Free Virginia DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026
This Practice Test 3 is modeled on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written knowledge exam, which has 40 questions; to pass you need at least 10 of 10 on Road Signs and at least 24 of 30 on General Knowledge. These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
Which of the following is NOT a legal reason to use your horn?
What's on the Virginia Practice Test 3
The real Virginia knowledge test has 40 questions, and to pass you need 10 of 10 on Road Signs and 24 of 30 on General Knowledge. Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 51 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 17
- Traffic laws 13
- Safe driving 8
- Alcohol & drugs 4
- Emergencies 3
- Parking 2
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Speed limits 1
- Right of way 1
51 questions in the pool, 9 of them written specifically for Virginia. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. An overhead lane-use signal above your lane shows a yellow X. What should you do?
- A. Keep driving in the lane with extra care
- B. Move out of the lane as soon as it is safe (correct)
- C. Stop under the signal until it turns green
- D. Use the lane only to make a left turn
Why: A yellow X or a yellow downward diagonal arrow tells you to leave that lane as soon as you safely can. A red X means you must never drive in the lane.
Source: official Virginia driver handbook, p.6 (PDF p.8), Lane Use Signals
2. 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.
Source: official Virginia driver handbook, PDF p.17, Speed limits
3. What does this orange sign indicate?
- A. A school zone ahead
- B. A road work zone ahead (correct)
- C. A slow-moving vehicle ahead
- D. A detour for trucks only
Why: Orange diamond signs indicate a construction or road work zone ahead. Reduce speed, watch for workers and equipment, and expect changed traffic patterns. Fines are often doubled.
4. What does this sign tell you?
- A. The speed you must drive at all times
- B. The maximum speed in ideal conditions (correct)
- C. The minimum speed allowed
- D. The average speed of traffic on this road
Why: This is a speed limit sign - a regulatory sign showing the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions. You must drive slower when weather or traffic conditions require it.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2B.21 Paragraph 13
5. Which lane position helps other drivers see you and gives you the best view of the road ahead?
- A. Ride beside other cars so they always see you
- B. Keep space around you and stay out of blind spots (correct)
- C. Stay close behind a larger vehicle to block the wind
- D. Keep to the far left edge of your lane
Why: Maintain a space cushion around your vehicle and avoid lingering in others' blind spots. This keeps you visible, gives you escape routes, and improves your view of developing hazards.
6. Brown signs are used to mark:
- A. Parks and historic sites (correct)
- B. Toll roads and express lanes
- C. Detours
- D. Hospitals and gas stations
Why: Brown signs point to recreational and cultural sites - parks, campgrounds, historical landmarks, and scenic areas.
More Virginia facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Virginia permit practice test page.
Virginia DMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 40
- Passing score
- 10/10 + 24/30
- Correct needed
- at least 10 of 10 on Road Signs and at least 24 of 30 on General Knowledge
- Minimum age
- 15½ years old
- Testing agency
- Department of Motor Vehicles
More Virginia Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Virginia Practice Test 3 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DMV exam.