Driving Test Practice
English

Virginia: Pavement markings Practice Test

Yellow and white lines, arrows, yield lines, center turn lanes, bicycle lanes and boxes, bus and HOV lanes.

Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV

Start the test

Ready? Test yourself

31 questions · About 12 min

  • Instant feedback with an explanation
  • Every answer cites its source in the manual
  • Your best score is saved on this device
  • Keyboard: press 1 to 4 to answer and Enter for the next question

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 31 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.

Show the questions and answersHide the questions

  1. Which three colors does the manual say road markings may be?

    • Red, yellow or white
    • Yellow, white or blue
    • Red, white or blue
    • Orange, yellow or white
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Red, yellow or white

    The manual says markings may be red, yellow or white, used alone or in combinations, and each color has its own meaning.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  2. What do red reflectors on the pavement show?

    Close-up top view of dark pavement with a row of three small raised markers whose reflective faces are red.
    • Lanes that are reserved for buses
    • The edge of a work zone ahead
    • Areas not to be entered or used
    • A lane that ends ahead
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Areas not to be entered or used

    Red reflectors mark areas that must not be entered or used.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  3. 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

    Report a problem with this question

  4. What do yellow center lines mean?

    Two-lane road with a double solid yellow center line and white edge lines, grass and trees on both sides, and a red car in the lower right-hand lane.
    • Two-way traffic, flowing in opposite directions
    • One-way traffic with passing allowed
    • Traffic flowing in the same direction in both lanes
    • A lane reserved for left turns only
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Two-way traffic, flowing in opposite directions

    Yellow center lines separate two-way traffic that flows in opposite directions.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  5. A broken yellow line is next to a solid yellow line. From which side is passing allowed?

    A two-lane road with a center line of one solid yellow line beside a broken yellow line, a white line along each edge, and a red car in the lane next to the solid line.
    • The solid line side
    • Either side
    • Neither side
    • The broken line side
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The broken line side

    Passing is allowed from the side of the broken line, but not from the side of the solid line.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  6. Vehicles on the solid yellow line side of a broken and solid yellow line may cross the line only to pass whom, when the opposite lane is clear?

    A two-lane road with a center line of one solid yellow line beside a broken yellow line, a white line along each edge, and a red car in the lane next to the solid line.
    • Slow moving farm equipment and horse-drawn vehicles
    • Pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of scooters or skateboards
    • Any vehicle that is traveling below the posted speed limit
    • Parked vehicles and stopped delivery vehicles
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of scooters or skateboards

    From the solid line side, you may cross only to pass pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooter or skateboard riders when the opposite lane is clear and you can pass safely.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  7. What do double solid yellow lines mean for passing?

    Two-lane road with a double solid yellow center line and white edge lines, grass and trees on both sides, and a red car in the lower right-hand lane.
    • Passing is not allowed in either direction
    • Passing is allowed in either direction when clear
    • Passing is allowed only on the left side
    • Passing is allowed only for faster vehicles
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Passing is not allowed in either direction

    Double solid yellow lines mark the center of the road and separate traffic going in opposite directions, with no passing either way.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  8. Apart from passing pedestrians, bicyclists and riders of scooters or skateboards, when may you cross double solid yellow lines?

    Two-lane road with a double solid yellow center line and white edge lines, grass and trees on both sides, and a red car in the lower right-hand lane.
    • When you are passing a slow moving vehicle
    • When you are entering a highway
    • When you are making a left turn
    • When the opposite lane is clear
    Show answer

    Correct answer: When you are making a left turn

    You may cross double solid yellow lines only to make a left turn or to pass pedestrians, bicyclists and scooter or skateboard riders when the opposite lane is clear and safe.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  9. What do broken white lines do?

    Straight three-lane road from above, empty of vehicles: solid yellow line on the left, two broken white lines between the lanes, solid white line on the right, roadside trees.
    • Separate traffic traveling in opposite directions
    • Separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction
    • Mark the right edge of the pavement
    • Show where passing is never allowed
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Separate lanes of traffic going in the same direction

    Broken white lines separate lanes going the same way, and you may change lanes with caution.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  10. What do broken yellow center lines allow when the way ahead is clear?

    Two-lane rural road with a broken yellow center line and a single red car in the right lane.
    • Passing on the left from one side only
    • Passing on the right in either direction
    • Crossing only to make a left turn
    • Passing on the left in either direction
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Passing on the left in either direction

    Broken yellow center lines mean passing on the left is allowed in either direction when the way is clear.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  11. What are dotted white lines used to show?

    Close-up top view of dark pavement with one line of short white blocks set close together in a row.
    • The right edge of the pavement and shoulder
    • Where lane changes might be dangerous
    • Lanes reserved for buses
    • Lane assignment in intersections and interchanges
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Lane assignment in intersections and interchanges

    Dotted white lines, which are small closely spaced rectangles, show lane assignment where a driver might otherwise drift out of a lane.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  12. Dotted white lines are also used to denote what at an intersection?

    Close-up top view of dark pavement with one line of short white blocks set close together in a row.
    • The end of a no passing zone
    • The opening of a turn lane
    • The location of a school crossing
    • The beginning of a bus stop
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The opening of a turn lane

    The manual says dotted white lines also denote the opening of a turn lane at an intersection and entrance and exit lanes at interchanges.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  13. On an unmarked two-lane road, when may you pass a slow moving vehicle on the left?

    Top view of a two-lane country road with no painted lines and gravel edges. A blue car drives behind a red farm tractor with an orange triangle on its back.
    • Never, since there are no lane markings
    • Only if the vehicle ahead signals you to pass
    • If no signs prohibit passing and the way is clear
    • Only during daylight hours
    Show answer

    Correct answer: If no signs prohibit passing and the way is clear

    Many Virginia two-lane roads lack lane markings; you may pass on the left if no signs prohibit it and the way is clear.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 11 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  14. What do solid white lines discourage near intersections and on- and off-ramps?

    Empty straight road seen from above with two lanes: a solid yellow line along one side, a solid white line between the lanes, a solid white line along the other side, grass and trees.
    • Lane changes
    • Right turns
    • Passing on the right
    • Parking
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Lane changes

    Solid white lines show turn lanes and discourage lane changes where changing lanes might be dangerous.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  15. Which marking is used to mark the right edge of the pavement?

    • A solid yellow line
    • A solid white line
    • A broken white line
    • A double solid yellow line
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A solid white line

    Solid white lines also mark the right edge of the pavement.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  16. What color are stop lines, crosswalks and parking spaces marked?

    • Yellow
    • Red
    • Green
    • White
    Show answer

    Correct answer: White

    The manual says stop lines, crosswalks and parking spaces are marked by white lines.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  17. You are in a lane marked with a curved arrow and the word ONLY. What must you do?

    A lane marked with a turn arrow and the word ONLY
    • Turn in the direction of the arrow
    • Turn or go straight
    • Go straight
    • Change lanes before the intersection
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Turn in the direction of the arrow

    A lane marked with a curved arrow, or a curved arrow and ONLY, requires you to turn in the arrow’s direction.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  18. Your lane is marked with both a curved arrow and a straight arrow. What may you do?

    A lane marked with both a turn arrow and a straight arrow
    • Only turn
    • Only go straight
    • Turn or go straight
    • Turn only after stopping
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Turn or go straight

    A lane marked with both arrows lets you either turn or go straight.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  19. What do wrong-way arrows on the pavement indicate?

    One lane of pavement with a yellow line along its left edge and a white line along its right edge; a long, thin white arrow with an open head points up the lane.
    • Traffic may move in either direction in that lane
    • The lane is reserved for turning vehicles
    • Traffic only moves in the direction indicated by the arrow
    • The lane ends within the next mile
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Traffic only moves in the direction indicated by the arrow

    Wrong-way arrows show the one direction of travel allowed in that lane.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  20. You realize you are driving against the direction of wrong-way arrows. What should you do?

    • Immediately slow down and pull over
    • Make a U-turn right away
    • Stop in your lane and turn on your hazard lights
    • Speed up to leave the road quickly
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Immediately slow down and pull over

    Driving against wrong-way arrows could cause a head-on crash, so you should immediately slow down and pull over.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  21. What are double solid white lines most often used for?

    Top view of a road with a pair of solid white lines side by side down the middle, a white line along the right edge and a red car to the right of the pair.
    • To separate traffic traveling in opposite directions on a two-lane road
    • To mark the right edge of the pavement
    • To show where a right turn lane begins
    • To separate a special use lane, such as an HOV lane, from the conventional lanes
    Show answer

    Correct answer: To separate a special use lane, such as an HOV lane, from the conventional lanes

    Double solid white lines separate lanes going the same direction, most often a special use lane such as an HOV lane from the other lanes.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  22. Where may you enter a special use lane that is separated by double solid white lines?

    Top view of a road with a pair of solid white lines side by side down the middle, a white line along the right edge and a red car to the right of the pair.
    • Anywhere if the way is clear
    • Only where signs and markings allow
    • Only at the beginning of the lane
    • Anywhere after signaling
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Only where signs and markings allow

    You may not cross double solid white lines and may enter the special use lane only where signs and markings allow.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  23. What does a line of triangles extending across the roadway show?

    Two-lane road with a double yellow center line; a row of five solid white triangles is painted across each lane, and a red car is in the lower right-hand lane.
    • The point at which you must yield or stop, if necessary
    • The start of a crosswalk reserved for pedestrians only
    • The point where a no passing zone ends
    • The beginning of a reserved lane
    Show answer

    Correct answer: The point at which you must yield or stop, if necessary

    A yield line may be used with a yield sign to show where you must yield or stop, if necessary.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  24. Where is a yield line often seen?

    Two-lane road with a double yellow center line; a row of five solid white triangles is painted across each lane, and a red car is in the lower right-hand lane.
    • At the entrance of a toll plaza
    • At the start of a work zone
    • At the entrance of a roundabout
    • At the exit of a parking lot
    Show answer

    Correct answer: At the entrance of a roundabout

    The manual says a yield line is often seen at the entrance of a roundabout.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  25. On a three-lane road with a center lane marked by a single broken yellow line on both sides, drivers going in either direction may use the center lane for what?

    Top view of a three-lane road: the middle lane has a broken yellow line on each side. A blue car drives up the right lane and a white car comes down the left lane; the middle lane is empty.
    • Making left turns only
    • Passing
    • Stopping to load passengers
    • Parking during rush hours
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Passing

    A center lane with a single broken yellow line on both sides may be used by traffic in either direction for passing.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  26. On a three-lane road, both sides of the center lane are marked by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line. What may drivers use that lane for?

    A road with a middle lane edged on each side by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line; a blue car and a grey car in the right lane, a white car coming the other way, and fields on both sides.
    • Passing in either direction
    • Driving in the same direction as a bus
    • Waiting to merge onto a highway
    • Making left turns
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Making left turns

    With a solid and a broken yellow line on both sides, the center lane is for left turns, and drivers may not travel more than 150 feet in it.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  27. How far may drivers travel in a center lane marked with a solid and a broken yellow line on both sides?

    A road with a middle lane edged on each side by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line; a blue car and a grey car in the right lane, a white car coming the other way, and fields 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

    Report a problem with this question

  28. A pavement marking shows a bicycle symbol with a double chevron arrow above it. What is it called?

    A two-lane street with a double yellow center line; two white chevrons above a white bicycle symbol are painted in the right lane, and a green car drives in the left lane.
    • A bicycle box at an intersection
    • A shared lane marking, or sharrow
    • A bicycle lane marking
    • A bus lane marking
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A shared lane marking, or sharrow

    A shared lane marking, or sharrow, consists of a bicycle symbol with a double chevron arrow above it.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  29. On which kind of travel lanes is a shared lane marking, or sharrow, used?

    A two-lane street with a double yellow center line; two white chevrons above a white bicycle symbol are painted in the right lane, and a green car drives in the left lane.
    • Lanes that are reserved for buses and bicycles, not for cars
    • Lanes where bicycles are not allowed
    • Lanes too narrow for motor vehicles and bicycles to share side-by-side
    • Lanes that lead to a toll plaza
    Show answer

    Correct answer: Lanes too narrow for motor vehicles and bicycles to share side-by-side

    Sharrows are used on travel lanes that are too narrow for a car and a bicycle to travel side-by-side.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  30. How are bicycle lanes indicated?

    • By a solid yellow line, red pavement markings, and a bicyclist symbol only
    • By a solid or dashed white line or green pavement markings, and a bicyclist symbol
    • By red pavement and the words BICYCLE ONLY
    • By a double white line and a diamond symbol
    Show answer

    Correct answer: By a solid or dashed white line or green pavement markings, and a bicyclist symbol

    A bicycle lane has a solid or dashed white line or green pavement markings plus a bicyclist symbol, and is for the preferential use of bicyclists.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 12 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question

  31. How are bus-only lanes indicated?

    • By a double solid white line and a bicycle symbol
    • By BUS ONLY markings and/or red-colored pavement
    • By green pavement and a bicycle symbol
    • By BUS ONLY markings and blue-colored pavement
    Show answer

    Correct answer: By BUS ONLY markings and/or red-colored pavement

    Bus-only lanes are shown by BUS ONLY markings and/or red-colored pavement.

    Source: ⁨Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39 (April 27, 2026))⁩, page 13 · Open this page in the manual

    Report a problem with this question