The Virginia permit test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass

Virginia's written permit test is straightforward: you'll see 35 multiple-choice questions on a computer screen at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Each question has four answer choices. To pass, you need a score of 80 percent or higher, which means getting at least 28 questions right. You get one attempt per visit, so if you don't pass, you'll need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.

The test covers material from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the DMV website or in print at any DMV office. Everything on the test comes from that manual — there are no trick questions or content from outside sources. The questions test your understanding of road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's permit test contains exactly 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
  • All test content comes directly from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which you can read online or pick up free at any DMV office.
  • You take the test on a computer at the DMV, and results are available when ready after you finish.
  • If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can schedule another test appointment, but you'll pay the test fee again.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures — nothing outside the manual.

What the 35 questions cover

The permit test questions are divided into broad categories based on the Virginia Driver's Manual. You'll encounter questions about traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits and when they explore, parking regulations, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. Other questions test your knowledge of seat belt laws, distracted driving rules, and how to handle pedestrians and cyclists on the road.

A significant portion of the test covers safe driving practices: how to handle skids, what to do if your brakes fail, how to drive in bad weather, and how to share the road with large trucks. You'll also see questions about alcohol and drug impairment, the consequences of driving under the influence, and how fatigue affects your ability to drive safely. A few questions address vehicle maintenance basics — things like checking tire pressure and understanding your dashboard warning lights.

The remaining questions cover Virginia-specific laws: the state's point system, what happens if you get a traffic ticket, how to renew your license, and the rules for new drivers. Some questions ask about the consequences of breaking traffic laws, including fines and license suspension.

How the test is administered at the DMV

When you arrive at the DMV for your permit test, you'll check in and pay the test fee (the amount varies by location but is typically under $20). A DMV staff member will verify your identity and take you to a computer station. The test is administered entirely on a computer — you won't fill out paper forms or answer questions verbally.

You'll have a set amount of time to complete the test, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. The computer presents one question at a time, and you select your answer by clicking on one of the four choices. You can review your answers before you submit the test, so if you're unsure about a question, you can flag it and come back to it. Once you submit, the computer scores your test when ready and displays your result on the screen.

If you pass, you'll receive your permit that same day. If you don't pass, the DMV staff will give you a score report showing which topics gave you trouble, and you can schedule your next attempt right there or online.

How to prepare for the 35 questions

The best preparation is reading the Virginia Driver's Manual from start to finish. The manual is organized by topic, so you can focus on areas where you feel less confident. Many people find it helpful to read the manual once all the way through, then go back and study the sections that seemed hardest.

After you've read the manual, use practice tests to see which topics still need work. The Virginia DMV website offers free practice tests that use the same format as the real test — multiple choice on a computer. Taking practice tests under timed conditions helps you get comfortable with the computer interface and shows you where to focus your studying. Some people take the practice test several times to build confidence.

A common mistake is memorizing answers without understanding the concepts. The test is designed to measure whether you understand traffic laws and safe driving, not whether you can memorize a list. If you understand the "why" behind each rule — why you yield to the right, why speed limits change, why you check your mirrors — the answers will make sense even if you see a question worded slightly differently than in the manual.

What happens if you don't pass on your first try

If your score is below 28 correct answers, you don't pass and won't receive your permit that day. The DMV will give you a score report that breaks down which topics you missed the most questions on. This report is valuable — it tells you exactly where to focus when you study again.

You can schedule your next test appointment online or at the DMV office. You'll need to pay the test fee again for each attempt. Most people who study the areas they struggled with on their first attempt pass on the second try. There's no limit to how many times you can take the test, but each attempt costs money and takes time, so thorough preparation before your first test is worth the effort.

Differences between the permit test and the road test

The permit test and the road test are completely separate. The permit test is the written test you take at the DMV to get your learner's permit — it's all about knowledge. The road test comes later, after you've had your permit for a certain amount of time and practiced driving. The road test is taken in an actual vehicle with a DMV examiner, and it measures whether you can actually drive safely, not just whether you know the rules.

You must pass the permit test before you can take the road test. The permit test has 35 questions and a passing score of 80 percent. The road test has no written component — an examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive, then scores your performance on things like steering, braking, lane changes, and following traffic laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the permit test the same day if I fail?

No. If you don't pass, you'll need to schedule a new appointment for another day. You cannot take the test twice in one visit. Most DMV offices allow you to schedule your next attempt online or in person before you leave.

Are the 35 questions always the same, or do they change?

The questions change each time you take the test. The DMV has a large pool of questions, all based on the Virginia Driver's Manual, and the computer selects 35 of them randomly for each test. This is why studying the manual itself is more effective than trying to memorize specific questions.

Do I need to pass the permit test to get a learner's permit?

Yes. Passing the 35-question written test is required to receive your learner's permit in Virginia. You also need to bring required documents (like proof of identity and residency) and pay the permit fee, but the test is the main hurdle.

What if I'm nervous about taking a test on a computer?

The DMV computer interface is straightforward and designed for people of all ages and comfort levels. The test presents one question at a time with large, straightforward-to-read text. If you're worried, take one of the free practice tests on the Virginia DMV website beforehand — it uses the same format, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

How long do I have to complete all 35 questions?

Virginia doesn't publish a strict time limit, but most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to read each question carefully and review your answers before submitting. Time pressure is rarely an issue for test-takers.