Virginia permit test FAQ 2026: how many questions, pass mark, cost
Virginia permit test questions, answered with facts from Virginia DMV.
The Virginia two-part knowledge exam (traffic signs and general knowledge) has 40 questions (10 road signs + 30 general knowledge); you need 10 of 10 road signs and 24 of 30 general knowledge to pass, per Virginia DMV; questions come from the official Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (no edition date printed).
Practice format (official): Our practice tests use the official format — 40 questions (10 road signs + 30 general knowledge), 34 of 40 (10 of 10 road signs and 24 of 30 general knowledge) to pass, untimed.
The Virginia two-part knowledge exam in brief
How many questions are on the Virginia permit test?
The Virginia two-part knowledge exam has 40 questions (10 road signs + 30 general knowledge), per Virginia DMV.
What is the pass mark for the Virginia permit test?
You need 10 of 10 road signs and 24 of 30 general knowledge to pass, per Virginia DMV.
Is the Virginia permit test hard?
You need 34 of 40 (10 of 10 road signs and 24 of 30 general knowledge) to pass, so in the official 40-question format you can get at most 6 wrong overall, and each section has its own mark. The best preparation is to study the official Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (no edition date printed) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.
How much does the Virginia permit test cost?
$3 — learner's permit fee plus the yearly cost of a driver's license, per Virginia DMV.
Is there a free Virginia permit practice test for 2026?
Yes. This site has 2 free Virginia two-part knowledge exam practice tests for 2026, each with 40 questions and the official pass mark of 34 of 40 (10 of 10 road signs and 24 of 30 general knowledge), plus a free road-sign quiz.
Time limit, retakes, age and ID
How long is the Virginia permit test?
Virginia DMV does not publish a time limit for the Virginia two-part knowledge exam.
Can I retake the Virginia permit test if I fail?
Under 18: 'you must wait a full 15 days before you can retake the exam.' 18 or older: 'only eligible to test one time per day.' 'Regardless of age, if you fail the exam three times, you must complete the classroom portion of a Virginia-approved Driver Training School program and present the Driver Education Certificate' (Knowledge Exam page). Manual: after three failures an 8-hour DMV-approved course based on the Driver's Manual can satisfy the requirement (under 18 only if the classroom component of driver education was already completed). Each retake requires reapplying for a learner's permit. Exam must be retaken if the permit/license is not obtained within 1 year.
How old do you have to be to take the Virginia permit test?
The minimum age is 15½, per Virginia DMV.
What do I need to bring to the Virginia permit test?
Completed Application for a Virginia Driver's License (DL 1P); under 18: parent or legal guardian written consent by signing the application (or court order of emancipation); one proof of identity; one proof of legal presence; two proofs of Virginia residency; proof of Social Security number if issued. Original documents only. Vision screening at the appointment.
Which handbook is the Virginia permit test based on?
The official Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (no edition date printed). You can read it on the official site.
Official source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Handbook: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39).
Start the free Virginia two-part knowledge exam practice test 1 · Road-sign quiz
Last updated October 13, 2026.