Virginia Permit Practice Test: Your Car, Signals and Headlights (2026)

Question 1 of 17

Who must wear safety belts in Virginia?

1. Only front-seat occupants
2. Only children
3. The driver and all passengers, front and rear

Question 2 of 17

How far from the steering wheel should you sit in a car with air bags?

1. At least ten inches
2. Two inches
3. Three feet

Question 3 of 17

Which children must ride in a child safety seat or booster in Virginia?

1. Only under age 2
2. All children under age 8
3. Under 12

Question 4 of 17

What is the fine for a first child restraint violation in Virginia?

1. $500
2. $5
3. $50

Question 5 of 17

Where is the safest place for a child safety seat?

1. The center of the back seat
2. The front passenger seat
3. The cargo area

Question 6 of 17

May a 14-year-old ride in the bed of a pickup with a camper shell?

1. Yes, with a shell
2. No; it is illegal for children under 16
3. Yes, on local roads

Question 7 of 17

How should you never wear the shoulder belt?

1. Over your shoulder
2. Across your chest
3. Behind your back or under your arm

Question 8 of 17

You turn on your wipers because of rain. What else does Virginia law require?

1. Headlights on
2. Hazard lights on
3. Nothing

Question 9 of 17

When following another vehicle at night, when must you use low beams?

1. Within 50 feet
2. Within 200 feet of it
3. Never

Question 10 of 17

On a highway at night, when must you switch from high to low beams for oncoming traffic?

1. Within 50 feet
2. Within one mile
3. When a vehicle is within 500 feet

Question 11 of 17

How often must a Virginia vehicle pass a safety inspection?

1. Every year
2. Every five years
3. Only when sold

Question 12 of 17

You move to Virginia with your car. How soon must you title and register it?

1. Within 90 days
2. Within 30 days
3. Within one year

Question 13 of 17

In the penny test, what shows your tread is safe?

1. All of Lincoln's head shows
2. The penny falls out
3. Part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread

Question 14 of 17

Where should your hands be on the steering wheel according to the Virginia manual?

1. At 8 and 4 o'clock
2. At 12 o'clock
3. At 10 and 2 with palms gripping

Question 15 of 17

How should you use antilock brakes?

1. Pump them quickly
2. Never pump them; keep steady pressure
3. Use only the parking brake

Question 16 of 17

How can wet pavement affect braking distance?

1. It halves it
2. No effect
3. It can double it

Question 17 of 17

You are pulled over by police at night. What should you do with the lights?

1. Turn on the interior lights (and your flashers)
2. Turn off all lights
3. Flash your high beams