The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Virginia DMV knowledge test is given in two parts on a computer. Part 1: 10 traffic sign questions — you must answer ALL 10 correctly to unlock Part 2. Part 2: multiple-choice general knowledge — you must score at least 80% to pass.
If you are under 18 and fail, by law you must wait a full 15 days before retaking. Adults may retake on the next business day. Anyone who fails 3 times cannot attempt a 4th time until they complete an approved 8-hour driver's manual course (Manual §1).
The exam is given at DMV customer service centers in every major city — Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Arlington, Alexandria, Roanoke, Newport News, and dozens more. It is computer-based and offered in many languages and American Sign Language. Translators are not permitted for languages already offered. You may take the exam once per business day (Manual §1).
Holders of a valid driver's license from the U.S., Canada, Germany, France or the Republic of Korea do NOT have to take the knowledge exam. A valid Canada, Germany, France, Korea or Taiwan license also skips the road skills test. Everyone else takes both. Under-18 applicants complete driver's education through a driver-training school, which administers the road skills test (Manual §1).
Adult limit 0.08%. Under-21 zero tolerance at 0.02% (illegal consumption). Under implied consent, driving on Virginia roads = consent to a breath test. Refusing = same 7-day (1st) administrative suspension as blowing 0.08%+.
Administrative license suspension: 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. Drive after an alcohol-related suspension = 30-day on-the-spot vehicle impoundment (Manual §5).
Supervisor must be a licensed driver at least 21 in the front passenger seat (or 18–20 if your legal guardian/sibling). Applicants 19+ must hold the permit 60 days OR present a driver's-education certificate before the road skills test. Teen minimum ages and curfew/passenger rules: Parents in the Driver's Seat (DMV 16) at dmv.virginia.gov.
Virginia's space-cushion rule: 2 seconds under 35 mph, 3 seconds at 35–45 mph, 4 seconds at 46–70 mph. The cushions do NOT work above 70 mph. Increase in bad weather, heavy traffic, behind a large vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or when tailgated (Manual §3).
Defaults when nothing is posted: 25 mph in school, business and residential areas; 35 mph on unpaved roads; 55 mph on all other roads. 20+ mph over the limit OR over 85 mph anywhere = reckless driving (criminal misdemeanor). Radar detectors are illegal in Virginia (Manual §3).
Signal at least 3–4 seconds (about 100 feet) before turning or changing lanes. Right on red: after a complete stop and yielding (unless prohibited by sign). Left on red: legal ONLY from a one-way onto another one-way. A red ARROW: no turn unless a "After Stop" sign is posted (Manual §2/§3).
Stop from ANY direction for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and extended stop sign on a highway, private road or school driveway. Only exception: opposite direction on a roadway with a MEDIAN OR BARRIER dividing the road. Remain stopped until all children are clear and the bus moves again (Manual §3).
Headlights on sunset-to-sunrise, any time you use wipers for bad weather, and whenever visibility drops below 500 ft in rain, fog, snow or sleet. Use low beams within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 ft when following. Use low beams in heavy fog — high beams reflect and blind you (Manual §3).
15 ft from a fire hydrant · 20 ft from an intersection · 50 ft from a railroad crossing · 500 ft from fire trucks answering an alarm · 15 ft from a fire/ambulance/rescue-squad station entrance · no more than 12 inches from the curb when parking next to one · never in a bike lane (Manual §3).
Driver and ALL passengers (front AND rear) must wear safety belts. Under 8: child safety seat or booster. Birth to age 2: rear-facing. Rear-facing seat must not be placed in front of an active passenger-side airbag. Child-restraint violation: $50 first offense, up to $500 for subsequent offenses (Manual §4).
You need 100% on the 10 sign questions AND 80% on Part 2 to pass. Aim for 90%+ on our simulator so you have a safety margin on test day.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Virginia test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the Virginia Driver's Manual at https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Virginia is strict: 20+ mph over the limit OR over 85 mph anywhere = reckless driving (a criminal misdemeanor). Driving 81–85 mph in a 65-mph zone adds a $100 fine. Radar detectors are illegal.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual