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100+ Free Virginia DMV Permit Test Practice Questions

Pass your Virginia DMV Knowledge Exam (Learner's Permit Test) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Virginia DMV Permit Test Exam

40

Total Questions (10 signs + 30 knowledge)

Virginia DMV

10/10 + 24/30

Passing Score (both parts)

Virginia DMV

$3

Learner's Permit Fee

Virginia DMV 2026

15 yrs 6 mo

Minimum Age for a Learner's Permit

Virginia DMV

The Virginia DMV knowledge exam has two parts: 10 road sign questions and 30 general knowledge questions, for 40 total. You must answer all 10 road sign questions correctly to move on, then score at least 24 of 30 (80%) on general knowledge. The minimum age for a learner's permit is 15 years and 6 months. The permit fee is $3. Every question comes from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which the DMV publishes free online.

Sample Virginia DMV Permit Test Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Virginia DMV Permit Test exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1How is the Virginia DMV knowledge exam structured?
A.A single section of 40 questions with one passing score
B.Two parts: 10 road sign questions followed by 30 general knowledge questions
C.Three parts of equal length covering signs, laws, and safe driving
D.An oral interview followed by a written test
Explanation: The Virginia knowledge exam has two parts. Part one contains 10 traffic sign questions, and part two contains 30 general knowledge questions on motor vehicle laws, safe driving, and substance abuse. You must complete part one before moving to part two.
2To pass part one of the Virginia knowledge exam, the road signs section, how many of the 10 questions must you answer correctly?
A.8 out of 10
B.All 10
C.7 out of 10
D.6 out of 10
Explanation: You must answer all 10 road sign questions correctly to pass part one. If you miss even one, you cannot move on to part two. The road signs section tests your recognition of standard signs by shape, color, and meaning.
3To pass part two of the Virginia knowledge exam, how many of the 30 general knowledge questions must you answer correctly?
A.20 questions (about 67%)
B.24 questions (80%)
C.27 questions (90%)
D.All 30 questions
Explanation: Part two has 30 general knowledge questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly, which is 80%. This section covers Virginia traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and substance abuse laws drawn from the Virginia Driver's Manual.
4What is the minimum age to apply for a learner's permit in Virginia?
A.14 years old
B.15 years and 6 months old
C.16 years old
D.16 years and 3 months old
Explanation: You must be at least 15 years and 6 months of age to apply for a Virginia learner's permit. The learner's permit is the first stage of Virginia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which builds driving experience under supervision.
5In Virginia, what is the minimum age to apply for a driver's license after holding a learner's permit?
A.16 years old
B.16 years and 3 months old
C.17 years old
D.18 years old
Explanation: You must be at least 16 years and 3 months old to apply for a driver's license in Virginia. You must also have held your learner's permit for at least nine months and, if under 18, completed a state-approved driver education program.
6How long must a Virginia driver under 18 hold a learner's permit before applying for a driver's license?
A.3 months
B.6 months
C.9 months
D.12 months
Explanation: Virginia requires drivers under 18 to hold a learner's permit for a minimum of nine months before applying for a driver's license. This holding period gives new drivers time to gain supervised behind-the-wheel experience under the GDL program.
7When driving with a learner's permit in Virginia, who must accompany the permit holder?
A.Any licensed driver age 18 or older
B.A licensed parent or guardian 18 or older, or any licensed driver 21 or older
C.Only a certified driving instructor
D.No supervision is required during daytime hours
Explanation: A learner's permit holder may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older, or by a licensed parent or legal guardian who is at least 18. The supervising driver must occupy the front passenger seat and be able to take control if needed.
8During which hours is a Virginia learner's permit holder generally prohibited from driving?
A.Between midnight and 4 a.m.
B.Between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
C.Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
D.There is no time restriction for permit holders
Explanation: Virginia learner's permit holders may not drive between midnight and 4 a.m. Limited exceptions apply, such as driving to or from work, a school activity, or while taking an approved driver education course.
9During the first year of holding a Virginia provisional (under-18) driver's license, how many passengers under age 21 may the driver carry?
A.No passengers under 21
B.Only one passenger under 21
C.Up to three passengers under 21
D.There is no passenger limit
Explanation: During the first year, a Virginia provisional license holder may carry only one passenger under age 21. After the first year, the driver may carry up to three passengers under 21. Family or household members are exempt from this limit.
10A Virginia provisional license holder under 18 is generally prohibited from driving during which hours?
A.Between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
B.Between midnight and 4 a.m.
C.Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
D.There is no curfew for licensed teen drivers
Explanation: Virginia provisional license holders under 18 may not drive between midnight and 4 a.m. Exceptions include driving to or from work, a school-sponsored activity, a religious activity, or in response to an emergency.

About the Virginia DMV Permit Test Exam

The Virginia DMV knowledge exam is the written test required to earn a learner's permit. It is a two-part test taken at a Virginia DMV customer service center. Part one has 10 road sign questions, all of which must be answered correctly to advance. Part two has 30 general knowledge questions on Virginia traffic laws, safe driving, and substance abuse, and requires 24 correct answers (80%) to pass. All questions are drawn from the Virginia Driver's Manual.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

No fixed time limit

Passing Score

Part 1: 10/10 road signs; Part 2: 24/30 general knowledge (80%)

Exam Fee

$3 learner's permit fee (Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles)

Virginia DMV Permit Test Exam Content Outline

Part 1

Road Signs

Identifying signs by shape and color, including regulatory, warning, guide, school zone, and work zone signs

Part 2

Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings

Steady, flashing, and arrow signals, plus the meaning of yellow and white lane lines and center turn lanes

Part 2

Virginia Traffic Laws

Speed limits, right of way, passing rules, lane use, turning and signaling, and parking regulations

Part 2

Sharing the Road

Yielding to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, large trucks, school buses, and emergency vehicles, including the Move Over law

Part 2

Safe Driving and Adverse Conditions

Following distance, skids, hydroplaning, headlight use, night and weather driving, and crash procedures

Part 2

Alcohol, Drugs, and Licensing

Virginia BAC limits, implied consent, impaired driving penalties, and Graduated Driver Licensing rules

How to Pass the Virginia DMV Permit Test Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Part 1: 10/10 road signs; Part 2: 24/30 general knowledge (80%)
  • Exam length: 40 questions
  • Time limit: No fixed time limit
  • Exam fee: $3 learner's permit fee

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Virginia DMV Permit Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read the entire Virginia Driver's Manual, available free as a PDF from the DMV website, since every question is drawn from it
2Master all 10 road sign questions first by learning sign shapes and colors, because you must score a perfect 10/10 to advance
3Memorize Virginia-specific numbers: 25 mph in residential and business districts, 70 mph rural interstates, the 0.08 and 0.02 BAC limits, and the three-foot bicycle passing rule
4Learn the Graduated Driver Licensing rules, including the 15-years-6-months permit age and the midnight to 4 a.m. driving restriction
5Take timed practice tests and aim for 90% or higher before visiting the DMV so you have a comfortable buffer above the 80% pass mark

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the Virginia DMV knowledge exam?

The Virginia knowledge exam has 40 questions in two parts. Part one contains 10 road sign questions, and part two contains 30 general knowledge questions on traffic laws, safe driving, and substance abuse. All questions come from the Virginia Driver's Manual.

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

You must answer all 10 road sign questions in part one correctly to advance. In part two, you must answer at least 24 of the 30 general knowledge questions correctly, which is an 80% pass mark. You must pass both parts.

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

You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to apply for a Virginia learner's permit. To later apply for a driver's license, you must be at least 16 years and 3 months old and have held the permit for at least nine months.

How much does the Virginia learner's permit cost?

The Virginia learner's permit fee is $3, paid to the DMV when the permit is issued, plus the applicable driver's license fee. The Virginia Driver's Manual that the test is based on is available free as a PDF on the DMV website.

What happens if I fail the Virginia knowledge exam?

If you are under 18 you must wait 15 days before retaking the exam. Applicants 18 and older may take the test once per day. After three failed attempts, you must complete a Virginia-approved driver training school program before testing again.

Is there a time limit on the Virginia permit test?

The Virginia DMV knowledge exam does not have a fixed time limit, so you can work through the road signs and general knowledge sections at a steady, careful pace. You must complete part one before moving on to part two.