The Virginia learner's permit test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass

Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles administers a single written test for the learner's permit. The test contains 35 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Virginia Driver's Manual. You need a score of 80 percent — which means 28 correct answers out of 35 — to pass and receive your learner's permit.

The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and Virginia-specific regulations. Each question has four possible answers. You take the test at a DMV office on a computer terminal, and you receive your score when ready after completion.

Key Takeaways

  • Virginia's learner's permit test contains 35 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer 28 correctly to pass.
  • The test is drawn entirely from the Virginia Driver's Manual, so studying that manual is the most direct way to prepare.
  • You take the test at a DMV office on a computer, and results are when ready — you do not wait for mail or email notification.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most DMV locations, though some offices have limits on retakes per visit.

What the test covers

The 35 questions span four main areas: traffic signs and their meanings, traffic laws and right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and Virginia-specific regulations. Questions about signs typically show you an image and ask what it means or when you would encounter it. Questions about laws ask about speed limits, parking rules, seat belt requirements, and what to do at intersections.

Safe driving questions cover topics like following distance, how to handle skids, what to do if your brakes fail, and how to drive in bad weather. Virginia-specific questions address state laws that differ from other states — for example, Virginia's rules about headlights at dusk, or the state's open container law.

The Virginia Driver's Manual, available free from the DMV website and in print at any DMV office, contains all the information tested. The manual is organized by topic, so you can study one area at a time rather than reading straight through.

How the scoring works

You need 80 percent to pass. With 35 questions, that equals 28 correct answers. If you answer 27 correctly, you score 77 percent and do not pass. The test does not weight questions differently — each question counts the same toward your final score.

The computer shows you your score when ready after you finish. It also shows you which questions you missed, though not the correct answers — that information is meant to guide your study if you need to retake the test. Some DMV offices print a score report; others display it only on screen.

Retaking the test if you fail

If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at most Virginia DMV locations. There is usually a fee for each attempt — check your local DMV office for the current cost, as it varies slightly by location. Some offices allow multiple retakes in one visit; others limit you to one retake per visit and require you to return on another day for a third attempt.

Before you retake the test, ask the DMV staff which questions you missed. Review those topics in the Driver's Manual, and consider using practice tests to drill on weak areas. Many people pass on the second or third attempt after focusing their study on the topics that gave them trouble.

How to prepare for the 35 questions

The Virginia Driver's Manual is the official source for all test content. Read it cover to cover, or focus on the sections that match the test topics: signs, laws, safe driving, and state rules. The manual includes practice questions at the end of each chapter.

Practice tests available online or through the DMV website let you take full-length 35-question tests under conditions similar to the real test. Taking several practice tests helps you get comfortable with the computer interface, the time limit, and the types of questions you will see. Practice tests also show you which topics need more study before you sit for the real test.

Study in short sessions over several days rather than cramming the night before. Spacing out your study helps information stick. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not just memorizing them — that approach helps you answer questions about situations you have not seen before.

What to bring and expect on test day

Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. Bring proof of your Social Security number if you have one. Bring proof of your Virginia residency, such as a utility bill or lease in your name. Bring your completed process form, which you can fill out at the DMV office if you have not already.

Arrive early, especially if you are going to a busy DMV office. Check-in can take 15 to 30 minutes. The test itself usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how quickly you work. You are allowed to skip questions and come back to them, so do not spend too long on any single question.

The testing area is quiet, and you sit at a computer terminal. You cannot use notes, phones, or any reference materials during the test. If you need glasses or contacts to read, wear them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test online from home instead of at a DMV office?

No. Virginia requires you to take the learner's permit test in person at a DMV office. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and a staff member must verify your identity and supervise the test. You cannot take it remotely.

Is there a time limit for the 35 questions?

Virginia does not publish a strict time limit, but most test-takers complete the test in 20 to 40 minutes. The computer does not display a countdown timer. If you are working slowly, a staff member may check on you, but you are not rushed off the computer.

What happens if I pass the test but do not have all my documents?

You must have proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number before the DMV will issue your learner's permit. If you pass the test but lack documents, the DMV will not process your permit that day. Bring all required documents before you take the test.

Do the 35 questions change each time I take the test?

Yes. The test is drawn from a larger pool of questions in the Virginia Driver's Manual. Each time you take the test, you get a different set of 35 questions. That is why reviewing the topics you missed helps — you may see different questions on those topics the next time.

Is the test harder if English is not my first language?

Virginia offers the learner's permit test in several languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and others. Contact your local DMV office to find out which languages are available at your location. The test content is the same regardless of language.