Virginia DMV Permit Practice Test 1: 50 Questions
Practice Test 1 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Virginia driving rules, including Virginia basic speed law, Virginia BAC limit, Virginia Under-21 BAC and handheld texting prohibition. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.
More Virginia Practice Tests
What Practice Test 1 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Virginia Basic Speed Law
- Virginia BAC Limit
- Virginia Under-21 BAC
- Handheld Texting Prohibition
- School Bus Two-Lane
- School Bus Not Required
- Virginia Move Over Law
- Signal at Least 100 Feet
- Hill Parking Uphill With Curb
- Hill Parking Downhill With Curb
- Roundabout Entry
- Hydroplaning Response
- Wet Road Stopping Distance
- Skid on Ice Recovery
- Fog Driving
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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You should choose your driving speed mainly based on:
Show answer
A. Road, traffic, and weather conditions, even if that is below the posted limit
You must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, even if that is less than the posted limit.
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For most drivers age 21 and older, the legal BAC limit is:
Show answer
C. 0.08% BAC
A BAC of 0.08% or more is considered legally intoxicated for most drivers, and you can be arrested at lower levels if impaired.
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For drivers under 21, having any alcohol in the system:
Show answer
B. Can lead to license suspension and other penalties
Zero-tolerance laws mean that any measurable alcohol for underage drivers can result in serious penalties.
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Using a handheld device to read, write, or send a text while driving is:
Show answer
C. Against the law and very dangerous
Texting while driving takes your eyes, hands, and mind off the road and is illegal in many situations.
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On most roads, you should signal your turn or lane change at least:
Show answer
C. 100 feet before you turn or move over
Signaling early gives other drivers and pedestrians time to see what you plan to do and react safely.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 1, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. You should choose your driving speed mainly based on:
Correct answer: Road, traffic, and weather conditions, even if that is below the posted limit
Why: You must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, even if that is less than the posted limit.
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Q2. When there is a STOP sign and a marked stop line, you must come to a complete stop:
Correct answer: At the stop line before the crosswalk or intersection
Why: Stop at the stop line first. If there is no line, stop before the crosswalk or where you can see clearly.
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Q3. A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means you:
Correct answer: May not pass because it is unsafe to do so here
Why: A solid yellow line on your side marks a no-passing zone where sight distance or other conditions make passing dangerous.
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Q4. A broken yellow center line between two lanes of traffic means:
Correct answer: Passing is allowed when it can be done safely
Why: Broken yellow lines between opposite-direction lanes show where you may pass if there is enough clear space ahead.
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Q5. A solid white line between lanes usually means:
Correct answer: Lane changes are discouraged and should be made only when necessary
Why: Solid white lines separate lanes going the same way and warn you not to weave in and out unless you really need to.
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Q6. Before changing lanes on a multilane road, what is the correct order of actions?
Correct answer: Check mirrors, signal, check your blind spot, then move when clear
Why: Safe lane changes always use mirrors, turn signals, and a quick look over your shoulder into the blind spot.
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Q7. The main purpose of the three-second rule is to help you:
Correct answer: Keep a safe following distance under normal conditions
Why: Counting at least three seconds between the vehicle ahead and your vehicle helps you avoid rear-end crashes.
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Q8. You should increase your following distance beyond three seconds when:
Correct answer: Roads are wet, visibility is poor, or you are following a large vehicle
Why: In rain, fog, heavy traffic, or when following trucks, you need extra space so you can react and stop safely.
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Q9. On a multilane roadway, the left lane is usually used for:
Correct answer: Passing and for faster-moving traffic
Why: Stay in the right lane when you can and use the left lane mainly to pass or prepare for a left turn.
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Q10. When another driver is following you too closely (tailgating), the safest thing to do is to:
Correct answer: Gradually slow down and, when possible, change lanes so they can pass
Why: Creating space and letting the tailgater get around you lowers the risk of a rear-end collision.
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Q11. If your view at an intersection is blocked by buildings, trees, or parked cars, you should:
Correct answer: Move forward slowly until you can see clearly, then proceed if it is safe
Why: Creep forward carefully and look for cross traffic and pedestrians before you enter the intersection.
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Q12. A green arrow pointing left at an intersection means you may:
Correct answer: Make a protected left turn; oncoming traffic should be stopped
Why: A steady green arrow gives you a protected turn in that direction while oncoming traffic has a red light.
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Q13. When a steady yellow light appears as you approach an intersection, it means:
Correct answer: The light is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely
Why: A steady yellow warns that the green phase is ending. Prepare to stop before the intersection if it is safe to do so.
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Q14. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection means you must:
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop, then proceed when it is safe
Why: A flashing red light works the same as a stop sign. Stop fully, yield, and then go when clear.
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Q15. If the traffic signals are not working at an intersection, you should:
Correct answer: Treat the intersection as a four-way stop and proceed with caution
Why: When signals are dark, all drivers must stop and take turns, just like at a stop-controlled intersection.
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Q16. When a law enforcement officer’s directions conflict with a traffic signal, you should:
Correct answer: Follow the officer’s instructions
Why: Directions from police and traffic officers override normal signals and signs.
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Q17. You must use headlights:
Correct answer: From sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced
Why: Headlights are required at night and any time you cannot see clearly at a safe distance.
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Q18. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet road, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until your tires grip again
Why: Sudden braking or steering can cause a skid. Gently reducing speed helps your tires regain contact with the road.
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Q19. On a wet roadway compared to dry pavement, your stopping distance will be:
Correct answer: Longer, so you must slow down and leave more following distance
Why: Rain reduces traction and increases the distance needed to stop, so you should reduce speed and increase space.
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Q20. If you start to skid on ice or packed snow, the safest way to regain control is to:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go
Why: Look where you want the front of the vehicle to go and steer smoothly in that direction while avoiding sudden braking.
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Q21. When you approach a stopped school bus with red lights flashing on a two-lane road, you must:
Correct answer: Stop in either direction until the lights stop and the bus moves again
Why: Drivers in both directions must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights unless a median or barrier separates the lanes.
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Q22. You are not required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights when:
Correct answer: You are on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a median or barrier
Why: If a physical barrier or median separates your lane from the bus, you do not have to stop, but you must still use caution.
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Q23. Move over laws require you to do what when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the roadside?
Correct answer: Move over one lane if possible or slow down to a safe speed
Why: Drivers must either change lanes away from the vehicle or slow down significantly to protect workers and officers.
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Q24. For most drivers age 21 and older, the legal BAC limit is:
Correct answer: 0.08% BAC
Why: A BAC of 0.08% or more is considered legally intoxicated for most drivers, and you can be arrested at lower levels if impaired.
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Q25. For drivers under 21, having any alcohol in the system:
Correct answer: Can lead to license suspension and other penalties
Why: Zero-tolerance laws mean that any measurable alcohol for underage drivers can result in serious penalties.
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Q26. Seat belt laws generally require:
Correct answer: The driver and every passenger, front and rear, to wear a seat belt
Why: Under Virginia law, the driver and all passengers, front and rear, must wear safety belts. A driver carrying anyone under 18 must make sure they are secured in a safety belt, booster seat or child safety seat.
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Q27. The safest place for a child safety seat in most vehicles is:
Correct answer: In the rear seat, away from active airbags
Why: A rear seat location helps protect children from airbags and frontal crashes.
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Q28. When backing out of a parking space or driveway, you should:
Correct answer: Turn and look directly through the rear window while backing slowly
Why: Backing should be done slowly while looking over your shoulder through the rear window to see hazards clearly.
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Q29. When sharing the road with a bicyclist, you should:
Correct answer: Leave at least three feet and pass at a safe, reduced speed
Why: Virginia law requires drivers to pass bicyclists with at least three feet of clearance and at a reasonable speed.
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Q30. You are approaching a railroad crossing with no gates or warning lights. What should you do?
Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen for trains, and be ready to stop
Why: At passive crossings you must check carefully in both directions and cross only when you are sure no train is coming.
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Q31. When parking on a hill facing uphill with a curb, you should:
Correct answer: Turn the front wheels away from the curb and set the parking brake
Why: Turning the wheels away from the curb helps keep the vehicle from rolling into the street if the brakes fail.
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Q32. Using a handheld device to read, write, or send a text while driving is:
Correct answer: Against the law and very dangerous
Why: Texting while driving takes your eyes, hands, and mind off the road and is illegal in many situations.
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Q33. When stopping at a four-way stop intersection, the right-of-way goes to:
Correct answer: The first vehicle to stop, or if two stop together, the driver on the right
Why: After stopping, drivers proceed in the order they arrived. If they arrive at the same time, the driver on the right goes first.
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Q34. Before making a right turn, you should:
Correct answer: Signal, move close to the right curb, check for pedestrians, and turn at a safe speed
Why: Good right turns begin from the correct lane with plenty of warning and careful checking for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Q35. When turning left from a two-way street onto another two-way street, you should:
Correct answer: Turn from the lane nearest the center line into the lane nearest the center line
Why: Using the lanes closest to the center lines reduces conflicts with traffic in other lanes.
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Q36. When driving at night on an unlit rural road, you should:
Correct answer: Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic and switch to low beams when a vehicle approaches
Why: High beams let you see farther ahead, but you must dim them for oncoming and nearby traffic to avoid glare.
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Q37. If another driver is acting aggressively toward you, the safest response is to:
Correct answer: Avoid eye contact, do not respond, and if needed drive to a safe, public place
Why: Do not engage with aggressive drivers. Staying calm and getting to a safe location lowers the chance of a serious incident.
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Q38. If you are feeling tired while driving on a long trip, you should:
Correct answer: Exit the road safely and rest before continuing
Why: Only sleep and real rest can fight fatigue. Short-term tricks are not a safe substitute for stopping.
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Q39. On most roads, you should signal your turn or lane change at least:
Correct answer: 100 feet before you turn or move over
Why: Signaling early gives other drivers and pedestrians time to see what you plan to do and react safely.
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Q40. On a highway entrance ramp, the purpose of the acceleration lane is to:
Correct answer: Match the speed of freeway traffic before merging
Why: Use the acceleration lane to build up speed so you can merge smoothly into the flow of traffic.
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Q41. A broken white line between lanes of traffic on a freeway means:
Correct answer: You may change lanes when it is safe to do so
Why: Broken white lines separate lanes going the same direction and allow lane changes when there is enough space.
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Q42. When you see a pedestrian in a crosswalk with a WALK signal, you should:
Correct answer: Yield and allow them to finish crossing before you enter the crosswalk
Why: Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right-of-way when they are lawfully crossing.
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Q43. When preparing to leave a parallel-parking space, the first thing you should do is:
Correct answer: Check behind and to the side for approaching traffic and bicycles
Why: Always check mirrors, blind spots, and signal before you move out into traffic.
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Q44. If you miss your exit on a freeway, you should:
Correct answer: Go to the next exit, leave the freeway safely, and turn around
Why: Stopping, backing up, or crossing the median on a freeway is very dangerous. Always go to the next exit instead.
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Q45. In a work zone with reduced speed limit signs, you must:
Correct answer: Slow down to the posted work zone speed, even if workers are not visible
Why: Work zone speed limits apply whenever they are posted, and fines can be higher for violations in these areas.
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Q46. When a police officer stops your vehicle, you should:
Correct answer: Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and follow the officer’s instructions
Why: Keeping your hands where the officer can see them and waiting for directions helps keep everyone safe.
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Q47. Before you start driving, you should adjust:
Correct answer: Your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel so you can reach and see comfortably
Why: Good driving position and mirror settings help you control the vehicle and reduce blind spots.
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Q48. When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren approaches from behind, you must:
Correct answer: Move as far to the right as you safely can and stop
Why: Yield the right-of-way by pulling to the right edge of the road and stopping until the emergency vehicle passes.
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Q49. In a roundabout or traffic circle, you should:
Correct answer: Yield to traffic already in the circle before entering
Why: Vehicles inside the roundabout usually have the right-of-way. Slow down, yield, and enter when there is a safe gap.
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Q50. When driving in fog, you should use:
Correct answer: Low-beam headlights and reduce your speed
Why: Low beams reduce glare and help you see the road better in fog, while high beams can reflect back and make it harder to see.