Virginia: Emergency vehicles and work zones — Part 1 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “What do flaggers normally wear?” · “If you are convicted of exceeding the speed limit in a highway work zone, what penalty may you face?”
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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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Which road conditions may a rough road warning sign refer to?
- Conditions such as flooding or ice that cover most of the road surface
- Conditions such as falling rocks that block the travel lanes
- Conditions such as heavy fog that make the road surface hard to see
- Conditions such as loose gravel or road construction that affect the road surface
Show answer
Correct answer: Conditions such as loose gravel or road construction that affect the road surface
Rough road, bump and uneven lanes signs warn that loose gravel or construction has affected the surface, which is difficult especially for motorcyclists.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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What do road construction ahead and detour signs indicate?
- A change in the traffic pattern or route ahead
- That the work zone speed limit has ended
- That the road ahead is permanently closed
- That flaggers will direct traffic for the next mile
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Correct answer: A change in the traffic pattern or route ahead
These signs indicate a change in the traffic pattern or route, so you should slow down because conditions ahead may be unusual or dangerous.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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What do large flashing arrow boards or flashing message signs in work zones tell drivers?
- To stop completely and wait until a flagger gives a signal to proceed
- To reduce speed to 25 MPH through the work zone
- To proceed into different traffic lanes because part of the road ahead is closed
- To leave the road and use the nearest shoulder
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Correct answer: To proceed into different traffic lanes because part of the road ahead is closed
Flashing arrow boards direct drivers into different lanes and inform them that part of the road ahead is closed.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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What do flaggers normally wear?
- Red or blue vests, or white shirts or jackets with stripes
- White coveralls and red helmets
- Orange or yellow vests, or yellow-green shirts or jackets
- Black shirts with white stripes
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Correct answer: Orange or yellow vests, or yellow-green shirts or jackets
Flaggers are highway workers who normally wear orange or yellow vests, or yellow-green shirts or jackets.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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What do flaggers use to stop or direct traffic through a work zone?
- STOP/SLOW paddles or red flags
- Green flags or flashlights
- Blue flags or lanterns
- Whistles or orange cones
Show answer
Correct answer: STOP/SLOW paddles or red flags
Flaggers use STOP/SLOW paddles or red flags to stop or direct traffic and to let workers or construction vehicles cross the road.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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You see a sign in a work zone with a camera symbol. What does it indicate?
- Cameras are counting vehicles to plan future road work
- Cameras are recording the flaggers’ signals for training
- Cameras are watching for drivers who change lanes in the work zone
- Automated photo enforcement is in place for speeding in the work zone
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Correct answer: Automated photo enforcement is in place for speeding in the work zone
The photo speed enforcement sign means automated photo enforcement for speeding is in place, so always obey the posted work zone speed limit.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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When driving near traffic control devices such as barricades, drums and cones in a work zone, where should you keep your vehicle?
- Close to the devices for a better view
- In the middle of the lane
- As far toward the left as possible
- On the shoulder of the road
Show answer
Correct answer: In the middle of the lane
The manual says to keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and obey the posted speed limit near the devices.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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As you leave a work zone, when may you change lanes?
- Only when you are completely clear of the work zone
- As soon as you have passed the last cone or drum
- As soon as the work zone speed limit ends
- As soon as the lane ahead looks open
Show answer
Correct answer: Only when you are completely clear of the work zone
You should stay in your lane and keep your speed until you are completely clear of the work zone.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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Which of these is one of the most common devices used to guide drivers safely through work zones?
- Speed humps
- Toll booths
- Concrete barriers
- Yield lines
Show answer
Correct answer: Concrete barriers
The manual lists barricades, vertical signs, concrete barriers, drums and cones as the most common devices for guiding drivers through work zones.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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If you are convicted of exceeding the speed limit in a highway work zone, what penalty may you face?
- A fine of up to $100
- A fine of up to $500
- A fine of up to $300
- A fine of up to $750
Show answer
Correct answer: A fine of up to $500
The manual says a conviction for speeding in a highway work zone can bring a fine of up to $500.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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If you are convicted of using a handheld communications device in a highway work zone, what penalty will you face?
- A fine of $100
- A fine of $150
- A fine of $350
- A fine of $250
Show answer
Correct answer: A fine of $250
The manual states that using a handheld communications device in a highway work zone results in a $250 fine.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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What kind of information do portable or permanent message boards along roadways provide?
- Information about nearby rest areas, fuel stops and restaurants
- Information about local speed limits in school zones
- Information about toll rates and transponder accounts
- Information about traffic, road, weather or other hazardous conditions
Show answer
Correct answer: Information about traffic, road, weather or other hazardous conditions
Message boards provide information about traffic, road, weather or other hazardous conditions.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What should you do about directions posted on a message board along the road?
- Obey them only in work zones
- Always obey them
- Treat them as advice only
- Obey them only if a flagger is present
Show answer
Correct answer: Always obey them
The manual says to always obey any directions posted on message boards.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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How should you drive over rumble strips placed in advance of a work zone?
- Drive over them quickly to reduce the vibration
- Swerve around them into the next lane
- Slowly drive over them, and do not swerve around them
- Stop completely before driving over them
Show answer
Correct answer: Slowly drive over them, and do not swerve around them
Rumble strips should be driven over slowly and never swerved around.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What color are the strips that a Rumble Strips Ahead sign warns of?
- Black or orange
- Red or white
- Yellow or green
- Blue or white
Show answer
Correct answer: Black or orange
The sign warns of black or orange strips across the travel lanes in advance of work zones.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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For which of these must you always stop your vehicle?
- A speed limit sign
- A curve warning sign ahead
- A flagger signaling you to stop
- A green traffic light
Show answer
Correct answer: A flagger signaling you to stop
You must always stop when signaled by flaggers directing traffic.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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If you don’t obey a law enforcement officer’s signal to stop and the officer pursues you and is killed as a direct result of the pursuit, what are you guilty of?
- A Class 4 felony
- A Class 2 misdemeanor
- A Class 1 felony
- A Class 3 misdemeanor
Show answer
Correct answer: A Class 4 felony
Causing an officer’s death in a pursuit after ignoring a stop signal is a Class 4 felony.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Which colors of flashing or blinking lights on a vehicle require drivers to take specific actions?
- Blue, red, amber (yellow) or white
- Red, green, amber (yellow) or white
- Blue, green, purple or white
- Red, amber (yellow) or green only
Show answer
Correct answer: Blue, red, amber (yellow) or white
The manual lists flashing or blinking blue, red, amber (yellow) or white lights.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights on a highway, what should you do, if reasonable and safe?
- Stop behind it until its lights turn off
- Move into the lane next to it so you can pass quickly
- Sound your horn to warn the driver
- Change to a lane not next to the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Change to a lane not next to the vehicle
You should proceed with caution and, if reasonable, move to a lane not next to the vehicle.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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You are approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights and cannot safely change lanes. What should you do?
- Stop until the vehicle leaves
- Reduce your speed and proceed with caution
- Maintain your speed and pass quickly
- Pull onto the shoulder and wait
Show answer
Correct answer: Reduce your speed and proceed with caution
If you cannot change lanes safely, reduce your speed and proceed with caution.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What can result from violating the rules for approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights?
- A written warning and a required driver education course
- Court suspension of your driver’s license and demerit points
- Cancellation of your vehicle registration
- Permanent loss of your learner’s permit only
Show answer
Correct answer: Court suspension of your driver’s license and demerit points
Violations can lead to court suspension of your license and demerit points.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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What are you required to do when passing stationary vehicles that have activated hazard flashers, displayed caution signs, or been marked with properly lit flares or torches?
- Stop and wait for the vehicle to move
- Sound your horn and pass on the right
- Slow to a crawl and stay in your lane
- Make a lane change and proceed with caution
Show answer
Correct answer: Make a lane change and proceed with caution
You are required to change lanes and proceed with caution.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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When passing a stationary vehicle collecting trash on a highway of at least four lanes, what should you do if you can change lanes safely?
- Change to a lane not next to the vehicle
- Stop until the trash collection is finished
- Pass on the right shoulder
- Sound your horn and pass quickly
Show answer
Correct answer: Change to a lane not next to the vehicle
On a highway of at least four lanes, you change to a lane not next to the trash vehicle if you can do so safely.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)