The Virginia Permit Test Has 35 Questions

The Virginia 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, which covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies.

You take the test at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The test is administered on a computer, and you receive your score when ready after you finish. If you pass, you walk out with your permit that same day. If you do not pass, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's permit test has 35 questions, and you need to answer 28 correctly (80 percent) to pass.
  • The test is computer-based and covers material from the Virginia Driver's Manual, including road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving rules.
  • You receive your score when ready after finishing the test at the DMV office.
  • If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day.
  • The test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, and accommodations are available for people with disabilities.

What Topics the Permit Test Covers

The 35 questions are drawn from five main areas of the Virginia Driver's Manual. You will see questions about road signs and their meanings, traffic laws and right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, vehicle control and handling, and what to do in emergencies or unusual situations.

Road sign questions make up a significant portion of the test. You need to know the difference between a stop sign, a yield sign, a speed limit sign, and warning signs. Traffic law questions ask about speed limits in different zones, when you can pass another vehicle, and how to handle intersections. Safe driving questions cover topics like following distance, how to drive in bad weather, and what to do if your brakes fail.

The test also includes questions about Virginia-specific laws — for example, the state's open container law, seatbelt requirements, and distracted driving rules. A few questions may ask about what to do after an accident, how to report a crash, and your responsibilities as a driver.

How the Test Is Scored and What Happens If You Fail

Each question is worth the same amount. You need 28 correct answers out of 35 to pass. The computer scores your test when ready, and the DMV staff member will tell you whether you passed or failed before you leave the office.

If you pass, you receive your learner's permit when ready. If you do not pass, you will need to study the Virginia Driver's Manual again and retake the test. Virginia requires you to wait at least one day before you can take the test again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will have to pay the permit test fee each time.

How to Prepare for the 35-Question Test

The Virginia DMV provides the Driver's Manual for free online and in print at any DMV office. The manual is the only source material you need to study. Many people read through the manual once, then focus on the areas where they feel less confident — usually road signs and traffic laws.

Practice tests are available online through the Virginia DMV website and through third-party study sites. These practice tests use questions in the same format and cover the same topics as the real test. Taking a practice test helps you understand what to expect and shows you which topics need more study time.

Study the road signs section carefully. Road sign questions appear on nearly every permit test, and many test-takers miss them because they do not spend enough time memorizing the shapes, colors, and meanings. Spend at least a few study sessions on signs alone.

Test Day: What to Bring and How Long It Takes

Bring a valid form of identification to the DMV office. Acceptable forms include a passport, a birth certificate with a photo ID, or a school ID with a birth certificate. You will also need to bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The entire DMV visit — waiting, checking in, taking the test, and receiving your results — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Arrive early or check online to see if your local DMV office has shorter wait times at certain times of day.

You are not allowed to use a phone, notes, or any study materials during the test. The computer will display each question one at a time, and you select your answer by clicking on it. You can review your answers before you submit the test.

Languages and Accommodations Available

The Virginia permit test is available in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DMV office to ask about options — some offices may be able to arrange an interpreter, though this varies by location.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to take the test, the DMV offers accommodations. These may include extra time, a reader to read questions aloud, a magnified screen, or a private testing room. You must request accommodations when you explore for your permit. Bring documentation of your disability to the DMV office, and staff will work with you to arrange what you need.

Retaking the Test and Moving Forward

If you do not pass on your first try, do not be discouraged. Many new drivers retake the test, and most pass on the second or third attempt. The key is to spend more time on the topics where you scored lowest. If you missed a lot of road sign questions, study signs. If you missed traffic law questions, focus on the rules section of the manual.

Once you pass the permit test and receive your learner's permit, you can begin supervised driving practice. Virginia requires you to hold your permit for a minimum of nine months and 15 days before you can take the road test for your full license. During this time, you must practice with a licensed adult driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Virginia requires you to wait at least one day before retaking the test. You can retake it the next day if you want to, but you cannot take it again on the same day you fail.

What happens if I run out of time before I finish all 35 questions?

The test has a time limit, but it is generous enough that most people finish with time to spare. If you do run out of time, your test ends and is scored based on the questions you answered. Unanswered questions count as incorrect.

Is the permit test harder than the road test?

They test different skills. The permit test is about knowledge — knowing rules and signs. The road test is about doing — actually driving safely. Many people find the road test more stressful because it is performed in real traffic, but the permit test requires solid study time.

Do I have to pass the permit test to get a learner's permit in Virginia?

Yes. The written permit test is required for all learner's permits in Virginia. You cannot practice driving without passing this test and receiving your permit first.

What if I studied but still do not understand road signs?

Road signs are visual, so flashcards or apps with pictures of each sign often help more than reading descriptions. The Virginia DMV website has a road signs section with images. Spend time looking at the actual signs, not just reading about them.