Virginia DMV exam simulator
Take the knowledge test the way the DMV gives it: 40 questions picked at random from all 350 of ours, 34 correct to pass. You only see your answers at the end. Pass three in a row and you're ready for the real thing.
40 questions · 34 to pass
How the simulator works
- Every attempt draws a new random set of 40 questions from across the handbook.
- No feedback until you finish, as in the real test. Then you see your score and every question you missed, with the explanation and handbook reference.
- Your results stay in this browser. After three passes in a row you'll see "You're ready".
- The DMV doesn't publish a time limit for this test, so the clock just shows how long you've taken.
Part one of the knowledge exam: 10 traffic sign questions, all 10 must be correct (100%) before taking part two.
About the real Virginia DMV test
Two-part multiple-choice exam on a computer at DMV customer service centers or in classrooms at participating high schools (remote testing in schools).
- Languages: English, American Sign Language, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese/Mandarin (simplified and traditional), Dari, Farsi, French, German, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Kurdish, Mongolian, Nepali, Pashto, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Twi (Akan), Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese. Translators may not be used for tests in offered languages.
- Attempts: Once per business day. After three failures the applicant must complete the classroom component of driver education (or, for 18+, and for under-18s who already finished classroom driver ed, an 8-hour DMV-approved course based on the Driver's Manual) before a fourth attempt. Results valid 1 year; each retake requires a new application with identity and residency documents.
- If you fail: Under 18: must wait a full 15 days (fail Jan 1, earliest retake Jan 17). 18 and older: one attempt per day.
- Fee: DMV lists no separate exam fee. The learner's permit is $3 plus the yearly cost of the driver's license ($4 per year; $32 for a standard eight-year license).
- Audio or oral test: Oral/audio exams available on request at all DMV customer service centers.
On test day
- Bring the documents on the Virginia what-to-bring list, and check you meet the minimum age (15 years 6 months).
- You'll take a vision test first: Unrestricted license: 20/40 or better in one or both eyes AND at least 110 degrees horizontal field in one or both eyes. Daylight-only license: 20/70 or better in one or both eyes AND at least 70 degrees horizontal field (one-eyed drivers: 30 degrees toward the nose and 40 toward the temple). Daylight-only means half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset. Drivers who need corrective lenses get restriction code C. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
- Read each question and every answer to the end before choosing; watch for words like "not" and "except".
- Review the hardest questions the night before: exact numbers are where most points are lost.
Questions
How many questions are on the Virginia permit test?
The Virginia DMV knowledge test has 40 questions and you need 34 correct to pass (85%). Part one of the knowledge exam: 10 traffic sign questions, all 10 must be correct (100%) before taking part two.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Virginia?
15 years 6 months. You then hold the permit for at least Under 18: at least 9 months and completion of state-approved driver education. 18 and older (before Jan. 1, 2027): 60 days OR completion of driver education while holding the permit. From Jan. 1, 2027: ages 18-20 must hold 90 days AND complete driver education; 21+ hold 60 days OR complete driver education. before the road test and 45 hours of supervised driving, including 15 at night.
What happens if I fail the Virginia permit test?
You can retake it: Under 18: must wait a full 15 days (fail Jan 1, earliest retake Jan 17). 18 and older: one attempt per day. Once per business day. After three failures the applicant must complete the classroom component of driver education (or, for 18+, and for under-18s who already finished classroom driver ed, an 8-hour DMV-approved course based on the Driver's Manual) before a fourth attempt. Results valid 1 year; each retake requires a new application with identity and residency documents.
Can I take the Virginia permit test in Spanish or another language?
English, American Sign Language, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese/Mandarin (simplified and traditional), Dari, Farsi, French, German, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Kurdish, Mongolian, Nepali, Pashto, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Twi (Akan), Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese. Translators may not be used for tests in offered languages.
What do I need to bring for the Virginia permit test?
Completed Application for a Virginia Driver's License (DL 1P); under 18 needs parent/guardian signature (or court order of emancipation); One proof of identity; One proof of legal presence; Two proofs of Virginia residency; Proof of Social Security number, if issued (can be verified electronically); and more (see the full list).
What is the vision requirement in Virginia?
Unrestricted license: 20/40 or better in one or both eyes AND at least 110 degrees horizontal field in one or both eyes. Daylight-only license: 20/70 or better in one or both eyes AND at least 70 degrees horizontal field (one-eyed drivers: 30 degrees toward the nose and 40 toward the temple). Daylight-only means half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset. Drivers who need corrective lenses get restriction code C.
Test format from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles: official test information.