Free Virginia DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 4 2026
This Practice Test 4 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.
When you reach an intersection with a flashing red light in your direction and a flashing yellow in the cross direction, you must:
What's on the Virginia Practice Test 4
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 4 is a 25-question set drawn from 49 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 16
- Safe driving 12
- Traffic laws 8
- Right of way 5
- Emergencies 3
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Speed limits 1
- Alcohol & drugs 1
- Parking 1
49 questions in the pool, 8 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. With a Virginia learner's permit, the licensed driver in the front passenger seat must generally be at least:
- A. 21 years old (correct)
- B. 18 years old
- C. 25 years old
- D. 19 years old
Why: 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.
Source: official Virginia driver handbook, p.31 (PDF p.33), Learner's Permit
2. When you follow a motorcycle in Virginia, how should you change your normal following distance?
- A. Keep the same gap as for a car
- B. Add an extra second to it (correct)
- C. Cut it by about one second
- D. Add one extra car length
Why: Never tailgate a motorcycle. Virginia's manual says to add one extra second to the following-distance rule for more braking room, and to double that in bad weather.
Source: official Virginia driver handbook, p.20 (PDF p.22), Sharing the Road - Motorcycles
3. What should you do before opening your car door after parking on a street?
- A. Open it slowly so others can see it move
- B. Check mirrors and look for traffic and cyclists (correct)
- C. Check only the side mirror, then open
- D. Open it fully so passing drivers will steer around
Why: Before opening your door into traffic, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for approaching vehicles and cyclists. 'Dooring' a passing cyclist is dangerous and illegal in many states.
4. In most states, which left turn may you make on a steady red light after a full stop, if no sign forbids it?
- A. From a two-way street onto another two-way street
- B. From any street when no oncoming car is in sight
- C. From a two-way street into a store's driveway
- D. From a one-way street onto another one-way street (correct)
Why: Most states allow a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street that carries traffic to the left. You must stop fully and yield to pedestrians and traffic first.
5. If your vehicle's engine catches fire, you should:
- A. Open the hood to reach the fire quickly
- B. Stop, shut off the engine, and get everyone away (correct)
- C. Drive on to the nearest fire station
- D. Stay in the car with the windows up until help comes
Why: If your engine catches fire, pull off the road, shut off the engine, and get all occupants out and well away from the vehicle. Do NOT open the hood - adding oxygen can intensify the fire. Call 911.
6. Your regular brakes have failed and pumping did not help. How should you use the parking (emergency) brake?
- A. Apply it slowly and gradually (correct)
- B. Pull it on as hard as you can
- C. Only after the car has stopped
- D. Apply it and release it rapidly
Why: Setting the parking brake too hard or too fast can lock the wheels and throw the car into a skid. Apply it slowly while you steer to a safe place.
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 4 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.