Virginia Permit Test Format: 40 Questions in Two Parts

The Virginia permit test has 40 multiple-choice questions: 10 road-sign questions and 30 general-knowledge questions. Most applicants finish in 20 to 30 minutes since there's no time limit.

Virginia Learner's Permit Test: Question Count and Format

The Virginia knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions split into two parts. Part 1 has 10 traffic-sign questions and requires 10 out of 10. Part 2 has 30 general-knowledge questions and requires at least 24 correct, or 80%.

You must pass the sign section before continuing to general knowledge. See the Virginia DMV knowledge exam page for the current official format.

Virginia Knowledge-Test Validity After Passing

A passed Virginia knowledge exam can be used toward the permit or license for one year. If you do not complete the licensing step within that period, DMV requires another knowledge test.

Phones, Notes, and Outside Help During the Virginia Permit Test

No. Virginia DMV does not allow phones, notes, study aids, outside help, or helping another applicant during the knowledge exam. Use only the testing system and follow the examiner's instructions.

How Long the Virginia DMV Permit Test Takes

Virginia DMV does not publish a separate countdown for the standard learner's permit knowledge exam. Walk-in applicants must be present by 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or 11:30 a.m. Saturday to test that day. Those are walk-in arrival cutoffs, not the number of minutes allowed for the exam.

For detailed timing, arrival, and cutoff guidance, use the dedicated test-time and DMV-hours pages rather than treating the cutoff as part of the exam format.

Topics Covered on the Virginia Permit Test

Part 1 tests road-sign identification by shape, color, and meaning. Part 2 covers Virginia traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, safe driving, alcohol and drug rules, and other material from the Virginia Driver's Manual.

• Traffic Signs: 10 questions; all 10 must be correct.
• General Knowledge: 30 questions; at least 24 must be correct.

You must pass Part 1 before the general-knowledge section begins.

Are Virginia Permit Test Questions Different by License Type?

The standard Class D knowledge test is the same for all permit applicants regardless of age. CDL and motorcycle permits use entirely different exams. If you are adding a Class M motorcycle endorsement to an existing license, the written test covers motorcycle-specific content only.

1. Motorcycle Permit (Class M): 25 questions total, requiring 20 correct (80%).
2. Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Varies by endorsement; the General Knowledge portion alone runs 50 questions.

What Happens If You Fail the Virginia Permit Test?

Failing either part ends that attempt. Applicants under 18 must wait a full 15 days before retesting; applicants age 18 or older may test only once per day. After three knowledge-test failures, Virginia requires the applicable approved driver-training or Driver's Manual course before a fourth attempt.

See the dedicated failed-knowledge-test guide for the age-specific training and retake rules.

What to Bring to the Virginia Permit Test

Bring the current DL 1P Driver's License Application and the documents required for your permit application. Virginia DMV generally requires one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of Virginia residency, and Social Security number information if one has been issued.

Use the dedicated Required Documents page for the complete document list and exceptions.