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Virginia motorcycle permit practice test

The Virginia DMV motorcycle knowledge test has 25 questions. It's based on Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2). Practise Virginia's own motorcycle rules below, then the full motorcycle manual tests.

Virginia motorcycle rules

Knowledge test25 questions
PermitMinimum age 15 years 6 months (Va. Code §46.2-335). Valid 12 months; $3. Approved helmet and eye/face protection; ride only after 4 a.m. and before midnight; immediate supervision by a licensed motorcyclist 21+ (or parent, guardian or sibling 18+) from a separate accompanying motor vehicle; no passengers. Hold at least 30 days if 18+ (nine months if under 18, per manual p. 3-4).
Skills test or courseDMV off-street road skills test on your own motorcycle (valid plates, current inspection sticker) or completion of the Virginia Rider Training Program, which waives the 30-day permit hold and the knowledge and skills tests for one year. Riders 19+ with a Virginia license may ride unaccompanied for 30 days after the course. Two failed DMV skills tests require completing the training program. Classifications M2 (two-wheel), M3 (three-wheel), M (both).
Helmet lawUniversal: operators and passengers must wear protective helmets meeting Snell, ANSI or U.S. DOT standards (Va. Code §46.2-910). Exceptions: motorcycles with wheels 8 inches or less, three-wheeled motorcycles/autocycles with nonremovable roof, windshield and enclosed body, and authorized escorted parades at no more than 15 mph.
Eye protectionRequired for operators: face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or a motorcycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield meeting Snell/ANSI/DOT standards (Va. Code §46.2-910).
PassengersNo passengers on a motorcycle learner's permit. Passengers must wear helmets.
Lane splitting or filteringNot permitted. Driving abreast of another vehicle in a single lane is reckless driving (Va. Code §46.2-857), except that two two-wheeled motorcycles may ride abreast in one lane. The manual says not to ride between rows of stopped cars (p. 14).

Virginia motorcycle law questions

26 questions

  1. Question 1How many questions are on the Virginia motorcycle knowledge exam?

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    C: 25. The Virginia motorcycle knowledge exam has 25 questions based on the Motorcycle Operator Manual. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 13: Motorcycle Knowledge Exam, page 26.

  2. Question 2In Virginia, when must you pass the motorcycle knowledge exam?

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    B: Before you take the motorcycle skills test. You must successfully complete the motorcycle knowledge exam before taking the skills test. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 13: Motorcycle Knowledge Exam, page 26.

  3. Question 3How long is a Virginia motorcycle learner's permit valid?

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    C: One year. Motorcycle learner's permits issued by DMV are valid for one year (12 months). Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 3.

  4. Question 4During which hours may a Virginia motorcycle learner's permit holder ride?

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    C: After 4 a.m. and before midnight. A motorcycle learner's permit allows riding after 4 a.m. and before midnight. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 3.

  5. Question 5A Virginia motorcycle learner's permit holder must generally be supervised by a licensed motorcyclist of what minimum age?

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    A: 21. The supervisor must be licensed to operate a motorcycle, at least 21, alert and able to assist. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 3.

  6. Question 6Under the Virginia manual's exception, which relatives 18 or older with a motorcycle license may supervise a motorcycle learner?

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    D: A parent, legal guardian or sibling. A parent, legal guardian or sibling who is licensed to ride and at least 18 may supervise. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 3.

  7. Question 7Who may ride on the motorcycle with a Virginia motorcycle learner's permit holder?

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    A: No one other than the operator. No one other than the operator may be on the motorcycle while riding on a learner's permit. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 3.

  8. Question 8If you are under 18, how long must you hold a Virginia motorcycle learner's permit?

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    D: At least nine months. Applicants under 18 must hold the motorcycle learner's permit at least nine months, even if they complete the rider training program. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 4.

  9. Question 9If you are 18 or older and adding a first motorcycle designation by testing, how long must you hold a Virginia motorcycle learner's permit?

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    A: 30 days. Riders who test for the designation must hold a motorcycle learner's permit for 30 days (nine months if under 18). Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 4.

  10. Question 10Completing the Virginia Rider Training Program (on or after July 1, 2007) exempts you from which requirements, and for how long?

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    B: The 30-day permit hold, motorcycle knowledge exam and road skills test, for one year. Course completion exempts you from the 30-day permit holding period and the motorcycle knowledge and skills tests for one year from completion. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Skills Test Waiver, page 27.

  11. Question 11A Virginia driver's license holder age 19 or older who completes the Virginia Rider Training Program may ride unaccompanied for how long before adding the motorcycle designation?

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    A: 30 days from course completion. Riders 19 or older may ride unaccompanied for 30 days after completing the course, carrying their license and completion certificate; after that they must add the designation at DMV. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Virginia Rider Training Program, page 4.

  12. Question 12What happens if you fail the Virginia DMV motorcycle road skills test twice?

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    B: You must complete a Virginia Rider Training Program course before getting the designation. After two failed DMV road skills tests you must complete a Virginia Rider Training Program course before adding a Class M, M2 or M3 designation. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 13: Skills Test, page 26.

  13. Question 13On a Virginia license, which motorcycle classification lets you operate both two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles?

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    A: M. M2 is for two-wheeled, M3 for three-wheeled, and M covers both. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing, page 3.

  14. Question 14Which classification does Virginia DMV mark on a license for a rider who tested only on a two-wheeled motorcycle?

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    A: M2. M2 is the classification for two-wheeled motorcycles. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing, page 3.

  15. Question 15Under Virginia law, what eye protection must a motorcycle operator use?

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    C: A face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or a motorcycle equipped with an approved windshield or safety glass. Virginia requires the operator to wear a face shield or safety glasses/goggles, or have the motorcycle equipped with approved safety glass or a windshield. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 2: Preparing to Ride, page 4.

  16. Question 16Which motorcycle riders must wear an approved helmet in Virginia?

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    C: Operators and passengers. Virginia requires the operator to wear a protective helmet, and passengers must also wear an approved helmet. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 2: Preparing to Ride, page 4.

  17. Question 17What must you bring to the Virginia motorcycle skills test?

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    D: An approved helmet with face shield or safety glasses/goggles, and a motorcycle with valid plates and a current inspection sticker. You must have an approved helmet and eye protection and a motorcycle with a valid license plate and current inspection sticker; the examiner inspects it first. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 13: Skills Test, page 26.

  18. Question 18Before registering a motorcycle in Virginia, what must you certify?

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    B: That it is insured with a company authorized to do business in Virginia. You must certify the motorcycle is insured by a company authorized in Virginia, and it must stay insured for the whole registration period. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Motorcycle Registration, page 3.

  19. Question 19What does a Virginia motorcycle owner need to operate the motorcycle legally?

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    D: A Virginia title, registration card and license plate. Owners operating a motorcycle in Virginia must have a Virginia title, registration card and license plate. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Motorcycle Registration, page 3.

  20. Question 20According to the Virginia manual, what does the motorcycle designation on a driver's license cost?

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    C: $2 per year. The motorcycle designation costs $2 per year and is valid for the same period as your driver's license. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 4.

  21. Question 21An active-duty service member who completed a U.S. Armed Services-approved basic rider course may be exempt from Virginia's motorcycle tests if they apply within what period?

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    D: One year of course completion. They must apply for the Class M or M2 designation within one year of completing the military-approved course. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 3.

  22. Question 22What does the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual say about riding between rows of stopped cars in the same lane?

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    B: Don't do it; cars and motorcycles each need a full lane. The manual says cars and motorcycles each need a full lane and riders should not ride between rows of stopped cars in the same lane. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Lane Sharers, page 14.

  23. Question 23Which tests must you pass to earn a Virginia motorcycle designation or motorcycle-only license by testing?

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    A: Vision, driver's knowledge, motorcycle knowledge and motorcycle skills. You need a vision test, the driver's knowledge exam, the motorcycle knowledge exam and a motorcycle skills test. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 13: Earning Your License, page 25.

  24. Question 24Where is the Virginia DMV motorcycle skills test conducted?

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    B: Off-street. The skills test, covering starting, accelerating, shifting, turning, braking and swerving, is conducted off-street. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 13: Skills Test, page 26.

  25. Question 25Once you already hold a Virginia motorcycle designation, what permit holding period applies when you add a new motorcycle designation?

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    D: None. Once a motorcycle designation has been issued, there is no minimum learner's permit holding period to add another. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 1: Licensing Requirements, page 4.

  26. Question 26How is the Virginia Rider Training Program partly funded, according to the manual?

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    A: Three dollars from every Virginia motorcycle registration fee. Three dollars from every Virginia motorcycle registration fee supports the program, which the General Assembly created in 1984. Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2): Section 14: Rider Skills Training, page 28.

Answer every question to see your score.

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Full motorcycle practice tests

300 questions on riding skills and safety from the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which most states use.

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Manual: Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2). Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, checked 2026-10-27.