What the Virginia DMV written test covers and how it works
The Virginia DMV written test is a multiple-choice exam you must pass before you can take the road test for a driver's license. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score. You take it at a DMV office on a computer, and you get your result when ready after you finish.
The test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. The questions are based on the Virginia Driver's Manual, which the DMV publishes free online and in print at any DMV office. Every question on the test comes from material in that manual, so studying it is the most direct way to prepare.
You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test read aloud to you, or if you need extra time, you can request accommodations when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the office.
Key Takeaways
- The test has 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- All test content comes from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free to read or pick up at any DMV office.
- You take the test on a computer at a DMV office and receive your score before you leave.
- You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.
- The test is offered in English and Spanish, and accommodations are available if you request them.
How to study for the Virginia DMV test
Start by reading the Virginia Driver's Manual from beginning to end. The manual is organized by topic — traffic laws, road signs, parking, right-of-way rules, and more. Read each section carefully, because the test questions follow the manual closely. Pay special attention to sections on speed limits, traffic signals, and what to do at intersections, because those topics appear frequently on the test.
After you have read the manual, use the practice tests on the Virginia DMV website. The DMV offers a free online practice test that mimics the real test in format and difficulty. Take it more than once — the first time to see which topics you need to review, and again after you have studied those topics to confirm you understand them. The practice test is the best way to know whether you are ready for the real thing.
Focus on the road signs section. Virginia uses standard signs, and the test includes questions that show you a sign and ask what it means. Study the sign chart in the manual and make sure you can identify each sign by its shape and color. Red signs mean stop or do not enter. Yellow signs warn of hazards ahead. Green signs give directions or information.
What happens on test day
Arrive at the DMV office at least 15 minutes before your appointment. Bring your learner's permit or your current ID, and bring proof of your Social Security number if you have not already provided it to the DMV. You will also need to bring proof of your Virginia residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address works.
When you check in, a DMV staff member will verify your identity and take you to a computer station. You will have up to one hour to complete the 35-question test. Read each question carefully before you answer. You can go back and change your answer before you submit the test, so do not rush. If you are unsure about a question, mark it and come back to it after you have answered the others.
After you submit your test, the computer will show you your score when ready. If you pass, you will receive a receipt that you can use to schedule your road test. If you fail, you can schedule another attempt, but you must wait at least one day before you can retake it.
Common mistakes on the Virginia DMV test
Many test-takers miss questions about right-of-way rules, especially at four-way stops and when turning left across traffic. The manual has specific rules for these situations — read that section twice. Another common mistake is confusing what different road signs mean. Yellow warning signs and white regulatory signs look different for a reason, so study the sign section until you can identify each one when ready.
Test-takers also lose points on questions about speed limits in school zones and residential areas. Virginia has specific rules about when reduced speed limits explore, and the test includes at least one or two questions on this topic. Read the speed limit section of the manual carefully and memorize the numbers.
Do not guess randomly on questions you do not know. If you are unsure, skip it and come back to it. Sometimes answering other questions will help you remember the answer to one you skipped. If you still do not know the answer when you come back to it, make your best guess — but random guessing is less likely to help you reach 80 percent than studying the manual is.
What to do if you fail the test
If you score below 80 percent, you can retake the test as soon as the next day. You do not have to wait a week or a month — just one calendar day. When you fail, the DMV will tell you which topics you missed the most questions on. Use that information to focus your studying. Go back to the Virginia Driver's Manual and reread those sections before you retake the test.
You can retake the test as many times as you need to pass. There is no limit on the number of attempts. However, each attempt costs the same fee as the first test, so studying thoroughly before each attempt saves you money.
Scheduling your test appointment
You can schedule your DMV written test online through the Virginia DMV website, by phone at 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463), or in person at any DMV office. Online scheduling is usually the fastest option. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the DMV office location where you want to take the test.
DMV offices vary in how quickly they have appointments available. Some offices in less populated areas may have same-day or next-day openings, while offices in larger cities may have a wait of several weeks. If the office nearest you is fully booked, check whether a DMV office in a nearby town has earlier availability.
Bring your appointment confirmation with you when you go to the DMV, though staff can look up your appointment by your name and date of birth if you forget it.
After you pass the written test
Once you pass the written test, you will receive a receipt showing your passing score. You can use this receipt to schedule your road test at the same DMV office or at a different one. The road test is the next step toward getting your full driver's license.
Your passing score is valid for a set period — check with your local DMV office about how long you have to schedule and take your road test before you need to retake the written test. In most cases, you have several months, but do not wait too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Virginia DMV test online from home?
No. You must take the test in person at a DMV office on a computer provided by the DMV. The DMV does this to verify your identity and may support the test is administered fairly. You can take practice tests online to prepare, but the real test must be taken at an office.
What happens if I run out of time before I finish the test?
If you do not submit your test before the time limit expires, the computer will automatically submit whatever answers you have completed. You will be scored on the questions you answered. Any questions you did not answer will count as wrong. This is why reading carefully and not rushing is important — you have up to one hour for 35 questions, which is plenty of time if you do not spend 10 minutes on a single question.
Do I need to bring anything besides my ID to the test?
Bring your learner's permit or current ID, proof of your Social Security number if you have not provided it before, and proof of Virginia residency such as a utility bill or lease. The DMV staff will tell you exactly what documents you need when you schedule your appointment.
Can I retake the test the same day if I fail?
No. Virginia requires you to wait at least one full calendar day before you can retake the test. You can schedule your next attempt for the very next day if an appointment is available, but you cannot take it again on the same day you failed.
Is the Virginia DMV test the same as the test in other states?
No. Each state has its own written test based on that state's traffic laws and road rules. If you move to Virginia from another state, you will need to take the Virginia test even if you already passed a test in your previous state. The Virginia Driver's Manual covers Virginia-specific laws, so study that manual, not a manual from another state.