cold. They’re handbook material and they show up on the test regularly.
- Driving rule - When encountering tractors and farm equipment, you should be ready to slow down or stop and only pass when the way is clear.
- Driving rule - According to the Virginia Driver’s Manual, it is illegal to use radar detectors in Virginia.
- License rules - Virginia requires applicants for an unrestricted driver’s license to have visual acuity of 20/40 or better in one or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses.
- Bicycles - According to the Virginia Driver’s Manual, right turns on red are not allowed at intersections with bicycle boxes.
- Driving rule - According to the Virginia Driver’s Manual, if traffic lights at an intersection are not working, all vehicles coming to the intersection must stop, and the driver on the left must yield to the…
- Driving rule - Red reflectors on the pavement indicate areas not to be entered or used.
- Bicycles - According to the Virginia Driver’s Manual, drivers must stop for a red traffic signal behind all bicycle boxes, not inside the box.
- Motorcycles - unless there is a speed limit sign stating otherwise, the maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles is 25 MPH for school, business and residential areas.
How to schedule your Virginia permit test
You can typically schedule your Virginia permit test online through the official Virginia DMV / motor-vehicle agency website. Bring proof of identity, residency, and (if under 18) the required parent/guardian documentation. Fees vary by jurisdiction - check your local DMV office for current pricing. Some states require completion of driver’s education before testing.
This page references rules from the Virginia Driver’s Handbook. We are not affiliated with the Virginia DMV.
Studying in a neighboring state?
Each state’s exam is different. If you’re studying for a different state, here are nearby ones: Maryland permit test practice, District of Columbia permit test practice, West Virginia permit test practice.
Before test day, read the full Virginia permit test guide for 2026 - it covers what the knowledge test includes, the Virginia rules that trip people up, and the license steps after you pass.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Virginia permit test?
The Virginia DMV permit test has 25 questions. You need to answer at least 80% correctly to pass.
What is the passing score for the Virginia permit test?
You need 80% to pass - that’s roughly 20 out of 25 questions correct.
How old do I have to be to take the Virginia permit test?
The minimum age in Virginia is 15.5. Check your local DMV office for any additional requirements like a parent’s signature or driver’s education enrollment.
Can I retake the Virginia permit test if I fail?
Yes. Most Virginia DMV offices let you retake the test, often after a short waiting period. Some locations charge a small re-test fee. Check your local DMV office for the exact rules.
Is the DMV Ready app good for Virginia?
DMV Ready filters to Virginia when you pick your state. You get the Virginia format (25 questions, 80%) and questions tagged to Virginia handbook material.
Is there a Virginia DMV test questions-and-answers PDF?
Virginia DMV publishes the official Virginia Driver’s Manual as a free PDF at dmv.virginia.gov - that is the real study source, and it is what our Virginia-tagged practice questions are matched against. There is no official leaked answer-key PDF, and we do not host or imply one; the manual plus a real practice bank is the honest way to prepare.
Practice unlimited Virginia questions in DMV Ready
Free to download. 25 questions per practice exam, 80% to pass - same format as the Virginia test. No ads.
Practice in another state
Each state writes its own permit test - same general rules, different specific questions. Pick yours:
