The Virginia DMV written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices
Virginia's written test, officially called the knowledge test, is a multiple-choice exam you take before you can get a learner's permit or upgrade to a full driver's license. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass — that's 80 percent. You take it at your local DMV office on a computer, and you get your score when ready after you finish.
The test draws from Virginia's Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the DMV website. The questions cover three main areas: road signs and what they mean, Virginia traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room. You can take the test in English or Spanish.
If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs money.
Key Takeaways
- The Virginia knowledge test has 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
- Test content comes directly from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which you can read for free online before you go to the DMV.
- You take the test on a computer at your local DMV office and receive your score when ready.
- If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most locations, but you will pay the test fee again.
- Road signs, Virginia traffic laws, and safe driving practices make up the three main topic areas on the test.
What the test covers: road signs, laws, and safe driving
Road signs are a major part of the test. You need to know what common signs look like, what they mean, and how to respond to them. This includes regulatory signs (like stop and yield), warning signs (like curves ahead or pedestrian crossing), and informational signs (like speed limit and one-way). The test shows you a picture of a sign and asks what it means or what you should do when you see it.
Virginia traffic laws make up a large section. Questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, seat belt requirements, and what to do at traffic lights and intersections. You will see questions about when you can pass another vehicle, how to handle a four-way stop, and what the penalties are for certain violations. The test also includes questions about driving under the influence, distracted driving, and how Virginia's point system works.
Safe driving practices round out the test. These questions ask about things like proper following distance, how to handle bad weather, what to do if your brakes fail, and how to drive safely around pedestrians and cyclists. You may also see questions about sharing the road with large trucks and motorcycles.
How to study using the Virginia Driver's Manual
The Virginia Driver's Manual is your main study tool, and it is the only source the test draws from. You can read it as a PDF from the Virginia DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office for free. The manual is organized by topic, so you can study road signs in one section, laws in another, and safe driving in a third.
Read through the entire manual at least once before you take the test. Pay special attention to sections on road signs — these are often the hardest part for first-time test takers because you need to recognize signs by sight. The manual includes pictures of every sign you might see on the test. Spend extra time on Virginia-specific laws, like the state's rules about turning right on red or the penalties for speeding in school zones.
Many people find it helpful to read a section, then close the manual and try to answer practice questions about that section from memory. Some DMV websites offer practice tests online, though these are not official Virginia tests — they are made by third parties and may not match the real test exactly. Use them as a study tool, but rely on the official manual as your main source.
When and where you take the test
You take the knowledge test at your local Virginia DMV office. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now use an online reservation system. Check your local DMV's website to see if you need to book a time slot or if you can walk in. Bring your current ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Virginia address. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian.
The test is offered during regular DMV business hours, which vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during the day, and some have evening or Saturday hours. The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you sit down at the computer. Bring a pen and paper if you want to take notes while you wait, but you cannot use them during the test.
If you fail the test, ask the DMV staff whether you can retake it the same day. Many locations allow this, but some may require you to come back another day. You will pay the test fee again for each attempt.
Scam alert: fake practice tests and study sites
Be careful of websites that claim to offer the "official" Virginia DMV practice test or charge money for study materials. The Virginia DMV does not sell study guides or practice tests — the Driver's Manual is free. Some third-party websites offer practice tests that may help you study, but they are not made by the DMV and may not match the real test.
Do not pay for anything that claims to be the official Virginia test or that guarantees you will pass. Do not give your personal information to sites that ask for your driver's license number or Social Security number before you take a practice test. The real DMV test is free to take at the office (except for the test fee), and you do not need to pay for study materials.
If a website or app claims to show you the exact questions that will be on your test, it is not telling the truth. The DMV does not release its test questions in advance, and no one outside the DMV knows what specific questions you will see.
What happens if you pass or fail
If you pass, the DMV will print a receipt showing your score and the date you passed. Keep this receipt — you will need it when you go back to the DMV to take your road test or to get your learner's permit. Your passing score is usually good for a set period of time, often 12 months, though this can vary. Check with your local DMV office about how long your score is valid.
If you fail, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts at most locations, though some offices may ask you to wait a few hours or come back another day. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again. Most people who fail the first time pass on their second or third attempt, especially if they study the Driver's Manual more carefully between tries.
Your test score does not affect your driving record or your insurance. It is only used to show that you know the rules of the road before you get a permit or license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a translator or interpreter during the test?
Virginia offers the test in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language or need an interpreter for a disability, contact your local DMV office ahead of time to request accommodations. You may need to provide documentation of your need.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need to bring proof of your Social Security number or a document showing you do not have one. If you do not have a number, ask the DMV staff what documents you can bring instead. This varies by situation, so call ahead.
Do I have to take the test if I already have a license from another state?
If you are moving to Virginia and already have a valid driver's license from another state, you may not have to take the knowledge test to get a Virginia license. However, you will still need to pass a road test and meet other requirements. Check the Virginia DMV website or call your local office to see what applies to your situation.
How long does the test take?
The test itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you sit down at the computer. However, you should plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the DMV office total, including time to check in, wait for a testing station, and receive your score.
What if I fail multiple times?
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. If you keep failing, spend more time studying the Driver's Manual, focus on the areas where you are making mistakes, and consider asking someone to quiz you on the material before you go back.