Virginia: Alcohol and drugs — Part 1 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “At what blood alcohol content (BAC) are drivers age 21 or older considered to be driving under the influence (DUI)?” · “When attending a social event where alcohol will be consumed, what should you plan ahead for?”
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Virginia Driver's Manual" (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
All 23 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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At what blood alcohol content (BAC) are drivers age 21 or older considered to be driving under the influence (DUI)?
- .05 percent or higher
- .10 percent or higher
- .15 percent or higher
- .08 percent or higher
Show answer
Correct answer: .08 percent or higher
The manual says drivers age 21 or older are legally DUI at a BAC of .08 percent or higher.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Can you be convicted of DUI with a BAC lower than .08 percent?
- No, only at .08 percent or higher
- Yes, if your driving is impaired
- Yes, but only if you are under age 21
- No, unless you refuse a breath test
Show answer
Correct answer: Yes, if your driving is impaired
If your driving is impaired, you can be convicted of DUI even with a BAC lower than .08 percent.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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For a driver under age 21, which BAC range can lead to a conviction of illegal consumption of alcohol?
- At least .02 but less than .08
- At least .05 but less than .10
- At least .08 but less than .10
- At least .04 but less than .06
Show answer
Correct answer: At least .02 but less than .08
Under age 21, a BAC of at least .02 but less than .08 can bring a conviction for illegal consumption of alcohol.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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A driver under age 21 has a BAC of .08 or higher. Of what could the driver be convicted?
- Only reckless driving
- Only a parking violation
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Nothing, because .08 applies only to drivers age 21 or older
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving under the influence (DUI)
The manual says a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher could be convicted of a DUI.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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If your driving is impaired because you are under the influence of any drug, what may you face?
- Lighter penalties than driving under the influence of alcohol
- The same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol
- Penalties only if the drug is illegal
- A warning only if it is a prescription drug
Show answer
Correct answer: The same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol
Impairment by any drug can bring the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Just one alcoholic drink can affect your driving ability because even a small amount of alcohol affects which functions of the brain?
- Hearing, memory and reading ability
- Digestion, hearing and balance
- Speech, hearing and memory
- Vision, judgment and coordination
Show answer
Correct answer: Vision, judgment and coordination
Even a small amount of alcohol affects the brain’s functions, particularly vision, judgment and coordination.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Twelve ounces of beer is the same as which other drinks?
- Two shots of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine
- A shot of liquor or a ten-ounce glass of wine
- Half a shot of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine
- A shot of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine
Show answer
Correct answer: A shot of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine
A 12-ounce beer has the same alcohol as a shot of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What can decrease intoxication?
- Coffee
- Only time
- A cold shower
- Exercise
Show answer
Correct answer: Only time
Only time can decrease intoxication; coffee, cold showers and exercise will not sober you up.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What is the only way to avoid the risks of drinking and driving?
- Drink slowly and limit yourself to one or two drinks
- Eat a large meal and drink plenty of water while you drink
- Decide before you start drinking that you are not going to drive
- Wait until you are sure the effects are wearing off
Show answer
Correct answer: Decide before you start drinking that you are not going to drive
The manual says the only way is to decide before you start drinking that you will not drive.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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When is making the decision not to drive a lot more difficult?
- After one or two drinks
- After a long day of driving
- After eating a heavy meal
- After taking a nap
Show answer
Correct answer: After one or two drinks
Alcohol affects judgment, so deciding not to drive is much harder after one or two drinks.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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When attending a social event where alcohol will be consumed, what should you plan ahead for?
- A place to sleep in your car
- A sober ride home
- Extra time to drive slowly
- A late-night snack to stay alert
Show answer
Correct answer: A sober ride home
You should plan ahead for a sober ride home, using alternative transportation or a sober driver.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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What does combining alcohol with other drugs usually do?
- Cancels the effects of each
- Reduces the effects of the alcohol
- Adds no effect on driving
- Multiplies the effects of both
Show answer
Correct answer: Multiplies the effects of both
Alcohol combined with other drugs usually multiplies the effects of both.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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One drink taken while you are on another drug, even an aspirin or cold medicine, could have the same effect on your driving as what?
- Drinking several alcoholic beverages
- Drinking one alcoholic beverage on its own
- Taking a double dose of the other drug
- Driving after a full day without sleep
Show answer
Correct answer: Drinking several alcoholic beverages
Alcohol mixed with even a mild drug can affect driving as much as several drinks would.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Which drugs can reduce your ability to drive safely?
- Only drugs that are illegal in Virginia
- Only prescription drugs prescribed by a doctor
- Almost any drug, not just illegal ones
- Only drugs taken in large amounts
Show answer
Correct answer: Almost any drug, not just illegal ones
Almost any drug can reduce your ability to drive, not just illegal drugs.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs for headaches, hay fever, colds or allergies can cause what?
- Faster reaction times and sharper alertness
- Better coordination
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Improved night vision
Show answer
Correct answer: Drowsiness and dizziness
Many such medicines can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which affect alertness and slow reaction time.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Possession of marijuana by people over age 21 is legal. What is the law on driving under the influence of marijuana?
- It is still illegal
- It is legal for drivers age 21 or older
- It is legal if the marijuana was bought legally
- It is legal when only a small amount is used
Show answer
Correct answer: It is still illegal
Although possession is legal over age 21, driving under the influence of marijuana is still illegal.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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What should you do before taking any drug or medicine?
- Check with a friend who has taken the same medicine
- Take a small test dose and drive a short distance
- Wait to see how you feel before reading the label
- Read the label and look for warnings about side effects
Show answer
Correct answer: Read the label and look for warnings about side effects
The manual says to read the label and look for side-effect warnings before taking any drug.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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If you are uncertain about the effects of a drug, whom does the manual say to ask for advice?
- A friend who has taken it
- Your pharmacist or doctor
- Another driver
- A law enforcement officer
Show answer
Correct answer: Your pharmacist or doctor
You should ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure how a drug will affect you.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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What does the manual say about the effects of drugs on different users?
- The effects may vary among users, but no drug is harmless
- All drugs have the same effect on every user
- Drugs sold without a prescription are harmless for drivers
- Only illegal drugs can harm a driver’s ability
Show answer
Correct answer: The effects may vary among users, but no drug is harmless
Effects vary from person to person, but no drug is harmless.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 25 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 25)
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Under implied consent laws, what do you agree to when you operate a motor vehicle on Virginia’s public roads?
- To allow officers to search your vehicle at any time
- To pay for any roadside testing yourself
- To attend a driver improvement clinic after every stop
- To take a breath test upon request
Show answer
Correct answer: To take a breath test upon request
Driving on Virginia’s public roads means you have agreed to a breath test when asked.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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If you are in a crash and an officer has probable cause, within how long after the crash can you be arrested for DUI without a warrant?
- Within three hours
- Within one hour
- Within six hours
- Within 24 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: Within three hours
An officer with probable cause can arrest for DUI without a warrant, at any location, within three hours of the crash.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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Your driving privilege will be automatically suspended if you are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and you do what?
- Refuse to answer the officer’s questions or your BAC is .05 percent or higher
- Drive with a passenger under age 18 in the vehicle
- Refuse a breath test or your BAC is .08 percent or higher
- Have a previous speeding conviction on your record
Show answer
Correct answer: Refuse a breath test or your BAC is .08 percent or higher
The Administrative License Suspension applies when you refuse a breath test or your BAC is .08 percent or higher and you are charged.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)
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How long is your driving privilege automatically suspended under the Administrative License Suspension for a first offense?
- 14 days
- Seven days
- 30 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: Seven days
For a first offense the automatic suspension lasts seven days.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 30 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 30)