Virginia DMV Knowledge Exam: 10 Sign Questions and 24 of 30 to Pass
How many questions are on the Virginia permit test, and how many must you get right?
The Virginia DMV knowledge exam has two parts. Part one has 10 road sign questions, and you must answer all 10 correctly. Part two has 30 general knowledge questions, and you must answer 24 correctly to pass. You can take it on a computer at a DMV customer service center or at a participating high school.
Where the Virginia knowledge exam facts come from
The question counts, pass marks, retake rules and exam rules come from the Virginia DMV knowledge exam page. The 8-hour course, the audio version and the sample exam come from the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39). Testing at school comes from the DMV page on remote testing in high schools. The study tools and permit steps come from the DMV Driver's Manual, practice exam and learner's permit pages. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (dmv.virginia.gov) before you drive.
Virginia knowledge exam at a glance
| Part | Questions | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Part one: road signs | 10 | All 10 correct |
| Part two: general knowledge | 30 | 24 correct |
How many questions can you miss on the Virginia knowledge exam?
The exam is multiple choice. On part one, you can miss none: you must answer all 10 sign questions correctly before you can take part two. So 9 of 10 means you cannot start part two. On part two, you can miss 6 of 30. The Driver's Manual gives the part two mark as at least 80 percent, and 24 of 30 is exactly 80 percent. Try our free question on what happens with 9 of 10 sign answers to check the rule.
Where can you take the Virginia knowledge exam?
What happens if you fail the Virginia knowledge exam?
The wait depends on your age. If you are under 18, you must wait a full 15 days before you retake the exam. If you fail on January 1, the earliest retake date is January 17. If you are 18 or older, you can test only one time per day.
Each time you retake the exam, you must reapply for a learner's permit with another application and your identity and residency documents. For help with the papers, see our guide to Virginia DMV documents for a learner's permit.
What to do after three failed Virginia knowledge exams
- 1Choose an approved course
At any age, finish the classroom part of a Virginia-approved Driver Training School program. You may also have the option of an 8-hour course based on the Virginia Driver's Manual. DMV approves it only for the three-fail rule, and it is available at a driver training school and online.
- 2Check that the course fits your age
At 18 or older, you may take the 8-hour manual course. Under 18, you may take it only if you already finished the classroom part of driver education. Show that certificate to the driver training school before the course starts.
- 3Finish the course after your third fail
The course completion date must be after the date of your third fail. A course that you finished before that date does not count. See our free question on a driver who fails a third time.
- 4Give DMV your certificate and retest
Show your certificate of completion at a DMV customer service center. Then apply again with your documents, as for each retake, and take the exam.
What you cannot do during the Virginia knowledge exam
- Get help, or help another person, while you take the exam.
- Have an exam or exam answers, or try to get them.
- Give another person exam questions or answers.
- Use a cell phone while you take the exam.
How to study for the Virginia knowledge exam
- Study the Virginia Driver's Manual. The exam questions come from it, and DMV also has it in Spanish (El Manual de Conductor de Virginia).
- Start with Section 2, Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings, because part one allows no mistakes.
- Use the interactive manual, which has practice questions in English and Spanish, and the Driver's License Study Guide, which adds many practice questions for the sign and general knowledge tests.
- Take the sample knowledge exam in Section 8 of the manual.
- For extra practice, try our free Virginia passenger practice test. It is in English only and is not the official exam.
Key takeaways
- Part one has 10 road sign questions, and all 10 must be correct. Part two has 30 general questions, and 24 must be correct.
- Take the exam on a computer at a DMV customer service center or at a participating high school. Oral exams are available by request at DMV customer service centers.
- Under 18, wait a full 15 days to retake the exam. At 18 or older, you can test once per day. After three fails, finish an approved course before you retest.
- Get your permit within 1 year of the exam, or you must take the exam again.
- Next step: practice on the free Virginia passenger practice test.
Virginia knowledge exam: common questions
Can I take the Virginia knowledge exam orally?
Yes. Oral exams are available by request at all DMV customer service centers, and an audio version of the exam is also available. If you have special needs or need special help with testing, tell a DMV staff member at any DMV location. The exam is also offered in many languages and in American Sign Language. See which languages DMV offers.
How long is a passed Virginia knowledge exam good for?
One year. If you do not get your license or permit within 1 year of the knowledge exam, you must take the exam again. If you passed at a participating high school, you have a testing receipt. Take it to a DMV customer service center for processing.
What topics are on the Virginia permit test?
The questions test traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques, and they come from the Virginia Driver's Manual. Besides signals, signs and pavement markings, the manual covers safe driving; seat belts, air bags and child safety seats; penalties; license types; and other important information.
Do I take the knowledge exam at my learner's permit appointment?
Yes. At a DMV appointment to apply for a learner's permit, you take a vision screening and must pass the two-part knowledge exam. You must be at least 15 years and six months old to apply. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application to give written consent.
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