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Virginia permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for Virginia, based on the Virginia driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 2

You meet a school bus with red lights flashing and a stop sign out on a two-lane road. What must you do?

  1. Stop only if you see children outside
  2. Stop and stay stopped until the bus moves
  3. Slow down and pass with great care
  4. Stop only if you are behind the bus
Show answer

Answer: B. Stop and stay stopped until the bus moves

You must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and a stop sign out, whichever direction you travel, and stay stopped until all children are clear and the bus moves.

Sources: Va. Code 46.2-859; Driver handbook, Section 3: Safe Driving

Question 3

A road has double solid yellow lines. May you cross them to pass a slow car?

  1. Yes, if the way ahead is clear
  2. Yes, if the other car is slow
  3. No, passing is barred both ways
  4. Yes, if you signal before you pass
Show answer

Answer: C. No, passing is barred both ways

Double solid yellow lines mark the middle of the road, and passing is barred in both directions. Wait for a place where passing is allowed.

Sources: Driver handbook, Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

Question 4

You enter a school crossing zone marked with a flashing sign. What is the limit?

  1. 15 mph
  2. 35 mph
  3. 45 mph
  4. 25 mph
Show answer

Answer: D. 25 mph

In a marked school crossing zone, the limit is 25 mph between the signs. Some zones also use automated photo enforcement, so slow down early.

Sources: Va. Code 46.2-873; Driver handbook, Section 3: Safe Driving

Question 5

How close may you follow an emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing?

  1. No closer than 100 feet
  2. No closer than 500 feet
  3. No closer than 200 feet
  4. As close as you like
Show answer

Answer: B. No closer than 500 feet

Stay at least 500 feet behind an emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing. Following closely can put you in its path.

Sources: Va. Code 46.2-921; Driver handbook, Section 3: Safe Driving

Question 6

At what age can a Virginia resident apply for a learner's permit?

  1. 14 years and six months of age
  2. 16 years old exactly
  3. 15 years and six months
  4. 16 years and three months
Show answer

Answer: C. 15 years and six months

A resident who is at least 15 years and six months old can apply for a learner's permit. The earliest license age is later, at 16 years and three months.

Sources: Va. Code 46.2-335; Driver handbook, Section 6: License Types

Question 7

You drive through a village of shops beside a ferry landing. No speed sign is posted. What is the limit?

  1. 25 mph in a business area
  2. 35 mph, the unpaved road limit
  3. 30 mph, as in other states
  4. 20 mph, the school pace
Show answer

Answer: A. 25 mph in a business area

Unless signs say otherwise, the limit is 25 mph in business and residential areas. Unpaved roads allow 35 mph.

Sources: Va. Code 46.2-874; Driver handbook, Section 3: Safe Driving

Question 8

Which parking spot is allowed near a railroad crossing?

  1. A spot 60 feet from the crossing
  2. A spot 10 feet from the crossing
  3. A spot 40 feet from the crossing
  4. A spot 25 feet from the crossing
Show answer

Answer: A. A spot 60 feet from the crossing

Parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing is not allowed. A spot farther away is fine if no other rule bars it.

Sources: Driver handbook, Section 3: Safe Driving

Question 9

A driver is stopped with a partly emptied bottle in the passenger area and shows signs of drinking. What may be charged?

  1. Drinking while operating a motor vehicle
  2. Only a parking violation
  3. Only an equipment violation
  4. Nothing, if the driver was not drinking
Show answer

Answer: A. Drinking while operating a motor vehicle

Drinking while driving is unlawful. An open container in the passenger area with part of the contents removed, plus signs of drinking, can support a charge.

Sources: Va. Code 18.2-323.1; Driver handbook, Section 5: Penalties

Question 10

You drive a 7 year old who is too small for the adult belt. What does Virginia law require?

  1. A seat only when on highways
  2. Only a lap belt, fastened snugly
  3. A child seat or a booster seat
  4. Nothing, since the child is over 5
Show answer

Answer: C. A child seat or a booster seat

A child under 8 must ride in a child seat or booster. A belt alone is safe only when it fits the child's body correctly.

Sources: Va. Code 46.2-1095; Driver handbook, Section 4: Seat Belts, Air Bags and Child Safety Seats

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