Updated for 2026

Virginia Virginia DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Part 1: 100% (10/10) | Part 2: 80% (24/30)

Standard Fee

$3.00 (Learner's Permit) / $32.00 (Standard 8-Year License) / $53.00 (Driver Privilege Card)

Testing System

computerized two-part exam (Must pass signs section with 100% score to proceed to general knowledge)

Critical Failure Factors

Virginia has a unique 'Two-Part' written test structure that causes immediate failure for thousands of applicants. You must score 100% (10 out of 10) on the traffic signs portion; missing a single sign results in an automatic fail before you even see the general knowledge questions. On the road test, the 'Automatic Fail' criteria are strictly enforced: hitting a curb during parking (even lightly), failing to come to a complete stop behind the white line (rolling stop), or exceeding the speed limit by any amount (even 1-2 mph) causes immediate termination of the test.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Virginia traffic laws (Code of Virginia Title 46.2) are infamous nationwide for their severity, particularly regarding speed. The most critical law to understand is 'Reckless Driving' (Class 1 Misdemeanor). Unlike in other states where speeding is a simple traffic infraction, in Virginia, driving 20 mph over the limit OR driving over 85 mph (regardless of the limit) is a criminal offense. This carries penalties similar to a DUI: up to 1 year in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a permanent criminal record. It is not just a ticket; it is an arrestable offense. Another unique statute is the 'Radar Detector Ban'. Virginia is the only U.S. state where radar detectors are completely illegal in all vehicles. Police use 'Radar Detector Detectors' (VG-2/Spectre) to find them. Possession alone is a violation, even if the device is turned off or in the trunk; it must be completely inaccessible to the driver. The state also enforces a strict 'Move Over Law' (expanded in 2023), which requires drivers to change lanes or significantly slow down for ANY stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights—not just police, but also tow trucks, construction vehicles, and private cars with hazard lights on. Failure to do so is a serious violation. Regarding school buses, traffic in both directions must stop for a bus with flashing red lights, unless separated by a physical median (a grass strip or concrete barrier); a mere turn lane is NOT a physical median, and stopping is still required. Virginia also has a 'Hands-Free Law', making it illegal to hold a handheld personal communications device while driving. This is a primary offense, meaning you can be pulled over solely for holding your phone. For young drivers (under 18), the restrictions are tight: the 'Curfew' prevents driving between midnight and 4:00 AM, and the 'Passenger Limit' allows only one non-family passenger under 21 for the first year of licensure. Finally, Virginia uses a rigorous 'Demerit Point System'. Points stay on your record for 2 years, but the conviction stays longer. Accumulating 18 points in one year results in automatic license suspension.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Virginia presents a sharp contrast between the chaotic urban congestion of Northern Virginia (NOVA) and the rural, mountainous terrain of the rest of the state. In NOVA, drivers must understand the complex 'HOV and Express Lanes' system. The I-95/I-395/I-495 corridor utilizes dynamic tolling where prices fluctuate based on traffic; however, vehicles with 3 or more passengers (HOV-3) can travel for free if equipped with an 'E-ZPass Flex' switched to HOV mode. This has created a unique cultural phenomenon called 'Slugging', where commuters form organized lines in parking lots to pick up strangers as passengers solely to qualify for the free HOV lane usage. It is a legal and organized hitchhiking system unique to this region. Another critical vehicle requirement in Virginia is the 'Annual Safety Inspection'. Unlike many states that only check emissions, Virginia requires a physical safety check every 12 months. Mechanics inspect brakes, tires, lights, horn, and glass. You must display a valid safety inspection sticker (color-coded by year) in the center of your windshield; expired stickers are a primary reason for traffic stops. Environmentally, the western part of the state features the Blue Ridge Parkway, where driving requires vigilance for wildlife, specifically Deer and Bears. Fog can be extremely dense in these mountains, and the handbook advises using low beams and using the white line on the right edge of the road as a guide. Virginia also offers a specific license for undocumented residents called the 'Driver Privilege Card' (DPC). To qualify, applicants must prove they have filed Virginia State Taxes (showing income or being claimed as a dependent) for the past 12 months. This card looks slightly different from the Real ID and cannot be used for federal identification, but strictly for driving privileges. Finally, drivers should be aware of the heavy police presence on the I-81 corridor, a major trucking route where speed limits are aggressively enforced due to the high volume of commercial traffic and mountainous curves.