Virginia DMV Test Score Calculator
The Virginia DMV written test has 35 questions total. You need to answer at least 30 correctly (86%) to pass.
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The test includes 10 road sign questions and 25 traffic rules questions. Focus on the sign section if you're struggling.
If you're getting ready to take your driver's license test in Virginia, one of the first things you probably want to know is: How many questions are on the DMV test in Virginia? The answer isn't complicated, but knowing the details can make a big difference in how you prepare.
Virginia DMV Written Test Format
The Virginia DMV written knowledge test has 35 questions total. You need to answer at least 30 correctly to pass - that’s an 86% score. It’s not just about memorizing facts; you need to understand road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
The test is split into two parts: 10 questions about road signs and 25 questions about traffic laws and safe driving rules. You’ll see images of signs like stop signs, yield signs, school zone markers, and warning symbols. If you don’t recognize them, you’ll miss those points fast.
Most people fail not because they don’t know the rules, but because they rush through the sign questions. You can’t guess what a diamond-shaped yellow sign means if you’ve never seen it before. That’s why practice tests with real Virginia DMV questions matter more than generic online quizzes.
What Kind of Questions Are on the Test?
Virginia doesn’t use trick questions. The questions come straight from the Virginia Driver’s Manual, which you can download for free from the DMV website. Here’s what you’ll actually see:
- What does a solid yellow line on your side of the road mean?
- When must you stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
- What is the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers under 21?
- How far should you stay behind a motorcycle in good weather?
- What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?
These aren’t abstract questions. They’re real situations you’ll face on the road. The test is designed to make sure you won’t panic when you see a pedestrian crossing at an unmarked intersection or when you’re merging onto a highway.
One common mistake? People think they can wing it after reading the manual once. But the manual has over 100 pages. You need to test yourself. Don’t just highlight - quiz yourself. Try this: cover the answer, read the question out loud, then say what you think it is before checking. That’s how you build real recall, not just recognition.
How Long Do You Have to Finish the Test?
You have 60 minutes to complete the 35-question test. Most people finish in 15 to 25 minutes. That’s plenty of time. But if you’re nervous, you might second-guess yourself. The key isn’t speed - it’s confidence.
There’s no penalty for wrong answers. So if you’re stuck, eliminate the choices you know are wrong. Often, the right answer stands out once you remove the obvious distractors. For example, if a question asks about stopping distance in rain and one option says “drive twice as fast,” you can safely rule that out.
Don’t overthink. The test isn’t trying to trap you. It’s checking whether you’ve paid attention to the basics. If you’ve practiced with real Virginia DMV questions, you’ll recognize the wording.
What Happens If You Fail?
If you don’t pass the written test, you can retake it the next day. But you only get two chances to pass without paying again. After that, you’ll need to pay the $3 test fee each time you retake it.
Most people who fail miss the sign section. That’s why it’s smart to study signs separately. Print out a sheet of Virginia road signs and quiz yourself daily. Put them on your fridge. Use flashcards on your phone. The more you see them in real life - on the road, in parking lots, on billboards - the more they stick.
There’s no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you can’t take it more than once per day. So if you fail, don’t try again right away. Use the next day to review your weak spots. Focus on the questions you got wrong in your practice test. Don’t just re-read the manual - drill those specific topics.
Practice Tests: Why They Matter
Not all practice tests are created equal. Some websites pull questions from other states or outdated versions. Virginia changed its test format in 2023 to include more questions about distracted driving and sharing the road with cyclists and pedestrians.
Use only official Virginia DMV practice tests. The DMV website offers a free online practice test with 25 sample questions. It’s not the full 35, but it’s the only one that matches the current format exactly. Third-party apps like DriversEd.com and DMV.org have Virginia-specific question banks too - just make sure they say “2025-2026 Virginia Driver’s Manual” on them.
Here’s a tip: When you take a practice test and get a question wrong, write down why. Not just “I didn’t know that.” Write: “I thought the speed limit in a school zone was 25 mph, but it’s 20 mph in Virginia.” That kind of note turns a mistake into a memory.
What to Bring to the DMV
On test day, you need:
- Your learner’s permit
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Parent or guardian signature if you’re under 18
- Payment for the test fee ($3)
Bring a pen. Some locations still use paper answer sheets, even though most are digital now. And don’t forget your glasses or contacts if you need them. The sign section is useless if you can’t read the images clearly.
Real-World Prep: Beyond the Test
Passing the written test is just step one. The real goal is becoming a safe driver. That means connecting what you learn on paper to what you see on the road.
When you’re out with a licensed driver, pay attention to signs you studied. Notice how people react at intersections. Watch how far cars stop from crosswalks. Listen to how other drivers use their turn signals. These aren’t distractions - they’re learning moments.
Many teens who pass the test still get nervous behind the wheel because they never practiced thinking ahead. The written test doesn’t ask you to predict what a driver will do next. But on the road, that’s exactly what you need to do.
Use your time between the written test and the road test to build that instinct. Ask your instructor or parent: “Why did that car slow down?” “Why did the truck signal left but turn right?” The more you ask, the more you’ll understand.
Final Tips for Passing
- Take at least three full-length practice tests before the real one.
- Study signs for 10 minutes every day - use flashcards or apps.
- Don’t cram the night before. Sleep well. Your brain needs rest to recall what you learned.
- Arrive early. Being rushed adds stress you don’t need.
- Read every question twice. Sometimes the difference between right and wrong is one word: “must,” “should,” or “may.”
The Virginia DMV test isn’t designed to be hard. It’s designed to be thorough. If you’ve spent time with the material - not just skimmed it - you’ll pass. And you’ll be better prepared for the road ahead.
How many questions are on the Virginia DMV written test?
The Virginia DMV written test has 35 questions total. You must answer at least 30 correctly to pass, which means you can miss no more than 5 questions.
Is the Virginia DMV test multiple choice?
Yes, all questions on the Virginia DMV written test are multiple choice. Some questions include pictures of road signs, and you’ll need to choose the correct description or rule that applies.
Can I take the Virginia DMV test online?
No, you must take the Virginia DMV written test in person at a DMV customer service center. However, you can take free online practice tests to prepare. The actual test is administered on a computer at the DMV office.
What’s the passing score for the Virginia DMV test?
You need to score at least 86% to pass. That means answering 30 out of 35 questions correctly. The test includes 10 sign questions and 25 rules-of-the-road questions.
How many times can I retake the Virginia DMV test?
You can retake the test as many times as needed, but you can only take it once per day. After two failed attempts, you’ll need to pay the $3 test fee again for each additional attempt.
Do I need to study the Virginia Driver’s Manual?
Yes. Every question on the test comes directly from the Virginia Driver’s Manual. It’s the only official source. Even if you’ve been driving with a learner’s permit, you still need to study the manual thoroughly - most people miss questions on rules they think they already know.
What’s the hardest part of the Virginia DMV test?
Most people find the road sign section hardest because there are over 40 different signs to know. Many assume they recognize signs from driving, but the test asks for the exact meaning - like the difference between a warning sign and a regulatory sign. Practice identifying them by shape and color.
Are there any tricks on the Virginia DMV test?
No. The Virginia DMV doesn’t use trick questions. Every question is straightforward and based on state law or safety guidelines. If a question seems confusing, it’s likely because you haven’t studied that topic yet - not because it’s designed to mislead you.
Next Steps After Passing
Once you pass the written test, you’ll get your learner’s permit if you don’t already have one. Then you’ll need to complete at least 45 hours of supervised driving - 15 of those must be at night - before you can schedule your road test.
Keep practicing. Use the same mindset you used to study for the written test: focus on what you don’t know. Ask your instructor to quiz you on Virginia-specific rules like yielding to emergency vehicles or stopping for school buses on undivided roads.
The written test is just the beginning. The real test is what happens after you get your license. But if you’ve studied well, you’re already ahead of most new drivers.