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Testing
Knowledge Exam
- Two-Part Exam: Part one is 10 traffic sign questions (must get 100%). Part two is general knowledge (must score 80%+).
- Wait Period: If you fail and are under 18, you must wait 15 days to retake. If 18+, you must wait until the next business day.
- Three Failures: If you fail 3 times, you must complete the classroom component of driver education before testing again.
Vision & Road Skills
- Vision Standards: Unrestricted requires 20/40 or better. Restricted (daylight only) requires 20/70.
- Road Skills: You must provides a vehicle with a valid safety inspection, registration, and working equipment.
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Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings
Traffic Signals
- Red Light: Complete stop. Right turn on red is allowed after stop unless "No Turn on Red" is posted.
- Left Turn on Red: Allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping.
- Red Arrow: Stop. You may not turn in the direction of the arrow (unlike some other states).
Sign Colors & Shapes
- Octagon: Exclusive to STOP signs.
- Triangle: Exclusive to YIELD signs.
- Diamond: Warning of special hazards or conditions.
- Pentagon: School zones or school crossings.
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Safe Driving
Speed Limits
- Interstates: Up to 70 mph where posted.
- Public Highways: 55 mph unless otherwise posted.
- School/Business/Residential: 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
Following Distance
- Virginia recommends the 2, 3, and 4-second rule to determine safe following distance based on speed and conditions.
- Increase distance for bad weather, heavy loads, or when following motorcycles/trucks.
Right-of-Way
Yield to the driver on the right if you arrive at an intersection at the same time. Always yield to pedestrians and funeral processions.
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Seat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety Seats
- Seat Belts: Under Virginia law, the driver and all front-seat passengers must wear safety belts. Passengers under 18 must be belted regardless of where they sit.
- Child Safety: Children under 8 years old must be in an approved child set seat or booster seat.
- Rear-Facing: Infants must ride in rear-facing seats until age 2 or until they reach the minimum weight limit for forward-facing.
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Penalties
Alcohol and the Law
- DUI Threshold: 0.08% BAC for adults 21+. 0.02% (Zero Tolerance) for those under 21.
- Implied Consent: By driving in VA, you agree to take a breath/blood test if suspected of DUI. Refusal leads to immediate license suspension.
- Administrative License Suspension (ALS): If you fail or refuse the test, your license is suspended immediately for at least 7 days.
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License Types
- Learner’s Permit: Must be at least 15 years and 6 months old.
- Driver’s License: Available at age 16 and 3 months if you've held a permit for 9 months and completed driver ed.
- Address Changes: You must notify the DMV within 30 days of moving.
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Other Important Information
- Insurance: You must have liability insurance or pay the $500 Uninsured Motorist Fee (note: this fee is being phased out/regulated, but still in the manual).
- Safety Inspection: Vehicles must pass an annual safety inspection.
- Title & Registration: Must be done within 30 days of moving to Virginia.
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Sample Knowledge Exam
The actual test is computer-based. The first 10 questions are always signs—you must get 100% on signs before the computer lets you proceed to the general knowledge part.