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

Virginia's written test for a learner's permit (also called a learner's license) contains 35 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four possible answers. You must score at least 80 percent — which means 28 correct answers — to pass and move forward in the licensing process.

The test covers information from the Virginia Driver's Manual, which is the official study guide. It focuses on road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. You take the test at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office on a computer terminal.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts at most DMV locations, though some offices may have their own scheduling rules. Each time you take the test, the questions may be different because they are drawn from a larger question bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's learner's permit test contains 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures from the Virginia Driver's Manual.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DMV office, and you can retake it the same day if you do not pass.
  • The Virginia DMV offers a free online practice test that uses the same question format and covers the same material as the real test.

What the test covers and how questions are organized

The 35 questions on Virginia's learner's permit test come from several topic areas. Road signs and their meanings make up a significant portion — you will see questions about warning signs, regulatory signs, and informational signs. Traffic laws and right-of-way rules are heavily tested, including questions about speed limits, parking, and how to behave at intersections and traffic lights.

Safe driving practices are another major section. These questions ask about proper following distance, how to handle bad weather, what to do if your brakes fail, and how to share the road with pedestrians and cyclists. You will also see questions about vehicle safety features, seat belt use, and child passenger safety.

A smaller number of questions cover what to do in emergencies — for example, if your steering fails or if you are involved in a crash. The test also includes questions about driving under the influence and the consequences of impaired driving under Virginia law.

How to prepare using the Virginia Driver's Manual and practice tests

The Virginia Driver's Manual is your primary study resource. It is available free online at the Virginia DMV website and covers every topic that appears on the test. You can read it section by section or 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 specific chapters a second time.

The Virginia DMV also offers a free online practice test. This practice test uses the same format as the real test — 35 multiple-choice questions with four answer choices each — and draws from the same question bank. Taking the practice test multiple times is one of the most effective ways to prepare. You can take it as many times as you want, and each time you take it, you may see different questions.

Many people study the manual for a few days, then take the practice test to see which topics they need to review more. If you score below 80 percent on the practice test, go back to the manual and reread those sections before trying again. This cycle of study, practice, and review works better than reading the manual once and hoping for the best.

What happens if you do not pass on your first try

If you score below 28 correct answers, you do not pass, but this does not end your path to a learner's permit. You can retake the test at the same DMV office or at a different one. Most DMV locations allow you to retake the test the same day, though you may have to wait a few hours or come back at a different time. A few offices have different policies, so call ahead if you want to know for certain.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test in Virginia. Each attempt costs the same fee as the first test. Between attempts, use the practice test and the Driver's Manual to study the questions you missed. Many people find that their second or third attempt goes much better because they now know what to expect and have filled in the gaps in their knowledge.

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

The written test and the road test are two separate things. The written test — the 35-question test described here — measures your knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices. You take it at a DMV office on a computer, and it takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

The road test comes later, after you have held your learner's permit for a certain amount of time and practiced driving. The road test is a practical driving test where a DMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive. You must demonstrate that you can handle a vehicle safely in real-world conditions. The road test is not a written test, and the questions on the written test do not directly appear on it — though the knowledge you gain studying for the written test will help you pass the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The test is proctored, meaning a DMV employee watches you while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, the Driver's Manual, or any other materials. You must answer the questions from memory based on what you have studied.

How long do I have to complete all 35 questions?

Virginia does not publish a strict time limit for the written test, but most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. The test is not designed to rush you. If you need extra time due to a documented disability, contact your local DMV office before your test date to request accommodations.

What if I fail the test twice?

You can retake it as many times as needed. There is no limit on attempts in Virginia. After each failure, spend more time studying the Driver's Manual and taking the free practice test. Focus on the topics where you scored lowest.

Are the questions on the real test the same as the practice test questions?

The questions are different each time, but they cover the same topics and use the same format. The practice test draws from the same question bank as the real test, so practicing with it is the best way to prepare for what you will actually see.

Do I need to pass the written test before I can take the road test?

Yes. You must pass the written test first to get your learner's permit. After you hold the permit for the required practice period (which varies by age), you can then schedule and take the road test.