Virginia DMV · FAQ 2026
Virginia DMV Permit Test FAQ
Common questions about the Virginia DMV knowledge test, learner's permit, GDL program, and driver's license requirements.
How many questions are on the Virginia DMV knowledge test? ▼
Virginia's DMV knowledge test is given in two parts on a computer. Part 1 is 10 traffic sign questions — you must answer all 10 correctly to unlock Part 2. Part 2 is multiple-choice general knowledge; you must score at least 80% to pass. The test is available in multiple languages and American Sign Language.
What is the passing score for the Virginia written test? ▼
Part 1: 100% (all 10 sign questions correct). Part 2: 80% of the multiple-choice general knowledge questions. One attempt per business day.
What happens if I fail the knowledge test? ▼
If you are under 18 and fail, by law you must wait a full 15 days before retaking — example: fail on January 1, earliest retake January 17. Adults may retake the next business day. Anyone who fails three times cannot attempt a fourth until they complete an approved 8-hour driver's manual course (available at a driver training school or online).
What is the minimum age for a Virginia learner license? ▼
A Virginia learner's permit lets you drive only when a licensed driver at least 21 is in the front passenger seat (or an 18–20 year-old legal guardian, sibling or step-sibling). Teen minimum ages, permit hold periods, and parent/guardian sign-off are in the Parents in the Driver's Seat (DMV 16) publication at dmv.virginia.gov.
What are the GDL restrictions in Virginia? ▼
Virginia's detailed teen restrictions — nighttime curfew hours, passenger limits, and under-18 wireless device rules — are in the Parents in the Driver's Seat (DMV 16) publication at dmv.virginia.gov. The statewide hands-free law also applies to teens: ALL drivers are prohibited from holding a cell phone or wireless device while driving, except in an emergency or when lawfully parked.
What is Virginia's Zero Tolerance law for minors? ▼
Virginia has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking. If a driver under 21 is convicted of driving after illegally consuming alcohol with a BAC of 0.02% up to 0.08%, the penalty is a 1-year license suspension PLUS either a minimum $500 fine or at least 50 hours of community service. A BAC of 0.08%+ under 21 carries the same penalties as an adult DUI.
What is the legal BAC limit in Virginia? ▼
Virginia's adult DUI threshold is a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Under 21: zero tolerance at 0.02%. You can also be convicted below 0.08% if your driving is impaired. DUI while impaired by a drug (prescription, OTC or illegal) carries the same penalties as alcohol DUI. Under implied consent law, operating on Virginia public roads means you agree to a breath test on request.
What is the speed limit in a Virginia urban/residential area? ▼
Unless a sign posts otherwise: 25 mph in school, business, and residential areas; 35 mph on unpaved roads; 55 mph on all other roads. 20+ mph over the posted limit OR over 85 mph = reckless driving, a criminal offense. Driving 81–85 mph in a 65-mph zone adds a $100 fine. Radar detectors are illegal in Virginia.
How close to a fire hydrant can I park in Virginia? ▼
Virginia parking clearances: 15 ft from a fire hydrant; 20 ft from an intersection; 50 ft from a railroad crossing; 500 ft from fire trucks or equipment answering an alarm; 15 ft from the entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue-squad station. When parked next to a curb you may be no more than 12 inches from it. Never park in a bike lane, on a crosswalk or sidewalk, or in a disabled-parking space without a permit.
What are the DUI penalties in Virginia? ▼
Administrative license suspension on a DUI or refused breath test: 7 days (1st), 60 days or until trial (2nd), until trial (3rd). Court-ordered fines, jail and additional suspension/revocation follow conviction. DUI with a juvenile passenger adds 5 mandatory jail days plus $500–$1,000; a 2nd such offense adds 80 hours community service. Drive after alcohol-related suspension and your vehicle is impounded 30 days on the spot (up to another 90 on conviction).
What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Virginia? ▼
Policies effective on or after January 1, 2022: $30,000 bodily injury per person; $60,000 bodily injury per crash; $20,000 property damage. Older policies: $25k/$50k/$20k. You may pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee to register without insurance — but the fee does NOT provide any coverage. Caught uninsured: $600 noncompliance fee + SR-22 certificate for 3 years.
Can I turn left on a red light in Virginia? ▼
Left on red in Virginia is legal ONLY when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic (unless a "No Turn on Red" sign or red left arrow is posted). Right on red is legal after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic (unless a sign prohibits it). A red arrow always means no turn in that direction — unless a "Right on Red Arrow After Stop" or "Left on Red Arrow After Stop" sign is posted.
How do I renew my Virginia driver's license? ▼
Virginia driver's license renewal options are listed on dmv.virginia.gov — the full renewal steps are covered in the publication Obtaining a Virginia Driver's License or Identification Card (DMV 141). Always notify DMV of any address change within 30 days — the postal service will NOT forward your license. New to Virginia: obtain a Virginia license within 60 days of establishing residency.