Virginia DMV Permit Practice Test 3: 50 Questions
Practice Test 3 has 50 multiple-choice questions on Virginia driving rules, including VA high beam oncoming, VA high beam following, white diamond HOV lane and roads most slippery. 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 3 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- VA High Beam Oncoming
- VA High Beam Following
- White Diamond HOV Lane
- Roads Most Slippery
- VA Fire Hydrant Distance
- VA Crosswalk Distance
- Sticking Accelerator First Step
- Lane Use Control Mandatory
- One-Way Street Wrong Turn
- Hazard Lights Ahead
- Person Walking Back to Traffic
- Night Officer Stop Safety
- Vehicle Shake at Speed
- Large Truck Blind Spots
- Driving Too Slowly
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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You should switch from high beams to low beams for an oncoming vehicle when it is about:
Show answer
A. 500 feet away
To avoid blinding other drivers, dim your high beams at least several hundred feet before you meet them.
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When you are following another vehicle at night, you should use low beams instead of high beams when you are within about:
Show answer
C. 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.
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A lane marked with a white diamond symbol is usually reserved for:
Show answer
C. Buses, carpools, or bicycles as shown by nearby signs
Signs next to the lane explain who may use the lane and at what times.
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On rainy days, roads are usually most slippery:
Show answer
B. During the first few minutes of rain
Water mixes with oil and dirt at the start of a rain, making the road extra slick until it washes away.
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You may not park within this distance of a fire hydrant unless a sign allows it:
Show answer
B. 15 feet
Staying at least several yards away gives firefighters room to connect hoses in an emergency.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 3, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. You should switch from high beams to low beams for an oncoming vehicle when it is about:
Correct answer: 500 feet away
Why: To avoid blinding other drivers, dim your high beams at least several hundred feet before you meet them.
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Q2. When you are following another vehicle at night, you should use low beams instead of high 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.
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Q3. A crash must be reported to law enforcement when:
Correct answer: Someone is hurt, killed, or there is major property damage
Why: Serious crashes with injuries or big damage usually must be reported. The manual explains the exact rules.
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Q4. If your accelerator sticks and your engine keeps racing, you should first:
Correct answer: Shift to neutral, steer to a safe place, and brake gently
Why: Going to neutral lets the engine race without pushing the vehicle forward so you can slow and stop safely.
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Q5. In a highway work zone, you should always:
Correct answer: Slow down, obey all work-zone signs and any flaggers
Why: Reduced speeds and directions from signs or flaggers must be followed. Fines are often higher in work zones.
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Q6. An orange sign that reads ROAD WORK AHEAD means you should:
Correct answer: Be ready for slower traffic, lane changes, or workers near the road
Why: Orange signs warn of construction areas where normal traffic patterns may change.
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Q7. A lane marked with a white diamond symbol is usually reserved for:
Correct answer: Buses, carpools, or bicycles as shown by nearby signs
Why: Signs next to the lane explain who may use the lane and at what times.
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Q8. At a green traffic light with no green arrow, you want to turn left. You must:
Correct answer: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning
Why: A plain green light allows the turn but does not protect it. You must wait for a safe gap before turning.
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Q9. If all traffic lights at an intersection are flashing red, you should treat the intersection as:
Correct answer: A four-way stop
Why: A flashing red in all directions means everyone must stop and take turns going through.
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Q10. When driving in town traffic, a good habit is to look ahead at least:
Correct answer: One to two city blocks
Why: Looking far ahead lets you see signals, pedestrians, and hazards early so you can react smoothly.
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Q11. To help avoid being hit from the rear in heavy traffic, you should:
Correct answer: Signal early and brake gently when slowing or stopping
Why: Giving other drivers plenty of warning reduces the chance of a rear-end crash.
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Q12. Another driver is approaching from your left with no turn signal on. You plan to turn right. You should:
Correct answer: Wait until you are sure of what they are going to do
Why: Never guess what another driver will do. Wait until their actions are clear and it is safe to move.
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Q13. Backing a vehicle is more dangerous than driving forward because:
Correct answer: You cannot see directly behind you as well
Why: Your view is limited when backing. Always go slowly and be ready to stop.
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Q14. The safest way to back out of a driveway into a street is to:
Correct answer: Back slowly while looking over your shoulder and checking both sides
Why: Turn and look directly out the rear window while backing slowly and checking for traffic and pedestrians.
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Q15. At a railroad crossing with gates down and red lights flashing, you may drive through:
Correct answer: Only after the gates are fully raised, the lights stop, and you are sure no train is coming
Why: Never go around lowered gates. Wait until the signals show it is safe and double-check the tracks.
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Q16. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks and a train is coming, you should:
Correct answer: Get everyone out and move away from the tracks at an angle toward the train
Why: Moving away at an angle keeps you farther from any debris if the train hits the vehicle.
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Q17. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is:
Correct answer: Very distracting and often limited or illegal
Why: Any phone use takes attention away from driving. Many areas restrict handheld use, especially for young drivers.
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Q18. When should you adjust your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel?
Correct answer: Before you start driving, while the vehicle is still parked
Why: Setting your driving position before moving helps you reach controls and see around the vehicle clearly.
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Q19. If another vehicle suddenly pulls in front of you, the safest thing to do is to:
Correct answer: Take your foot off the gas and create more following distance
Why: Easing off the accelerator gives you more space and time to react without making the situation worse.
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Q20. You are driving in the right lane of a multilane highway and see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights stopped ahead on the shoulder. You should:
Correct answer: Move over a lane if you can safely or slow down
Why: Move over laws require drivers to change lanes or slow to protect people working on the roadside.
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Q21. You should signal your turn or lane change at least:
Correct answer: About 100 feet before you move, when possible
Why: Signaling in advance gives other road users time to notice and adjust to your move.
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Q22. A driver is following very closely behind you. The safest response is to:
Correct answer: Change lanes when you can or gently slow so they can pass
Why: Letting tailgaters pass you is safer than trying to control their behavior.
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Q23. The most important thing to understand about speed and stopping distance is that:
Correct answer: The faster you go, the more distance you need to stop
Why: Higher speeds greatly increase how far you travel before you react and how far you need to come to a stop.
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Q24. Driving much slower than the flow of traffic can be unsafe because:
Correct answer: Other drivers may not expect a very slow vehicle and may hit you
Why: If you travel far below the flow of traffic, other drivers may have to brake or change lanes suddenly.
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Q25. If you start to feel very sleepy while driving, you should:
Correct answer: Get off the road at a safe place and rest
Why: Only rest and sleep truly fight drowsiness. Continuing to drive while sleepy is extremely dangerous.
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Q26. A driver’s license can be suspended or revoked for:
Correct answer: Serious offenses such as driving under the influence or repeated traffic violations
Why: The manual lists violations that can cost you your driving privilege, including alcohol and drug offenses.
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Q27. If you are involved in a crash, the first thing you should do is:
Correct answer: Stop immediately and check if anyone is injured
Why: You must stop, make sure people are safe, and then follow the steps in the crash section of the manual.
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Q28. If someone is injured in a crash, you should:
Correct answer: Call 911 and do not move the person unless there is danger such as fire or traffic
Why: Moving injured people can make injuries worse. Only move them if there is immediate danger.
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Q29. You must turn on your headlights whenever:
Correct answer: Conditions make it hard to see clearly at a safe distance
Why: Use headlights at night and any time rain, fog, or dust makes it harder to see or be seen.
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Q30. On rainy days, roads are usually most slippery:
Correct answer: During the first few minutes of rain
Why: Water mixes with oil and dirt at the start of a rain, making the road extra slick until it washes away.
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Q31. If you must drive through standing water on the road, you should:
Correct answer: Go slowly and test your brakes gently after you pass through
Why: Deep water can affect your brakes and steering. Slow speed and brake checks help keep control.
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Q32. If your vehicle begins to skid in a curve, you should:
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go
Why: Look where you want to go and steer smoothly. Sudden braking or steering can make the skid worse.
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Q33. To reduce the glare from oncoming headlights at night, you should:
Correct answer: Look slightly toward the right side of your lane, not directly into the lights
Why: Glancing toward the right edge of the road lets you follow your lane without being blinded.
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Q34. The safest way to handle a curve is to:
Correct answer: Slow down before the curve and gently accelerate as you come out of it
Why: Lowering your speed before the curve helps your tires grip the road and keeps the vehicle stable.
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Q35. You may not park within this distance of a fire hydrant unless a sign allows it:
Correct answer: 15 feet
Why: Staying at least several yards away gives firefighters room to connect hoses in an emergency.
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Q36. You may not park within this distance of a crosswalk at an intersection:
Correct answer: 20 feet
Why: Parking too close to a crosswalk makes it hard for drivers to see people crossing the street.
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Q37. A lane-use control sign that says LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT means:
Correct answer: You must change lanes if you want to go straight
Why: You must obey lane-use signs. From that lane, only a left turn is allowed.
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Q38. If you pass the street you needed on a one-way street, you should:
Correct answer: Continue to the next safe place to turn around or change direction
Why: Backing up or turning around in the middle of a one-way street is dangerous and forbidden.
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Q39. When you see a stopped vehicle ahead with its hazard lights on, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to go around carefully
Why: Hazard lights warn of a problem. Be ready for people walking around the vehicle or sudden lane changes.
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Q40. A person walking along the road with their back to traffic is:
Correct answer: Not following the safest rule for pedestrians
Why: People on foot are usually advised to walk facing traffic so they can see approaching vehicles.
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Q41. If an officer stops you at night, you can help make the stop safer by:
Correct answer: Turning on your interior light and keeping your hands in plain view
Why: Staying seated with your hands where the officer can see them helps everyone feel safer.
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Q42. A yellow warning sign with a black arrow curving to the right means:
Correct answer: The road ahead curves to the right
Why: Curve signs warn you to slow down and be ready to follow the bend in the road.
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Q43. If your vehicle begins to shake or wobble at higher speeds, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down gradually and have the vehicle checked
Why: Unusual vibrations can mean tire or suspension problems that need attention.
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Q44. One reason to leave extra following distance behind large trucks and buses is that:
Correct answer: It improves your view of the road ahead and gives you more time to react
Why: Because big vehicles block your view, extra space helps you see hazards and stop in time.
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Q45. When entering a roadway from a driveway, parking lot, or alley, you must:
Correct answer: Yield to vehicles and pedestrians already on the road or sidewalk
Why: Drivers entering a street must wait for a safe gap in traffic and for people walking on the sidewalk to pass.
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Q46. The safest way to use your eyes while driving is to:
Correct answer: Keep scanning ahead, to the sides, and behind you using mirrors
Why: Constant scanning helps you spot problems early and avoid sudden swerves or hard braking.
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Q47. A yellow warning sign with a picture of a traffic signal on it means:
Correct answer: There is a signalized intersection ahead
Why: The sign tells you to be ready for a traffic light ahead that may not be easy to see yet.
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Q48. If your vehicle starts to fishtail on a slippery road, you should:
Correct answer: Steer gently in the same direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding
Why: Steering with the skid helps you straighten the vehicle without overcorrecting.
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Q49. Before driving in reverse, you should:
Correct answer: Check behind and around the vehicle and continue to look back while backing
Why: Check all directions for people or objects and back up slowly while watching carefully.
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Q50. If you realize you are in the wrong lane for a turn as you reach an intersection, you should:
Correct answer: Go straight and find a safe place to turn around later
Why: Last-second lane changes or turns from the wrong lane can surprise others and cause crashes.