The Virginia learner's permit test has 35 questions total

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles gives you 35 multiple-choice questions on the written test for a learner's permit. You need to answer at least 28 of them correctly — that is a score of 80 percent — to pass. The test covers Virginia traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies.

The test is not timed in the sense that you are not rushed, but you should expect to spend 20 to 30 minutes taking it. You take the test at a DMV office on a computer or on paper, depending on which location you visit. The questions are drawn from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the DMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's learner's permit test contains 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
  • All 35 questions come from material in the Virginia Driver's Manual, which you can read for free before you test.
  • You take the test at a DMV office on either a computer or paper form, and it usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Virginia.

What the 35 questions cover

The questions test your knowledge of Virginia traffic laws and safe driving. Expect questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle intersections, and what to do if you are in an accident. You will also see questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists.

A smaller number of questions cover vehicle maintenance and emergency procedures — for example, what to do if your brakes fail or how to handle a skid on wet pavement. The DMV does not ask trick questions; the test is designed to make sure you understand the rules you will follow as a driver.

How the test is scored and what happens if you fail

Your score is calculated when ready after you finish. If you score 80 percent or higher, you pass and can move forward with your learner's permit. If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass that attempt.

Virginia does not require you to wait before retaking the test. You can take it again the same day if you want to, or you can come back another day after you have studied more. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people study the Virginia Driver's Manual a second time and pass on their next attempt.

How to prepare for the 35 questions

The Virginia Driver's Manual is your main study tool. It is free, available online at dmv.virginia.gov, and contains all the information the test covers. Read through it once, then focus on the sections where you feel less confident. Many people find it helpful to read the manual twice — once all the way through, then again with more attention to details.

Some people use online practice tests, which are not official DMV tools but are created by third parties based on the manual. These can help you get used to the format of multiple-choice questions, but they are not required. The official manual is enough to prepare.

What to bring to the DMV for the test

Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, a state ID, or a birth certificate plus a Social Security card. You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number if you do not have a card with you. Bring proof of your Virginia residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement in your name.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your process for the learner's permit. Bring the completed process form DL 44, which you can fill out at home or at the DMV office.

The difference between the learner's permit test and the road test

The 35-question written test is separate from the road test you will take later. The written test checks your knowledge of laws and signs. The road test, which comes after you have held your learner's permit for a certain period, checks whether you can actually drive safely — parallel parking, turning, following traffic signals, and responding to other drivers.

You must pass the written test first. Once you have your learner's permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. After you meet Virginia's holding period for a learner's permit, you can schedule your road test at a DMV office.

Retesting and moving forward

If you pass the written test, you will receive your learner's permit the same day, assuming all your documents are in order. Your permit is valid for five years. While you hold it, you must follow Virginia's learner's permit restrictions — for example, you cannot drive alone, and there are limits on when you can drive at night.

If you do not pass on your first try, do not worry. Retake the test after you have reviewed the manual again. Most people pass within one or two attempts. There is no penalty for retaking it, and the DMV does not report failed attempts to anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The test is proctored, meaning a DMV staff member watches you while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any other materials. You can only use the test itself and your own knowledge.

What if I do not speak English well?

Virginia offers the written test in several languages, including Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and others. Call your local DMV office or check the website to see which languages are available at your location. You may need to request the test in your language when you schedule your appointment.

Do I have to take the test on a computer, or can I take it on paper?

It depends on your DMV office. Some offices offer both computer and paper tests; others offer only one. Call ahead or check the DMV website to find out what your local office provides. The test is the same either way.

What happens if I pass the written test but fail the road test later?

Your learner's permit stays valid. You can retake the road test as many times as you need. The written test and road test are separate, so passing one does not depend on the other.

Is there a fee to take the learner's permit test?

Yes. Virginia charges a fee for the learner's permit, which includes the cost of the written test. The fee varies but is typically under $50. Check the DMV website or call your local office for the exact amount.