Free Virginia DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
Get ready to pass your Virginia DMV written test on the first try. Our free Virginia permit practice tests are based directly on the official Virginia Driver's Handbook and contain the same types of questions you will see on test day. Each test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving techniques, and Virginia-specific regulations. You must get 10 of 10 on Road Signs and 24 of 30 on General Knowledge, so preparation is essential. Start practicing today - unlimited attempts, instant feedback, detailed explanations.
Take the Virginia DMV Permit Practice Test Now
25 questions drawn from the Virginia driver handbook, 80% to pass, with an explanation after every answer. Free, no sign-up - press Start when you are ready. More Virginia tests are listed below.
Virginia DMV Practice Test 1
Questions are shuffled every time and drawn from the Virginia driver handbook. Nothing starts - and no clock runs - until you press the button.
- 25 questions
- 80% to pass (20 correct)
- About 15 minutes
- Explanation after every answer
Ways to practice
Learn with practice tests and flashcards, then take the mock test when you think you are ready.
Also try: the Virginia cheat sheet of rules and numbers, the hardest questions people miss most, or make your own test on the topics you find hard.
Virginia Permit Practice Tests
199 unique questions in the Virginia bank (37 Virginia-specific) - practice until you are confident
More Virginia Practice Tests
Official Virginia Driver's Handbook
The DMV writes every real exam question from this manual - read it alongside your practice tests.
Virginia Permit Practice Test PDF (2026)
Free printable version: 100+ Virginia questions with an answer key and explanations, plus the DMV test facts on the cover. Or print a 40-question test, the length of the real test. How to study with the Virginia PDF · All state PDFs →
Virginia Learner's Permit Test: Quick Facts
Verified against Department of Motor Vehicles publications - last reviewed October 2026.
| Official permit name | Learner's Permit |
|---|---|
| Questions on the test | 40 (10 Road Signs + 30 General Knowledge) |
| Passing score | At least 10 of 10 on Road Signs and at least 24 of 30 on General Knowledge |
| Wrong answers allowed | 0 per Road Signs part, 6 per General Knowledge part |
| Minimum age | 15½ years old |
| Under-21 alcohol limit | 0.02% BAC or higher |
| Permit / test fee | $3 (statutory fee per learner's permit, Va. Code 46.2-335) |
| If you fail | Under 18: not eligible for retesting for at least 15 days after failing (Va. Code 46.2-334.1). All ages: the exam may be taken only once per business day; after three failures you must pass the classroom part of driver education before a fourth attempt (Driver's Manual) |
| Online testing | No - the knowledge test must be taken in person. |
| Driver's education | Required for applicants under 18. |
| Supervised practice | 45 hours, at least 15 after sunset (under 18; certified by parent/guardian) |
| Permit holding period | Under 18: 9 months plus a state-approved driver education course; 18 and older: 60 days or driver education while holding the permit (from January 1, 2027, ages 18-20 need 90 days plus the course) |
| Testing agency | Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
Sample Virginia Permit Test Questions
Three of the Virginia-specific questions from our bank, with the answer and the rule behind it. The Virginia bank behind the tests above holds 199 unique questions.
1. In Virginia, driving how much over the speed limit can get you charged with reckless driving?
- A. 20 mph or more over the limit (correct)
- B. 5 mph or more over the limit
- C. 10 mph or more over the limit
- D. 15 mph or more over the limit
Why: Virginia law lets an officer charge reckless driving for driving 20 mph or more over the limit, or over 85 mph - a criminal misdemeanor, not just a ticket.
2. In Virginia, driving faster than what speed is reckless driving regardless of the posted limit?
- A. 85 mph (correct)
- B. 75 mph
- C. 80 mph
- D. 90 mph
Why: In Virginia, driving over 85 mph can be charged as reckless driving regardless of the posted speed limit, as can driving 20 mph or more above the limit. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor.
3. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in Virginia business, residential, and school areas is:
- A. 25 mph (correct)
- B. 30 mph
- C. 20 mph
- D. 35 mph
Why: Virginia's default limit for business, residential, and school areas is 25 mph unless a sign states otherwise.
Virginia Permit Test Study Guide (2026)
A free Virginia DMV written test study guide - updated for 2026, verified against the official Department of Motor Vehicles handbook.
Reviewed by Chad HenryAfter 25 years of teaching driver educationLast reviewed October 2026
Virginia treats reckless and distracted driving more seriously than most states, and its DMV knowledge exam reflects that alongside road signs and move-over rules - knowledge you'll use from Northern Virginia to Richmond and Virginia Beach. Our Virginia practice permit test is based on the official Virginia Driver's Manual so you pass on the first visit.
What to Expect on the Virginia Permit Test
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires every new driver to pass a written knowledge test before being issued a learner's permit. In Virginia the exam has 40 multiple-choice questions; to pass you need at least 10 of 10 on Road Signs and at least 24 of 30 on General Knowledge. You must be at least 15½ years old to apply. Every question is drawn from the official Virginia driver's handbook, so the topics on our practice tests match exactly what the DMV asks.
Topics Covered on the VA Written Test
- Traffic Laws (Rules of the Road): State-specific rules of the road, including right-of-way, lane changing, and intersection rules
- Road Signs: Recognition and meaning of all standard road signs - warning, regulatory, and informational
- Speed Limits: Default speed limits, school zones, work zones, and highway speeds
- Safe Driving: Following distance, blind spots, defensive driving, and weather conditions
- Alcohol & Drugs: DUI laws, BAC limits, and consequences of impaired driving
- Parking Rules: Legal and illegal parking situations, curb colors, and distances
How to Prepare for the Virginia Permit Test
The strongest preparation pairs a read-through of the official Virginia Driver's Handbook with repeated practice tests that surface your weak spots. The DMV writes its test from that handbook, so the rules you practise here are the rules you will be asked about. A sensible target: score at least 80% on several fresh practice tests in a row - and read the explanation on every miss - before you book your appointment.
Official Virginia DMV Information
For official test requirements, locations, and fees, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website. You can also read the official Virginia driver's handbook free of charge - every question on our practice tests traces back to it.
Virginia Permit Test - Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Virginia DMV written test?
The Virginia DMV written knowledge test has 40 questions. To pass you need at least 10 of 10 on Road Signs and at least 24 of 30 on General Knowledge.
What is the phone rule for new drivers in Virginia?
Virginia: holding a handheld phone while driving is illegal. Virginia law prohibits holding a handheld personal communications device while driving. (PDF p.26, Distracted driving)
Who must ride with a permit holder in Virginia?
Virginia permit: supervising driver usually must be 21+ in the front seat. A permit holder must drive with a licensed driver at least 21 in the front passenger seat. The supervisor may be 18 to 20 only if they are the learner's legal guardian or a brother or sister, including half- and step-siblings. (p.31 (PDF p.33), Learner's Permit)
What is the blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21 in Virginia?
A driver under 21 in Virginia violates the zero-tolerance law at a BAC of 0.02% or higher - far below the 0.08% adult limit.
How many questions can you miss on the Virginia permit test?
The Virginia test is scored in separate parts, so the limit applies to each part: you can miss at most none of the 10 Road Signs questions (all must be correct) and 6 of the 30 General Knowledge questions. Missing more than that on either part fails the test, even if your combined score is high.
What is the Virginia learner's permit officially called?
Virginia issues the Learner's Permit. It is the first stage of the state's licensing process for new drivers.
How much does the Virginia permit cost?
The published fee is $3 (statutory fee per learner's permit, Va. Code 46.2-335). Fees change from time to time, so confirm the current amount on the Department of Motor Vehicles website before your visit.
What happens if I fail the Virginia permit test?
If you fail, Virginia lets you retake the knowledge test. Under 18: not eligible for retesting for at least 15 days after failing (Va. Code 46.2-334.1). All ages: the exam may be taken only once per business day; after three failures you must pass the classroom part of driver education before a fourth attempt (Driver's Manual). Use the practice tests above to find the topics you missed before you try again.
Can I take the Virginia permit test online?
No - the knowledge test must be taken in person.
Is driver's education required for a Virginia permit?
Required for applicants under 18.
How long do I have to hold my Virginia permit?
Minimum holding period: Under 18: 9 months plus a state-approved driver education course; 18 and older: 60 days or driver education while holding the permit (from January 1, 2027, ages 18-20 need 90 days plus the course). Required supervised practice: 45 hours, at least 15 after sunset (under 18; certified by parent/guardian).
Sources & Methodology
Every Virginia question on this page is written from the official Virginia driver handbook, and the facts in the table above are checked against Department of Motor Vehicles publications. Last reviewed: October 2026. Every question shows its own source under the explanation; all corrections are listed in our corrections log.
Chad Henry – Reviewer
After 25 years of teaching driver education
Chad Henry has taught driver education for 25 years and reviews every state's practice questions, quick facts and study guides against the official driver handbook and agency publications before they are published.
Last reviewed: October 2026
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv39.pdf
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/exams/know-exam
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/learners/apply
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-335/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-334.1/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-334/
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-325/
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Practice Permit Tests in Other States
Studying in more than one state, or planning a move from Virginia? Jump straight to another state's free DMV-style practice tests below, or browse all 50 states.
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