Virginia Car / Permit practice
Traffic Laws
Speed limits, turning and signaling rules, headlight and seat-belt requirements, and the everyday laws every driver must follow.
Questions reviewed against the official Virginia driver handbook · July 7, 2026
14 questions · pass with 11 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
1. In Virginia, a driver can be charged with reckless driving for exceeding the limit by:
Correct answer: 20 mph or more over the posted limit
Driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit, or faster than 85 mph regardless of the limit, is reckless driving, a criminal misdemeanor.
2. It is legal to pass another vehicle on the right in Virginia when:
Correct answer: The vehicle ahead is signaling a left turn
Passing on the right is allowed when the vehicle ahead has signaled a left turn, as long as you stay on the pavement to get around it.
3. Virginia's law on handheld phones says a driver may not:
Correct answer: Hold a phone in their hand while driving
Drivers may not hold a phone or other wireless device while driving, except to report an emergency or when lawfully parked. A device may be used for navigation if you are not holding it.
4. Under Virginia law, seat belts must be worn by:
Correct answer: The driver and all front and rear passengers
The driver and every passenger, in both the front and rear seats, are required to buckle up. A driver must also ensure that anyone under 18 is properly secured.
5. How soon after moving to Virginia must a new resident obtain a Virginia driver's license?
Correct answer: Within 60 days
New residents who drive must get a Virginia license within 60 days of moving here. Vehicles must be titled and registered within 30 days.
6. Radar detectors in a private passenger vehicle in Virginia are:
Correct answer: Illegal to use
Using radar detectors is against the law in Virginia. Officers may also charge reckless driving for going 20+ mph over the limit or above 85 mph.
7. When must Virginia law require you to turn on your headlights because of your wipers?
Correct answer: Whenever you use your wipers in bad weather
Whenever bad weather forces you to run your windshield wipers, you must also turn on your headlights. Lights are also required when visibility drops to 500 feet.
8. On a multi-lane Virginia highway, the left lane is intended for:
Correct answer: Passing other vehicles
The far-left lane is meant for passing, not cruising. If you are moving slower than surrounding traffic, keep to the right.
9. Unless posted otherwise, the default speed limit on most Virginia roads outside towns and residential areas is:
Correct answer: 55 mph
Where no sign changes it, the limit is 55 mph on most roads, 35 mph on unpaved roads, and 25 mph in school, business, and residential zones.
10. Which hand-and-arm signal indicates a left turn?
Correct answer: Left arm held straight out
A left turn is shown by extending the left arm straight out. Arm up signals a right turn, and arm pointing down signals slowing or stopping.
11. Where in Virginia are U-turns permitted in business districts, cities, and towns?
Correct answer: Only at intersections
Within cities, towns, and business districts, a U-turn is legal only where roads intersect. On a highway, a U-turn is never permitted.
12. After you move within Virginia, you must report your new address to DMV within:
Correct answer: 30 days
You must report an address change to DMV within 30 days. The postal service returns an undeliverable license to DMV rather than forwarding it.
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Every Virginia question is written from the official Virginia driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free