Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. A conviction for speeding in a highway work zone can bring a fine of up to what amount?

   Correct answer: $500

   Speeding in a work zone can bring a fine of up to $500, and using a handheld communications device in a work zone brings a $250 fine.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Work Zones

2. 2. What is the difference between a suspended and a revoked Virginia driver's license?

   Correct answer: A suspension is temporary; a revocation is a termination

   A suspension withdraws your driving privilege temporarily, and you may reinstate it after the period ends and fees are paid. A revocation terminates it, requiring you to re-apply.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Penalties

3. 3. A conviction for aggressive driving in Virginia can result in a license suspension of up to:

   Correct answer: Six months

   An aggressive-driving conviction can suspend your license for ten days up to as long as six months.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Aggressive Driving

4. 4. To pass part two of Virginia's two-part knowledge exam, you must answer correctly at least:

   Correct answer: 80 percent of the questions

   You need at least 80 percent right on part two. Before that, every one of the ten sign questions in part one must be answered correctly.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Two-Part Knowledge Exam

5. 5. If a driver under 18 fails the Virginia knowledge exam, by law they must wait before retaking it:

   Correct answer: 15 days

   A driver under 18 who fails must wait a full 15 days to try again. You are limited to one attempt at the exam each business day.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Two-Part Knowledge Exam

6. 6. An 'international driver's license' allows the holder to:

   Correct answer: Nothing on its own; it only translates a valid license

   An international driving permit is only a translation of a valid license for use abroad; it does not by itself authorize anyone to drive.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — International Driver's License

7. 7. How many demerit points can a single traffic conviction add to a Virginia driving record?

   Correct answer: Three, four, or six points

   DMV assigns three, four, or six demerit points to a conviction, depending on the offense. Points are tracked over 12- and 24-month periods.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Driver Improvement Program

8. 8. An adult driver who accumulates 18 demerit points within 12 months in Virginia will:

   Correct answer: Have their license suspended for 90 days

   Reaching 18 points in 12 months (or 24 in 24 months) brings a 90-day suspension plus a required driver improvement clinic. A clinic alone is required at 12 points in 12 months.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Driver Improvement Program

9. 9. A learner's permit holder in Virginia may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver who is seated:

   Correct answer: In the front passenger seat

   A licensed driver at least 21 (or 18-20 if an immediate family member) must sit in the front passenger seat, alert and ready to help.

   Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Learner's Permit

10. 10. To register a vehicle in Virginia, you must carry liability insurance or instead:

    Correct answer: Pay the $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee

    You must either carry insurance or hand over the $500 uninsured-motor-vehicle fee, which lets you register and drive for a year but provides no actual coverage.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Insurance Requirements

11. 11. A regular Virginia driver's license lets you operate vehicles under a weight of:

    Correct answer: 26,001 pounds

    A standard license covers vehicles under 26,001 pounds that are exempt from CDL rules. Heavier vehicles or certain cargo require a commercial license.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Driver's License

12. 12. Before you can move on to part two of the knowledge exam, you must answer the traffic-sign questions in part one:

    Correct answer: All ten correctly

    All ten sign questions in part one must be answered correctly before you may take part two, which then requires 80 percent to pass.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual — Two-Part Knowledge Exam