Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39): study guide

Key rules by chapter

A few of the rules from each chapter that come up in our practice questions:

1. Testing

• You must correctly answer all ten traffic sign questions in part one before you can take part two.
• You must answer at least 80 percent of the part two multiple-choice questions correctly.
• Under 18, by law you must wait a full 15 days; failing on January 1 means the earliest retake is January 17.

2. Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

• You may turn left on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after coming to a complete stop and yielding, unless a sign or red arrow prohibits it.
• Virginia law prohibits turns at red arrows. You may only turn against a red arrow if a sign reads 'Right on Red Arrow After Stop'.
• The manual says you may not proceed in the direction of a red arrow unless a sign reads 'Right on Red Arrow After Stop' or 'Left on Red Arrow After Stop'.

3. Safe Driving

• Virginia's manual says to place your hands at the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions, holding with fingers and thumbs rather than palms.
• The default maximum on unpaved roads is 35 mph unless a sign says otherwise.
• The manual lists 55 mph for all other roads unless a speed limit sign states otherwise.

4. Seat Belts, Air Bags and Child Safety Seats

• Signing the citation is not an admission of guilt; refusal to sign may result in arrest.
• A driver transporting anyone younger than 18 must ensure they are properly secured, no matter where they sit.
• Move your seat back so you are at least ten inches from the steering wheel.

5. Penalties

• Drivers 18+ must complete a clinic if they get 12 demerit points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months.
• 18 points within 12 months or 24 points within 24 months brings a 90-day suspension and a required driver improvement clinic.
• A first demerit-point (or safety belt/child restraint) conviction for an under-18 offense requires a driver improvement clinic within 90 days.

6. License Types

• The licensed driver in the front passenger seat must be at least 21, alert and able to help. A guardian or sibling (including half- and step-siblings) may supervise at 18, 19 or 20.
• The licensed driver may be 18, 19 or 20 if he or she is the learner's legal guardian or a brother, sister, half-sibling or stepsibling.
• Penalties include a fine of at least $500, at least 50 hours of community service, up to 12 months in jail, and a 6-month to 1-year license suspension.

7. Other Important Information

• If you move, you must notify DMV within 30 days.
• New residents must obtain a Virginia driver's license within 60 days of moving here.
• Title and register your vehicle and get Virginia plates within 30 days of moving to Virginia.

How to study the handbook

Read one chapter, then take a practice test. Every answer explanation names the handbook section it comes from, so when you get one wrong, go back to that section. Pay most attention to exact numbers and to the rules specific to Virginia, which are where most people lose points.

Total of 40 questions / 34 correct is derived from the two parts (10/10 + 24/30); DMV does not publish a combined score.