Virginia's Permit Test Has 35 Questions

Virginia's written permit test contains 35 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 28 of them correctly to pass — that is a score of 80 percent. The test covers the Virginia Driver's Manual and covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies.

The test is administered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at any DMV location. You take it on a computer at the testing station, and you receive your score when ready after you finish. If you pass, you move forward to the road test. If you do not pass, you can retake it, but Virginia requires you to wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's permit test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
  • All questions are multiple-choice and come from the Virginia Driver's Manual.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DMV office and get your score right away.
  • If you fail, you must wait at least one day before you can retake the test.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving, and emergency procedures.

What Topics The Test Covers

The 35 questions are drawn from the Virginia Driver's Manual and test your knowledge of the rules of the road. You will see questions about traffic signs and what they mean, speed limits and when they change, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and how to handle intersections and roundabouts.

The test also includes questions about safe driving practices — things like following distance, how to drive in bad weather, what to do if your brakes fail, and how to avoid collisions. You will answer questions about driving under the influence, distracted driving, and seat belt laws. Some questions test whether you know what to do after an accident, including when to call police and what information to exchange with the other driver.

A smaller number of questions cover vehicle maintenance and equipment — for example, what your headlights should do in fog, or when your tires are unsafe. The questions are designed to test practical knowledge you will need to drive safely on Virginia roads.

How The Test Is Scored

You need a score of 80 percent to pass, which means 28 correct answers out of 35. Virginia does not curve the test or adjust the passing score based on how many people take it that day. Every question is worth the same amount — there are no weighted questions.

You see your score on the computer screen as soon as you finish the test. If you pass, the DMV prints a receipt showing your passing score. If you do not pass, you receive a receipt showing which topics you missed the most questions on. This feedback can help you study the right sections of the manual before you retake the test.

How To Prepare For The Test

The Virginia Driver's Manual is the official source for all test questions. You can read it online at the Virginia DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. The manual is free. Most people study the manual for a few weeks before taking the test, though the amount of time you need depends on how much you already know about driving.

Many people also use practice tests to get used to the format and timing. Virginia DMV offers a free practice test on its website that mimics the real test. Taking the practice test a few times can help you see which topics you need to study more and can reduce test-day anxiety because you will know what to expect.

Study the sections on traffic signs, right-of-way, and safe driving practices most carefully — these topics appear frequently on the test. Read the manual actively: do not just skim it. Take notes on rules that surprise you or that you think you might forget.

What Happens If You Fail

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass and cannot move forward to the road test yet. Virginia requires you to wait at least one day before you can retake the test. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, so you can keep trying until you pass.

When you retake the test, you will see 35 different questions — Virginia does not repeat the same questions. This means you need to study the entire manual again, not just the topics you missed. Go back to the sections where you scored lowest and spend extra time on those areas before your next attempt.

Test Day Details

Bring your learner's permit and a valid photo ID to the DMV office on test day. Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to check in. The DMV staff will verify your identity and make sure you are may be able to access to take the test, then they will direct you to a computer station.

You will have a set amount of time to complete the 35 questions — Virginia allows enough time for most people to finish without rushing, but you should not spend too long on any single question. If you are unsure about an answer, make your best guess and move on. You can review your answers before you submit the test, so if you finish early, use that time to double-check any questions you were uncertain about.

The testing environment is quiet and monitored. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any other materials during the test. The DMV staff will explain the rules before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the test the same day I fail?

No. Virginia requires you to wait at least one day before you retake the permit test. You can schedule your next test appointment online or by calling your local DMV office.

Are the test questions the same every time?

No. Each time you take the test, you see 35 different questions. All questions come from the Virginia Driver's Manual, but the specific questions change. This means you need to study the entire manual, not just memorize answers.

What if I do not pass the written test — can I still take the road test?

No. You must pass the written permit test before you can schedule a road test in Virginia. The written test comes first in the licensing process.

How long does the test take?

Most people finish the 35-question test in 20 to 30 minutes, though Virginia gives you more time than that. The exact time limit varies, but you should have enough time to read each question carefully and review your answers before submitting.

Is the test given in languages other than English?

Yes. Virginia offers the permit test in several languages besides English. Contact your local DMV office to find out which languages are available and whether you need to schedule in advance for a test in your language.