Virginia DMV Permit Practice Mini Test 4: 12 Questions

Mini Test 4 has 12 multiple-choice questions on Virginia driving rules, including Virginia headlights required, VA high beam oncoming, hydroplaning definition and hydroplaning prevention. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.

Question 1
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For Virginia test facts, what to bring and FAQs, see the Virginia permit test page. You can also read the official Virginia Driver's Manual.

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What Mini Test 4 Covers

The questions in this test ask about:

Try 5 Questions from This Test

  1. When driving at night, you must use headlights from:

    • A. Sunset to sunrise, and whenever visibility is poor
    • B. Only when you drive faster than 45 mph
    • C. Only on rural roads without streetlights
    Show answer

    A. Sunset to sunrise, and whenever visibility is poor

    Headlights help you see and be seen whenever it is dark or you cannot clearly see the road ahead.

  2. You should dim your high beams for oncoming vehicles when they are about:

    • A. 50 feet away
    • B. 1,000 feet away
    • C. 500 feet away
    Show answer

    C. 500 feet away

    Dimming your high beams early reduces glare and helps other drivers see the road.

  3. When following another vehicle at night, you should use low beams when you are within about:

    • A. 800 feet of the vehicle ahead
    • B. 200 feet of the vehicle ahead
    • C. 50 feet of the vehicle ahead
    Show answer

    B. 200 feet of the vehicle ahead

    Virginia’s driver manual says to use low beams whenever you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead, and to dim for oncoming vehicles within 500 feet.

  4. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:

    • A. Brake hard immediately
    • B. Turn the steering wheel sharply
    • C. Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until you regain traction
    Show answer

    C. Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until you regain traction

    Sudden braking or steering can cause a skid. Gently reducing speed helps you regain control.

  5. Using a handheld phone to read or send text messages while driving is:

    • A. Recommended only at low speeds
    • B. Dangerous and against the law in many situations
    • C. Safe if you only glance down quickly
    Show answer

    B. Dangerous and against the law in many situations

    Texting takes your eyes, hands, and mind away from driving, which greatly increases crash risk.

Complete Study Guide: All 12 Questions with Answers

Every question in Mini Test 4, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.

  1. Q1. When driving at night, you must use headlights from:

    Correct answer: Sunset to sunrise, and whenever visibility is poor

    Why: Headlights help you see and be seen whenever it is dark or you cannot clearly see the road ahead.

  2. Q2. You should dim your high beams for oncoming vehicles when they are about:

    Correct answer: 500 feet away

    Why: Dimming your high beams early reduces glare and helps other drivers see the road.

  3. Q3. When following another vehicle at night, you should use low beams when you are within about:

    Correct answer: 200 feet of the vehicle ahead

    Why: Virginia’s driver manual says to use low beams whenever you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead, and to dim for oncoming vehicles within 500 feet.

  4. Q4. If an oncoming driver does not dim high beams at night, you should:

    Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane to reduce glare

    Why: Looking at the right edge line helps you stay in your lane without being blinded by glare.

  5. Q5. On a wet road, your tires can lose contact with the road surface and ride on water. This is called:

    Correct answer: Hydroplaning

    Why: Hydroplaning happens when water builds up under your tires and reduces traction.

  6. Q6. To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, you should:

    Correct answer: Slow down and avoid sudden steering or hard braking

    Why: Lower speeds and smooth control help your tires stay in contact with the road.

  7. Q7. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:

    Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until you regain traction

    Why: Sudden braking or steering can cause a skid. Gently reducing speed helps you regain control.

  8. Q8. On icy or snowy roads, the best way to make turns is to:

    Correct answer: Slow down and turn the wheel gently

    Why: Lower speeds and smooth steering help keep your tires from sliding.

  9. Q9. If your brakes start to feel soft or fade on a long downhill grade, you should:

    Correct answer: Shift to a lower gear and apply the brakes off and on

    Why: Engine braking and firm, intermittent pressure help control speed without overheating brakes.

  10. Q10. Using a handheld phone to read or send text messages while driving is:

    Correct answer: Dangerous and against the law in many situations

    Why: Texting takes your eyes, hands, and mind away from driving, which greatly increases crash risk.

  11. Q11. Driving while very tired can be as dangerous as:

    Correct answer: Driving after drinking alcohol

    Why: Drowsy driving slows your reactions and can cause you to fall asleep for a few seconds without noticing.

  12. Q12. If you start to feel very sleepy while driving, the safest thing to do is to:

    Correct answer: Find a safe place to stop and rest

    Why: Stopping to rest is the only safe cure for drowsy driving. Tricks like music or open windows do not last.

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