What the Virginia road signs test covers
Virginia's learner's permit road signs test asks you to identify 20 common traffic signs and understand what each one means. You'll see images of actual road signs and choose the correct answer from multiple options. The test is part of the written knowledge exam you take at your local DMV office, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass — that means getting at least 16 of the 20 signs correct.
The signs tested are the ones you'll actually encounter while driving: stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, one-way signs, no passing zones, school zone warnings, and regulatory signs that tell you what you must or must not do. Virginia doesn't test obscure or rarely-used signs; the focus is on the signs that affect your daily driving decisions.
This test is separate from the general knowledge section of the written exam, which covers rules of the road, right-of-way, and safe driving practices. You take both sections on the same day at the DMV, but they are scored independently.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia's road signs test requires you to identify 20 traffic signs correctly, with a passing score of at least 80 percent (16 out of 20 correct).
- The signs tested are common ones you'll see while driving, such as stop, yield, speed limit, one-way, and school zone signs.
- You take the signs test as part of your written knowledge exam at the DMV on the same day as the general knowledge section.
- The Virginia DMV handbook, available free online or in print at any DMV office, contains all the signs you need to study.
- You cannot use notes, phones, or any reference materials during the test — you must rely on what you've memorized.
Where to find the signs you need to study
The Virginia DMV publishes a free handbook called the Virginia Driver's Manual, which includes a complete section on road signs with images and explanations. You can read it as a PDF from the Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com) or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. The handbook shows each sign, tells you what it means, and explains how you should respond when you see it on the road.
The signs section in the handbook is organized by category: warning signs (yellow diamonds), regulatory signs (white rectangles and red circles), and informational signs (green and blue rectangles). Studying by category helps you remember not just what each sign looks like, but why it matters and what action you need to take.
Many learner's permit study apps and websites also include road signs practice tests that let you quiz yourself repeatedly. These tools can help you build confidence, but the official DMV handbook is always your most reliable source because Virginia tests only the signs shown there.
How to study road signs effectively
Start by going through the signs section of the Virginia Driver's Manual once to get familiar with the layout and categories. Then focus on the signs you don't recognize when ready — these are the ones most likely to trip you up on test day. Spend extra time on warning signs, since they often look similar to each other and test-takers frequently confuse them.
Create flashcards with the sign image on one side and the meaning on the other, or use a study app that shows you random signs and asks you to identify them. The key is repetition: you need to recognize each sign when ready, without hesitation, because on the actual test you won't have time to think through your answer. Aim to study for at least a few days before your test, not just the night before.
Practice tests are especially useful because they mimic the format and pace of the real exam. Take several practice tests, and pay attention to which signs you miss. If you miss the same sign twice, that's a sign (pun intended) that you need to study it more carefully. By test day, you should be able to identify every sign in under five seconds.
What happens if you fail the signs test
If you score below 80 percent on the road signs portion, you will not receive your learner's permit that day. However, you can retake the entire written exam — both the general knowledge section and the signs test — as soon as the next business day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Virginia, though you may have to pay the exam fee again depending on your DMV office's policy.
Most people who fail do so because they didn't study the handbook thoroughly or confused similar-looking signs. The good news is that the test covers only the signs in the official manual, so if you study that material carefully, you have everything you need to pass. Many test-takers pass on their second attempt after spending a few more days reviewing the signs they missed.
The difference between the signs test and the general knowledge test
Virginia's written exam has two distinct parts: the road signs test and the general knowledge test. The signs test focuses only on identifying traffic signs and understanding their meaning. The general knowledge test covers everything else: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, what to do at a red light, how to handle an accident, and safe driving practices.
You must pass both sections to receive your learner's permit. If you pass the signs test but fail the general knowledge test, or vice versa, you will need to retake the entire exam. This is why it's important to study both the signs section and the rules section of the Virginia Driver's Manual before you go to the DMV.
Many learner's permit candidates focus heavily on the general knowledge section because it seems more important, but the signs test is just as critical. Spending time on both sections equally gives you the best chance of passing on your first attempt.
Preparing for test day at the DMV
Bring your completed process, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to your DMV appointment. Arrive early so you have time to check in and calm your nerves before the exam begins. The DMV staff will direct you to a computer terminal where you'll take the written exam, including the road signs test.
The test is administered on a computer, and you'll see one sign at a time with four answer choices. You click your answer and move to the next sign. The entire written exam (both signs and general knowledge) usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You'll receive your score when ready after you finish, and if you pass both sections, you can often receive your learner's permit the same day.
On test day, stay calm and trust your preparation. If you've studied the Virginia Driver's Manual thoroughly, you'll recognize the signs. Don't second-guess yourself — your first instinct is usually correct. If you're unsure about a sign, make your best guess and move on; you don't have unlimited time, and dwelling on one question can make you rush through the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring the Virginia Driver's Manual with me to the test?
No. You cannot use any reference materials, notes, or electronic devices during the road signs test. You must rely entirely on what you've memorized from studying the handbook. This is why studying in advance is so important — you need to know the signs well enough to identify them when ready without looking anything up.
How many road signs are on the Virginia learner's permit test?
The road signs portion of the written exam includes 20 signs. You must answer at least 16 correctly to pass that section. The signs are selected from the official Virginia Driver's Manual, so every sign you might see on the test is shown in that handbook.
What if I don't recognize a sign on the test?
Make your best guess based on the sign's color, shape, and any words or symbols on it. Warning signs are yellow diamonds, regulatory signs are white rectangles or red circles, and informational signs are green or blue. If you've studied the handbook, you should recognize every sign, but if you're unsure, use the sign's appearance as a clue and choose the answer that makes the most sense.
Do I need to pass the signs test before I can take the road test?
Yes. You must pass the written exam, including the road signs test, before you can get your learner's permit. Once you have your learner's permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult. Later, after you've met Virginia's practice requirements, you'll take the road test to earn your full driver's license.
Is the road signs test the same every time I take it?
The signs tested are always from the Virginia Driver's Manual, but the specific signs shown may vary from one test to the next. You might see all 20 different signs one time and a different mix the next time. This is why studying the entire signs section of the handbook is important — you need to be prepared for any sign that might appear.