What the Virginia written test covers and how it works
Virginia's written test for a driver license has 35 multiple-choice questions pulled from the Virginia Driver's Manual. You need to answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. You take the test on a computer at your local DMV office, and you get your score when ready after you finish.
The test is offered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Korean, and Vietnamese. You can request an interpreter or reader if you need one, but you must tell the DMV when you schedule your appointment. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete once you sit down at the computer.
You are allowed one attempt per visit to the DMV. If you do not pass, you can return and take the test again, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.
Key Takeaways
- The Virginia written test has 35 questions from the Driver's Manual, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
- The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and traffic laws found in the official Virginia Driver's Manual.
- You take the test on a computer at the DMV, get your score right away, and can retake it if you fail by scheduling another appointment.
- The Virginia DMV offers the test in six languages, and you can request an interpreter or reader ahead of time.
Where to find the Virginia Driver's Manual and what to study
The Virginia Driver's Manual is free and available online at the Virginia DMV website (dmvnow.com). You can read it on your computer, read it as a PDF, or request a printed copy at any DMV office. The manual is the only official source for the test questions — everything on the written test comes directly from this manual.
Focus your study on these sections: traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules at intersections and four-way stops, speed limits in different zones, parking rules and restrictions, seat belt and child safety seat laws, and what to do when you see a traffic light or stop sign. The manual also covers impaired driving laws, distracted driving, and what happens if you get a ticket. Read through the manual at least once, then go back and reread the sections that confuse you.
Many people find it helpful to read the manual section by section, then take practice tests online. The Virginia DMV does not offer an official practice test on its website, but several third-party websites offer free Virginia practice tests that use real questions from the manual. These are useful for getting comfortable with the computer format and the types of questions you will see.
How to schedule your written test appointment
You schedule your DMV appointment online at dmvnow.com or by calling 1-866-DMV-LINE (1-866-368-5463). When you book, you will choose your local DMV office, the date and time that works for you, and what service you need — in this case, the written test for a driver license. The DMV usually has appointments available within a few days to a week, depending on how busy your local office is.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of your Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of ID when you go in. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to check in and answer any questions the DMV staff has.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do that online or by phone at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your fee and have to book again.
What happens on test day at the Virginia DMV
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell them you are there for the written test. A DMV staff member will verify your identity and documents, then take you to a computer station. They will log you into the test system and explain how to use the mouse and keyboard to select your answers. You can ask questions before the test starts, but not during it.
The test is 35 multiple-choice questions. Read each question carefully and select the answer you think is correct. You can go back and change your answer before you submit the test. Once you click submit, your test is scored right away and you see your results on the screen. If you pass, the DMV staff will tell you what happens next — usually you will move on to the road test or get your permit. If you do not pass, ask the staff which topics gave you trouble so you know what to study before your next attempt.
The entire process, from check-in to getting your score, usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Common mistakes people make on the Virginia written test
The most common mistake is not reading the Virginia Driver's Manual before the test. People often think they can pass based on common sense or what they learned in driver's education class, but the test asks very specific questions about Virginia law. For example, Virginia has specific rules about when you can turn right on red, and the test will ask about those exact rules. Read the manual.
Another common mistake is rushing through the questions. You have plenty of time — 15 to 20 minutes for 35 questions means you have about 30 seconds per question, which is more than enough. Read each question twice to make sure you understand what it is asking. Some questions are worded in a way that can be confusing if you skim them.
People also sometimes choose answers based on what they think should be true rather than what the manual says. For example, you might think a certain speed limit makes sense, but Virginia law says something different. Trust the manual, not your instinct. If you are unsure about a question, narrow it down to two answers, then reread the question and both answers carefully before choosing.
What to do if you do not pass the written test
If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass and you will need to take the test again. The DMV staff will give you a score report showing how many questions you got right and which topics you missed. Use this information to focus your studying — if you missed a lot of questions about parking or right-of-way, spend extra time on those sections of the manual.
You can schedule your next test appointment right away, either online or by phone. There is no waiting period between attempts in Virginia — you can take the test again as soon as you can get another appointment. However, you will need to pay the test fee again for each attempt.
Some people find it helpful to study with a friend, watch YouTube videos about Virginia traffic laws, or use flashcards to memorize the traffic signs. The key is to go back to the manual and make sure you understand the material before you try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone or notes during the written test?
No. The DMV does not allow any outside materials, phones, or notes during the test. You must answer the questions based on what you have studied from the Virginia Driver's Manual. The DMV staff will ask you to put your phone away before you sit down at the computer.
What if I fail the written test twice?
You can take the test as many times as you need to pass. There is no limit on the number of attempts in Virginia. Each time you take it, you pay the test fee again and schedule a new appointment. Focus on the topics you missed and study the manual more thoroughly before your next attempt.
Do I need to pass the written test before I take the road test?
Yes. You must pass the written test first. Once you pass, the DMV will tell you what to do next, which is usually scheduling your road test. Some people get their permit after passing the written test and practice driving before taking the road test.
Is the written test the same every time I take it?
No. The questions are randomly selected from a larger pool of questions in the Virginia Driver's Manual, so each test is different. However, all questions come from the manual, so studying the manual thoroughly prepares you for any version of the test.
What if I need the test in a different language?
The Virginia DMV offers the written test in English, Spanish, French, German, Korean, and Vietnamese. When you schedule your appointment online or by phone, select your language. If you need an interpreter or reader, tell the DMV when you book your appointment so they can arrange it ahead of time.