The Virginia permit test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass

Virginia's written permit test is a single exam with 35 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must score at least 80 percent, which means getting 28 or more questions right. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations — all topics from the Virginia Driver's Manual.

The test is administered at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You take it on a computer at the DMV, and you get your results when ready after you finish. If you pass, you move forward in the licensing process. If you don't pass, you can retake the test, though Virginia requires you to wait before your next attempt — the exact waiting period depends on how many times you've already taken it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia permit test contains 35 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules from the Virginia Driver's Manual.
  • You must answer at least 28 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass the test.
  • The test is taken on a computer at your local DMV office, and results are given when ready.
  • Questions are drawn from the official Virginia Driver's Manual, so studying that manual is the most direct way to prepare.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test, but Virginia has waiting periods between attempts that vary based on how many times you've already taken it.

What topics the 35 questions cover

The Virginia permit test pulls all its content from the Virginia Driver's Manual. The questions are not evenly split across topics — some areas get more questions than others, but the DMV does not publish the exact breakdown. However, the manual itself is organized by topic, and you can use that structure to understand what to study.

Common question areas include right-of-way rules, speed limits and when they explore, what different road signs mean, how to handle intersections, parking rules, and what to do if you're pulled over or in an accident. You'll also see questions about impaired driving, distracted driving, and how weather or road conditions affect safe driving. A smaller number of questions cover vehicle maintenance basics and what to check before driving.

Because the test is computerized and random, you won't see the same 35 questions every time you take it. The DMV draws from a larger pool of questions, so two people taking the test on the same day may see different questions — though all questions come from the same manual and test the same skills.

How the scoring works

Virginia uses a straightforward pass-or-fail system. You need 28 correct answers out of 35 to pass — that's exactly 80 percent. There is no partial credit, and there is no curve. If you get 27 right, you fail, even if everyone else who took the test that day also got 27 right.

The computer tells you when ready whether you passed or failed. If you passed, you'll receive a permit (assuming you've met all other requirements, like age and having a valid ID). If you failed, you'll be told how many questions you got wrong, but not which specific questions you missed — this is by design, to prevent people from memorizing answers and retaking the test without studying.

Retaking the test if you don't pass

If you fail the permit test, you can take it again, but you cannot take it the same day. Virginia requires a waiting period before your next attempt. For your first retake, you must wait at least one day. If you fail a second time, you must wait at least seven days before your third attempt. After that, the waiting period is 30 days between each attempt.

Each time you retake the test, you pay the testing fee again. The fee varies by DMV location, so check with your local office for the exact amount. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but the waiting periods mean you cannot rush through multiple attempts in a single week.

How to study for the 35 questions

The Virginia Driver's Manual is the official source for everything on the test. You can read it for free from the Virginia DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Reading through the entire manual is the most thorough way to prepare, though it takes time.

Many people also use practice tests, which are available online through various websites. Practice tests let you see the types of questions you'll face and identify weak areas before you sit for the real test. Some practice tests are free; others charge a small fee. The Virginia DMV itself does not offer an official practice test, but the manual contains sample questions at the end of each section.

A common strategy is to read the manual once, then take a practice test to see which topics need more review. Then go back to the manual and focus on those areas before taking the real test. This approach typically takes a few weeks of study, depending on how much time you spend each day.

What happens after you pass

Passing the permit test is one step toward getting your license, not the final step. After you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car. Virginia has restrictions on learner's permits — for example, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old.

You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum amount of time (the length varies by age) before you can take the road test. The road test is a separate exam where a DMV examiner watches you drive and evaluates your actual driving skills. Only after you pass the road test do you receive your full driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Virginia permit test online from home?

No. The Virginia permit test must be taken in person at a DMV office on a computer provided by the DMV. You cannot take it remotely or on your own device. You'll need to schedule an appointment or go during walk-in hours at your local DMV.

What if I fail the test by just one question?

You still fail. Virginia requires 28 correct answers out of 35 (80 percent). If you get 27 right, you do not pass, and you must wait before retaking it. There is no rounding or second chances within a single test attempt.

Do I have to study the entire Virginia Driver's Manual?

The manual is the official source, but many people study it selectively by focusing on sections that cover the most common test topics. Practice tests can help you identify which areas need the most attention. However, because the test is random, studying the whole manual reduces the chance of being surprised by a question.

How long does the permit test take to complete?

Most people finish the 35-question test in 20 to 30 minutes. You are not rushed — the computer lets you take as much time as you need. However, there is typically a time limit of one to two hours per test session, depending on the DMV office.

What do I bring to the DMV to take the permit test?

Bring a valid photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Virginia residency (such as a utility bill or lease). Requirements can vary slightly, so check the Virginia DMV website or call your local office before you go to make sure you have everything you need.