Free Virginia Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official Virginia driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Sharing the Road — 5
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 5
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 3
- Licensing & Permits — 3
- Safe Driving — 2
- Points & Penalties — 1
- Signaling & Communication — 1
Heaviest on Sharing the Road (5 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are Virginia-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren in Virginia, you should:
- Speed up
- Pull to the right and stop
- Turn left
- Stop in your lane
Show answer
Answer: Pull to the right and stop
Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes.
2. In Virginia, the recommended following gap at 35–45 MPH is:
- 5 seconds
- 2 seconds
- 3 seconds
- 1 second
Show answer
Answer: 3 seconds
Keep at least a 3-second gap at 35–45 MPH.
3. In Virginia, accumulating demerit points can lead to:
- Lower fees
- A reward
- A driver improvement clinic or suspension
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: A driver improvement clinic or suspension
Demerit points can require a driver improvement clinic or suspend your license.
4. In Virginia, unless posted otherwise, the maximum speed on unpaved roads is:
- 55 MPH
- 35 MPH
- 25 MPH
- 45 MPH
Show answer
Answer: 35 MPH
35 MPH applies on unpaved roads.
5. To take the Virginia road skills test, your vehicle must have working brakes, safety belts, horn, lights, signals, mirrors, and:
- A radio
- A sunroof
- A speedometer
- Cruise control
Show answer
Answer: A speedometer
The vehicle must have a working speedometer (and the other listed equipment).
6. In Virginia you must use headlights:
- Only in cities
- At night and when visibility is reduced
- Only on highways
- Only in rain
Show answer
Answer: At night and when visibility is reduced
Use headlights at night and whenever visibility is low.
7. If you plan to drink in Virginia, the safest choice is to:
- Eat first
- Wait 15 minutes
- Drive slowly
- Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Show answer
Answer: Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Line up a sober ride before you drink.
8. Virginia drivers under 18 are subject to graduated licensing restrictions on nighttime driving and:
- Car color
- Fuel type
- Carrying young passengers
- Radio use
Show answer
Answer: Carrying young passengers
Under-18 drivers face restrictions on nighttime driving and passengers during the early period.
9. In Virginia, the recommended following gap at 46–70 MPH is:
- 4 seconds
- 2 seconds
- 3 seconds
- 1 second
Show answer
Answer: 4 seconds
Keep at least a 4-second gap at 46–70 MPH.
10. In Virginia, unless posted otherwise, the maximum speed for passenger vehicles in school, business, and residential areas is:
- 35 MPH
- 25 MPH
- 45 MPH
- 15 MPH
Show answer
Answer: 25 MPH
25 MPH applies in school, business, and residential areas.
11. Virginia lists distractions such as eating, GPS, passengers, and:
- Driving straight
- Nothing
- Using a cell phone
- Braking
Show answer
Answer: Using a cell phone
Cell-phone use is a major distraction; pull over before engaging in it.
12. A Virginia applicant may skip the 60-day permit wait by presenting a:
- Job letter
- Bank statement
- Driver's education certificate of completion
- Doctor's note
Show answer
Answer: Driver's education certificate of completion
A driver education certificate of completion satisfies the requirement.
13. Keeping a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead helps you:
- Look important
- Save fuel only
- React safely to sudden stops
- Drive faster
Show answer
Answer: React safely to sudden stops
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
14. A Virginia commercial driver is considered impaired at a BAC of:
- .02
- .04
- .10
- .08
Show answer
Answer: .04
Commercial drivers are DUI at .04.
15. A motorcycle in Virginia is entitled to:
- A full lane of travel
- The shoulder only
- No lane
- Half a lane
Show answer
Answer: A full lane of travel
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane.
16. Virginia's Move Over law requires that, for a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, you:
- Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
- Stop in the lane
- Speed up
- Honk
Show answer
Answer: Move over a lane if safe, or slow down
Move over a lane if safe, otherwise slow down.
17. In Virginia, rumble strips should be:
- Swerved around
- Slowly driven over, not swerved around
- Braked hard on
- Ignored
Show answer
Answer: Slowly driven over, not swerved around
Drive slowly over rumble strips — do not swerve around them.
18. Virginia notes that the recommended following gaps do not work if you are speeding over:
- 70 MPH
- 65 MPH
- 55 MPH
- 45 MPH
Show answer
Answer: 70 MPH
The space cushions don't work if you speed over 70 MPH.
19. Some Virginia school zones use enforcement by:
- Automated photo enforcement
- Volunteers
- Radar guns only
- Nothing
Show answer
Answer: Automated photo enforcement
Some school zones use automated photo enforcement.
20. In Virginia, a driver under 21 can be convicted of illegal consumption at a BAC of:
- .10
- .08+
- .05 only
- At least .02 but less than .08
Show answer
Answer: At least .02 but less than .08
Under-21 drivers face illegal-consumption charges at .02 to less than .08 BAC.