Virginia DMV road test: what to expect

Mistakes that end the test

• A second instance of prohibited communication with a translator/interpreter is an automatic failure

Your car

• Applicant provides the vehicle (not an autocycle)
• Valid safety inspection sticker, license plates, registration card and decals
• Working brakes, safety belts, horn, lights, turn signals, mirrors and speedometer
• Back seat with safety belts if a translator is used

After you pass

Drivers under 18 (under-18 restrictions end) get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• Under 18: no driving midnight to 4 a.m. (exceptions: work, adult-supervised sponsored activities, licensed spouse 18+ or parent/adult in loco parentis in the front seat, emergencies including volunteer fire/rescue calls)
• Under 18: only one passenger under 21 unless a licensed parent or adult in loco parentis is in the front seat; after holding the license one year, up to three passengers under 21 when traveling to/from a school-sponsored activity, with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat, or in an emergency (family members excepted)
• Under 18: no cell phone/wireless device use while driving, hand-held or hands-free, except in a driver emergency with the vehicle lawfully parked or stopped
• Under 18: a demerit-point (or seat belt/child restraint) conviction requires a driver improvement clinic within 90 days; 2nd conviction = 90-day suspension; 3rd = revocation for 1 year or until 18, whichever is longer
• Ages 18-19: driver improvement clinic required for any demerit-point or safety belt/child restraint conviction

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.