Virginia: 30 Hardest Driving Test Questions
Questions that need a second thought, picked for close numbers, exceptions and easy-to-confuse rules. Take your time.
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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 30 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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Within how many feet of a fire hydrant may you not park?
- 5 feet
- 15 feet
- 10 feet
- 25 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 feet
Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is not allowed.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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All children under what age must be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat?
- Age 8
- Age 4
- Age 6
- Age 10
Show answer
Correct answer: Age 8
Virginia requires every child under age 8 to be in a child safety seat or booster seat.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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When must school buses stop at railroad crossings?
- Only when the lights are flashing and the gate is lowered
- Always, even when the lights are not flashing
- Only when students are on board
- Only when no gate is present
Show answer
Correct answer: Always, even when the lights are not flashing
The manual notes that school buses must always stop at railroad crossings, even if the lights are not flashing.
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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At an all-way stop, you arrive at the same time as other vehicles. Who must yield?
- The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right
- The driver on the right must yield to the driver on the left
- The driver going straight must yield to the driver turning
- The driver in the larger vehicle must yield to the smaller one
Show answer
Correct answer: The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right
When arriving together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
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If you are a new Virginia resident and drive, within how many days of moving here must you obtain a Virginia driver’s license?
- 10 days
- 60 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
New residents who drive must get a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of moving.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 33 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 33)
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What do pink-and-black signs advise and warn of?
- Construction areas
- Pedestrian activity
- Incident areas
- Motorist services
Show answer
Correct answer: Incident areas
Pink and black signs are used in incident areas, while orange is used for construction.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
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During which hours does the manual say to avoid driving to help prevent drowsy driving?
- From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- From 8 p.m. to midnight
- From 2 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Show answer
Correct answer: From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The manual lists avoiding driving from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. as a way to avoid drowsy driving.
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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Law enforcement must forward a written crash report to DMV when a crash causes injury or death, or total property damage of more than what amount?
- $500
- $1,500
- $3,000
- $5,000
Show answer
Correct answer: $3,000
Officers must forward a written report to DMV when someone is hurt or killed or total property damage is in excess of $3,000.
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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Slow moving vehicles must display an orange triangle emblem when traveling at what speed?
- 35 MPH or less
- 25 MPH or less
- 15 MPH or less
- 45 MPH or less
Show answer
Correct answer: 25 MPH or less
Vehicles such as farm equipment, horse-drawn vehicles and highway work vehicles that travel at 25 MPH or less must display the emblem on a public highway.
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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Under what condition may you turn left at a red light?
- You are on a one-way street turning onto another one-way street
- You are on a one-way street turning onto a two-way street
- You are on a two-way street turning onto a one-way street
- You are on any street and no vehicles are in sight
Show answer
Correct answer: You are on a one-way street turning onto another one-way street
A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
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Driving how many miles per hour (MPH) or more above the speed limit can lead a law enforcement officer to charge you with reckless driving?
- 20
- 5
- 10
- 15
Show answer
Correct answer: 20
Virginia law lets an officer charge reckless driving for driving 20 or more MPH above the limit.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles on unpaved roads?
- 25 MPH
- 35 MPH
- 45 MPH
- 55 MPH
Show answer
Correct answer: 35 MPH
The default maximum on unpaved roads is 35 MPH.
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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Passing is unlawful and unsafe on hills, curves, at intersections or at railroad crossings, except on roads that have what?
- Two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction
- A wide paved shoulder that vehicles may drive on safely
- A posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less on the road
- A center turn lane
Show answer
Correct answer: Two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction
Passing at these places is allowed only on roads with two or more lanes moving in the same direction.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 17 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 17)
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On highways, you should use high-beam headlights unless another vehicle is within how many feet coming toward you?
- 250 feet
- 750 feet
- 1,000 feet
- 500 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 500 feet
High beams are fine on highways until another vehicle is within 500 feet coming toward you.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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When do you not have to stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights?
- When you travel the opposite way on a road with no median or barrier and the bus is across the road
- When you travel the same way as the bus on a road divided by a physical barrier
- When you are on a private road or school driveway and no children are in sight
- When you travel the opposite way on a road divided by a physical barrier and the bus is on the other side
Show answer
Correct answer: When you travel the opposite way on a road divided by a physical barrier and the bus is on the other side
You do not have to stop only when you travel in the opposite direction on a road divided by a barrier and the bus is on the other side; still be ready for people leaving the bus.
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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A traffic light changes from red to a flashing yellow arrow while a pedestrian is in the intersection. What must you do before turning?
- Turn behind the pedestrian as soon as you can
- Allow the pedestrian to cross the street
- Sound your horn to warn the pedestrian
- Wait for the arrow to turn green
Show answer
Correct answer: Allow the pedestrian to cross the street
You must let a pedestrian who is in the intersection finish crossing before you turn.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
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Under what age is it illegal to transport children in the bed of a pickup truck, even if it has a camper shell?
- Age 16
- Age 12
- Age 14
- Age 18
Show answer
Correct answer: Age 16
It is illegal to transport children under age 16 in a pickup truck bed, even with a camper shell.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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What can result from failing to stop for a pedestrian who is lawfully crossing a roadway and causing serious bodily damage or death?
- A Class 1 misdemeanor
- A Class 2 misdemeanor
- A Class 3 misdemeanor
- A traffic infraction with no jail term
Show answer
Correct answer: A Class 1 misdemeanor
Failing to stop for a lawfully crossing pedestrian and causing serious bodily damage or death can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 20 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 20)
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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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For the extra penalties for a DUI offense with a juvenile in the vehicle, which passenger counts as a juvenile?
- A passenger age 12 or younger
- A passenger age 15 or younger
- A passenger age 20 or younger
- A passenger age 17 or younger
Show answer
Correct answer: A passenger age 17 or younger
A juvenile passenger is anyone age 17 or younger in the vehicle at the time of the offense.
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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On a highway of fewer than four lanes, you cannot change lanes to pass a stationary trash collection vehicle. By how much must you slow below the posted speed limit?
- 5 MPH
- 15 MPH
- 10 MPH
- 20 MPH
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 MPH
You must slow down to 10 MPH below the posted speed limit.
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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Who can see red reflectors on the pavement?
- Only traffic in the lane next to them
- Only traffic in the center turn lane
- Only traffic flowing in the wrong direction
- Only traffic leaving a toll plaza
Show answer
Correct answer: Only traffic flowing in the wrong direction
Red reflectors are positioned so that only drivers going the wrong way see them.
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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If your steering wheel were a clock, at which positions should your hands be placed?
- 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock
- 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock
- 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock
- 7 o’clock and 5 o’clock
Show answer
Correct answer: 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock
The manual says your hands belong at the 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions on the wheel.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How far ahead do expert drivers try to focus their eyes?
- 2 to 4 seconds ahead
- 5 to 10 seconds ahead
- 20 to 30 seconds ahead
- 40 to 50 seconds ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 to 30 seconds ahead
Expert drivers try to focus their eyes 20 to 30 seconds ahead.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 19 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 19)
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About how far behind a truck, bus or RV may its blind spot stretch?
- Approximately 20 feet
- Approximately 50 feet
- Approximately 100 feet
- Approximately 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Approximately 200 feet
The blind spot may stretch approximately 200 feet behind the vehicle.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 21 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 21)
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How far may drivers travel in a center lane marked with a solid and a broken yellow line on both sides?
- No more than 50 feet
- No more than 250 feet
- No more than 500 feet
- No more than 150 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: No more than 150 feet
The manual says drivers using this center lane for left turns may not go further than 150 feet in it.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 12 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 12)
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For how long is your vehicle impounded immediately if you are caught driving after your license has been suspended for an alcohol-related offense?
- 3 days
- 30 days
- 10 days
- 60 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
Driving on a license suspended for an alcohol-related offense gets the vehicle impounded immediately for 30 days.
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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For policies effective on or after Jan. 1, 2022, what is the minimum liability coverage for injury or death of one person?
- $15,000
- $20,000
- $30,000
- $40,000
Show answer
Correct answer: $30,000
The current minimum for injury or death of one person is $30,000.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 34 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 34)
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If you are convicted of aggressive driving, your license could be suspended for ten days or for as long as how long?
- Two months
- Nine months
- Eighteen months
- Six months
Show answer
Correct answer: Six months
A conviction for aggressive driving can bring a suspension of ten days up to six months.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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If you are age 18 or older, DMV will require a driver improvement clinic if you accumulate how many demerit points?
- 6 points within 12 months or 12 points within 24 months
- 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months
- 10 points within 12 months or 20 points within 24 months
- 15 points within 12 months or 30 points within 24 months
Show answer
Correct answer: 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months
For drivers 18 or older the clinic is required at 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)