Virginia permit practice: 20 free questions

Choose an answer, then check the explanation and its handbook source. These are Steerlet practice questions, not the official test or its exact format.

Written from Virginia Driver’s Manual. Independently checked .

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Study all 20 questions and answers

Read each question, answer and source below, or start one-question-at-a-time practice.

Question 1 of 20

You approach an intersection with a flashing red signal. What should you do?

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Correct answer: B. Stop fully, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then continue when clear.

A blinking red signal requires a full stop. Check for vehicles and people before proceeding safely.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Traffic Signals — Flashing red light, PDF page 7. Checked .

Question 2 of 20

A power failure has left an intersection's signals dark. No officer is directing traffic and no portable stop signs are present. How must you proceed?

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Correct answer: A. Use the rules for an intersection where every approach must stop.

A dark signal requires traffic from every direction to stop. After stopping, take your turn under the usual all-way stop rules.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Traffic Signals — Out of service signals, PDF page 8. Checked .

Question 3 of 20

Two vehicles reach an intersection together. There are no signs or traffic lights, and the other vehicle approaches from your right. Who should go first?

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Correct answer: C. The driver to your right.

When arrival times are equal at an uncontrolled intersection, the left-hand driver yields. Let the vehicle on your right proceed first.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Yielding the Right-of-Way, PDF page 18. Checked .

Question 4 of 20

You are using an entrance ramp to join an interstate. Which traffic has priority?

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Correct answer: B. Vehicles already traveling on the interstate.

A driver joining the interstate must yield to vehicles already using it. Choose an opening that lets you enter safely.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Yielding the Right-of-Way, PDF page 18. Checked .

Question 5 of 20

You need to pass a slower vehicle. May you exceed the posted speed limit while passing?

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Correct answer: C. No, passing does not permit speeding.

The speed limit still applies during a pass. Wait if you cannot complete the maneuver safely within that limit.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Passing, PDF page 19. Checked .

Question 6 of 20

While waiting to make a left turn across opposing traffic, how should you position your front wheels?

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Correct answer: A. Keep them straight until you start the turn.

Straight wheels help prevent a rear impact from pushing you into the opposing lane. Turn the wheels when you actually begin turning.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Turning, PDF page 20. Checked .

Question 7 of 20

Unless a sign sets a different limit, what is the maximum speed for a passenger car on an unpaved Virginia road?

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Correct answer: B. 35 MPH.

The default limit on an unpaved road is 35 MPH for a passenger car. Road conditions can require a lower speed.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Speed Limits, PDF page 17. Checked .

Question 8 of 20

At 40 MPH on a dry road, which following interval does Virginia's basic following-distance guide specify?

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Correct answer: C. Three seconds.

A speed of 40 MPH falls in the guide's 35–45 MPH range, which uses three seconds. Add more space when traffic, weather or vehicle condition calls for it.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Maintaining a Space Cushion — Following Distance, PDF page 21. Checked .

Question 9 of 20

When you park beside a curb on a public road, how far from the curb may your vehicle be at most?

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Correct answer: A. One foot.

Curbside parking must leave no more than one foot between the vehicle and curb. Pull close enough to avoid taking up extra road space.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Parking, PDF page 24. Checked .

Question 10 of 20

Which distance marks Virginia's no-parking zone around a fire hydrant?

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Correct answer: B. Within 15 feet.

Parking is prohibited within 15 feet of a hydrant. Keep that area available for emergency access.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Parking — You may not park, PDF page 24. Checked .

Question 11 of 20

When overtaking a bicyclist, what is the minimum clearance you must leave?

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Correct answer: C. Three feet.

Leave at least three feet when passing a bicycle. If your lane cannot provide that room, change lanes when it is safe to pass.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Sharing the Road — Bicycles, PDF page 22. Checked .

Question 12 of 20

A motorcycle is traveling ahead of you in a wide lane. May you move alongside it while remaining in that lane?

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Correct answer: A. No, give the motorcycle the lane to itself.

Do not drive next to a motorcycle within its lane. The rider may need to move across the lane to avoid a road hazard.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Sharing the Road — Motorcycles, PDF page 22. Checked .

Question 13 of 20

Which headlight setting should you use when driving through heavy fog?

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Correct answer: B. Low beams.

Use the lower headlight setting in thick fog. Light can bounce back from the fog and make seeing harder.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Hazardous Conditions — Fog, PDF page 25. Checked .

Question 14 of 20

During daylight rain, you start using the windshield wipers because of the weather. What else must you switch on?

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Correct answer: C. The headlights.

Weather-related wiper use also requires headlights. This rule applies even while it is still daylight.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Lights, PDF page 24. Checked .

Question 15 of 20

What can make alcohol intoxication wear off?

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Correct answer: A. Allowing enough time to pass.

Alcohol's effects diminish with time. Coffee and a cold shower cannot make someone sober enough to drive.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Drunk and Drugged Driving, PDF page 26. Checked .

Question 16 of 20

A driver age 25 has a BAC below .08 percent but is impaired by alcohol. Can that driver still be convicted of DUI?

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Correct answer: B. Yes, impairment can support a DUI conviction below .08 percent.

A BAC below .08 percent does not excuse impaired driving. An adult can still face a DUI conviction when alcohol has impaired the driving.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Drunk and Drugged Driving, PDF page 26. Checked .

Question 17 of 20

You keep yawning and your eyelids feel heavy while driving. Which response addresses the problem?

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Correct answer: C. Stop somewhere safe and take a nap.

These are warning signs of sleepiness. Rest in a safe place; fresh air and loud music are unreliable ways to stay awake.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Drowsy Driving, PDF page 26. Checked .

Question 18 of 20

Where should the shoulder portion of a safety belt rest?

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Correct answer: A. Across your chest and over your shoulder.

The shoulder strap belongs across the chest and shoulder. Putting it beneath an arm or behind the back defeats its proper positioning.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Seat Belts, PDF page 28. Checked .

Question 19 of 20

You are driving with a Virginia learner's permit and a qualified supervising driver. Where must that driver sit?

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Correct answer: B. In the front passenger seat.

The supervising driver must sit beside you in the front passenger position. That driver must also have a valid license and be capable of helping you drive.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — Learner’s Permit, PDF page 33. Checked .

Question 20 of 20

Can an international driver's license, by itself, give you permission to drive in Virginia?

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Correct answer: C. No, it is a translation rather than a valid driving license.

An international document alone does not establish a driving privilege. A translation must not be confused with the valid license it translates.

Source: Virginia Driver’s Manual — International Driver’s License, PDF page 34. Checked .

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Every published answer links to the official handbook section it was checked against.

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