Before changing lanes, you should:

Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots

Virginia DMV Permit Practice Test

The Virginia DMV knowledge test has 40 questions; to pass you need all 10 sign questions plus at least 24 of the 30 general knowledge questions (80%). Practice free with questions based on the official Virginia driver handbook, with every answer explained.

Updated on 2026-11-06 · Ver en español

DMVPermitUSA is an independent study tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or any other government agency. Requirements were checked against official Virginia sources (listed below) and can change: always confirm with the DMV before your test.

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Virginia permit test at a glance

Agency	Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Test questions	40
Passing score	All 10 sign questions plus at least 24 of the 30 general knowledge questions (80%)
Minimum permit age	15½ years old
Permit holding period	9 months
Supervised driving	45 hours, including 15 after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian (teens under 18).
Provisional license from	age 16 years 3 months
Full license	at 18
Test languages	Offered in many languages, including English, Spanish, American Sign Language, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
Official handbook	Virginia Driver's Manual

Try 5 Virginia permit test questions

How many questions are on the Virginia DMV knowledge test? 30 / 50 / 40 / 60. Answer: 40. Two parts: 10 road sign questions, which must all be answered correctly, and 30 general knowledge questions. To pass: all 10 sign questions plus at least 24 of the 30 general knowledge questions (80%).
In Virginia, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over? 0.02% / 0.05% / 0.08% / 0.10%. Answer: 0.08%. As in almost every state, the limit in Virginia is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over; 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance under 21.
Yellow diamond-shaped signs are: Regulatory signs / Warning signs / Guide signs / Construction signs only. Answer: Warning signs. Yellow diamonds warn of hazards ahead: curves, merges, intersections, slippery roads or animal crossings. Orange diamonds are used in work zones.
A flashing yellow traffic light means: Stop / Proceed with caution / Speed up before it turns red / Pedestrians only. Answer: Proceed with caution. Flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution; you do not have to stop.
Before changing lanes, you should: Only check your mirrors / Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots / Speed up first / Honk to warn other drivers. Answer: Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots. Signal, check your mirrors, then turn your head to check your blind spot before moving over.

How the Virginia DMV permit test works

The Virginia knowledge test (the learner's permit test) has 40 multiple-choice questions, and to pass you need all 10 sign questions plus at least 24 of the 30 general knowledge questions (80%). Every question comes from the official DMV handbook, the Virginia Driver's Manual.

Two parts: 10 road sign questions, which must all be answered correctly, and 30 general knowledge questions.

Taken on a computer at a DMV customer service center or in the classroom at participating high schools, along with a vision screening.

Applicants under 18 must wait 15 days before retesting; adults may test once per day. After three failures, the classroom part of a Virginia-approved driver education course is required.

Offered in many languages, including English, Spanish, American Sign Language, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

Virginia learner's permit requirements

In Virginia you can apply for a learner's permit at 15½. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

Teens must complete a Virginia-approved driver education program: 36 classroom periods, 7 driving periods and 7 observation periods.

Before the road test, teen drivers must hold the permit for at least 9 months. Supervised driving required: 45 hours, including 15 after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian (teens under 18).

Proof of identity and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
Your Social Security number, if you have one.
Proof of Virginia residency.
A vision screening and the knowledge test.

The DMV publishes the exact document list: check it before your appointment, especially if you want a REAL ID-compliant card.

Virginia graduated driver licensing (GDL)

After the learner stage and the road test, teens can get a provisional (intermediate) license from age 16 years 3 months.

Drivers under 18 may not drive from midnight to 4 a.m., except for work, emergencies or adult-supervised school, civic or religious activities. In the first year, only one passenger under 21 is allowed (family excepted), rising to three in limited cases after that.

Restrictions end and you hold a full, unrestricted license at 18, provided your record stays clean.

Virginia rules worth knowing for the test

Signs and most rules are the same nationwide, but each state has its own laws — and the DMV test asks about them.

Drivers who get their license before 18 must attend a court licensing ceremony to receive it.
Learner's permit holders must have a licensed driver 21 or older seated beside them and may not drive between midnight and 4 a.m.
Virginia law bans holding a handheld phone or other communication device while driving, with exceptions for emergencies and when lawfully parked or stopped.
From January 1, 2027, new drivers aged 18 to 20 must hold a learner's permit for at least 90 days and complete driver education; rules for teens under 18 stay the same.

What the Virginia knowledge test covers

Topics follow the chapters of the DMV handbook. These are the ones asked most often:

Road signs by shape and color (federal MUTCD standard): see the road signs guide.
Right-of-way at 4-way stops, left turns, crosswalks and for emergency vehicles: right-of-way rules.
Speed limits in mph and the 3-second following rule: speed guide.
Alcohol and drugs: the 0.08% BAC limit, zero tolerance under 21 and implied consent.
Traffic signals and pavement markings, parking, passing, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycles and trucks.

How to study for the Virginia permit test

Read the official DMV handbook once cover to cover, then take practice tests by topic to find your weak spots. Once you consistently score above 90%, take a full timed mock exam.

Drill the numbers — ages, distances, speed and BAC limits — they are the most-missed questions. More tips in how to pass the permit test.

How to get your learner's permit in Virginia

Check the minimum age In Virginia, you can apply for a learner's permit at 15½.
Complete the required course Teens must complete a Virginia-approved driver education program: 36 classroom periods, 7 driving periods and 7 observation periods.
Study the handbook and practice Read the official DMV handbook and take practice tests until you pass comfortably.
Gather your documents Proof of identity, Social Security number and Virginia residency; parental consent if under 18.
Pass the vision and knowledge tests To pass you need all 10 sign questions plus at least 24 of the 30 general knowledge questions (80%).
Drive supervised Hold the permit for at least 9 months. Supervised driving: 45 hours, including 15 after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian (teens under 18).
Take the road test From age 16 years 3 months you can get a provisional license.

Virginia permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the Virginia permit test?

The Virginia knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. Two parts: 10 road sign questions, which must all be answered correctly, and 30 general knowledge questions.

What score do you need to pass the Virginia permit test?

You need all 10 sign questions plus at least 24 of the 30 general knowledge questions (80%).

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Virginia?

You can apply at 15½. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

How long do you have to hold your permit in Virginia?

At least 9 months for teen drivers. Supervised driving required: 45 hours, including 15 after sunset, certified by a parent or guardian (teens under 18).

Can I take the Virginia permit test in Spanish?