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Am I Ready for the Virginia Permit Test?
12-question diagnostic · 4 easy, 4 medium, 4 hard · Updated July 12, 2026
Twelve questions, deliberately mixed: four easy, four medium, four of the hardest in our verified Virginia bank. The real test needs 85% — but a diagnostic this short needs a margin, so read your result like this: 12+ of 12, you're ready to book; 10–11, you're close — drill the 25 hardest first; below that, work the full test ladder before test day.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. In Virginia, a driver age 21 or older is legally considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) when their blood alcohol content (BAC) is:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: .08 percent or higher
Drivers age 21 or older are legally considered to be driving under the influence if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher.
2. How is Virginia’s knowledge exam structured?
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Correct answer: Two parts — 10 traffic-sign questions, then 30 general-knowledge questions
Virginia’s knowledge exam has two parts: part one is 10 traffic-sign questions and part two is 30 general-knowledge questions, for 40 questions in all.
3. When you park next to a curb in Virginia, how close to the curb must your vehicle be?
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Correct answer: No more than one foot from the curb
When you park next to a curb, pull close to it. Virginia law does not allow you to park more than one foot from the curb.
4. Virginia keeps track of a driver’s convictions using:
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Correct answer: A demerit point system
When convictions are added to your record, DMV assigns demerit points to traffic offenses and moving violations. Convictions may be assigned three, four, or six demerit points.
5. Virginia law requires you to turn on your headlights during rain, fog, snow, or sleet when visibility is reduced to:
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Correct answer: 500 feet
Virginia law requires headlights during inclement weather such as rain, fog, snow, or sleet when visibility is reduced to 500 feet.
6. Can a driver be convicted of DUI in Virginia with a BAC lower than .08 percent?
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Correct answer: Yes — if their driving is impaired, they can be convicted with a BAC below .08
If your driving is impaired, you can be convicted of driving under the influence even with a BAC lower than .08 percent.
7. Passing another vehicle at a crosswalk is:
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Correct answer: Illegal, because you may not see pedestrians crossing in front of that vehicle
Passing at a crosswalk is illegal. You may not be able to see pedestrians crossing the road in front of other vehicles.
8. A driver under age 21 can be convicted of illegal consumption of alcohol if their BAC is:
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Correct answer: At least .02 percent but less than .08 percent
If you are under age 21, you can be convicted of illegal consumption of alcohol if your BAC is at least .02 percent but less than .08 percent. Virginia has a zero-tolerance law against underage drinking.
9. Two vehicles arrive at the same time at an intersection with no signs or signals. Who must yield?
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Correct answer: The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
When vehicles arrive at the same time at an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left must let the driver on the right go first.
10. To make a left turn on a two-way street, which lane should you use?
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Correct answer: The furthest left lane, turning into the leftmost lane of the intersecting road
For a left turn, be in the furthest left lane possible and turn into the leftmost lane of the intersecting road, unless pavement markings or multiple turn lanes direct otherwise.
11. A driver age 18 or older must complete a driver improvement clinic if they accumulate:
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Correct answer: 12 demerit points within 12 months, or 18 points within 24 months
DMV requires a driver age 18 or older to complete a driver improvement clinic if they accumulate 12 demerit points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months. Not completing the clinic within 90 days results in suspension.
12. The traffic lights at an intersection are completely dark and not working. What must every driver do?
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Correct answer: Stop, then the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
If the lights are not working, all vehicles must stop as at an all-way stop. When two arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
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