Virginia DMV written test
Virginia DMV Cheat Sheet
The Virginia knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Virginia DMV test numbers to memorize
Virginia does not pass you on a single percentage. The test is given by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Scoring rule: virginia does not use a single passing percentage. You must answer all 10 road-sign questions correctly before you can move on, then get 24 of the 30 general-knowledge questions right.
40
Questions on the test
34
85% to pass
Correct answers needed
6
Questions you can miss
15.5
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $3. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Two-part computer-based test: 10 road sign questions + 30 general knowledge questions
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted at all DMV customer service centers. Appointments available online and recommended to reduce wait times.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 6 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- Proof of Virginia residency (2 documents)
- Proof of legal presence
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Driver education completion certificate (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Virginia retake rules
Under 18, you must wait a full 15 days to retake the knowledge exam: fail on Jan 1 and the earliest retake is Jan 17. At 18 and over you may test once per day; CDL knowledge exams are once per business day. Virginia publishes no cap on total attempts, but after a third failure you cannot test a fourth time until you complete a required driver education course dated after that failure (8 hours of Virginia Driver's Manual instruction, or 36 fifty-minute classroom periods, depending on age) and give DMV the certificate. Each retake needs a new learner's permit application, and DMV publishes no retest fee.
- cdl_knowledge_exam_all_ages (CDL): wait 1 day.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: the agency does not publish a per-attempt retest fee that we could confirm.
- After a third knowledge-exam failure, the applicant cannot take the exam a fourth time until they complete a required driver education course and give DMV the certificate of completion.
- After a third ROAD SKILLS test failure, the applicant cannot take it a fourth time until they complete the in-vehicle component of driver instruction at an approved driver training school and present the certificate to D.
Some retake details for Virginia are not published by the agency (Agency does not publish: retake fee), so confirm them with DMV before you rely on them.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Virginia
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15 years and 6 months. Must complete driver education. Must have parental consent. Must hold learner's permit for at least 9 months. Nighttime and passenger restrictions until 18.
- Permit versus license
- A learner's permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for at least 9 months. Virginia requires 45 hours of supervised driving (15 at night) for under-18 applicants.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Virginia DMV customer service center or at participating high schools (for students in driver education).
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail displayed on screen. Must pass road signs section (10/10) before proceeding to general knowledge.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Virginia: English, American Sign Language (ASL), Amharic (Ethiopian), Arabic, Chinese/Mandarin, Chinese/Mandarin (Traditional), Dari, Farsi, French, German, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Kurdish, Mongolian, Nepali, Pashto, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Twi (Akan), Turkish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
The study source is the Virginia Driver's Manual (2024-2025 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed Virginia practice questions
These free Virginia questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
Defensive drivers constantly:
Ask 'what if' questions
About 35% get it right
- 3
Before towing, the load in a trailer should be positioned so that:
Most weight sits ahead of the trailer axle
About 40% get it right
- 4
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 5
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 6
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
Your plan
Free Virginia study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Virginia questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1