20 questions from the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to the handbook, what specific lighting should be used in heavy rain to ensure visibility?
Answer: Low-beam headlights. The handbook instructs drivers to use low-beam headlights in heavy rain to improve visibility for themselves and others.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 25: “Use your low-beam headlights to see and be seen.”
2. Where should the shoulder belt be positioned according to the handbook?
Answer: Over the shoulder and across the chest. The handbook instructs drivers to position the shoulder belt over the shoulder and across the chest, not behind the back or under the arm.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 28: “Wear your shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your chest.”
3. How should a driver respond to a yellow light if they have not yet entered the intersection?
Answer: Stop. The rule states that if the vehicle has not entered the intersection, the driver should stop, unless stopping is unsafe.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 7: “If you have not entered the intersection, stop; or, if unsafe to stop, cautiously go through it.”
4. What is the required timeframe for titling and registering a vehicle after moving to Virginia?
Answer: Within 30 days. New residents must complete vehicle titling and registration within 30 days of establishing residency.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 35: “Title and register your vehicle and obtain Virginia license plates within 30 days of moving to Virginia.”
5. When approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, from which directions must a driver stop?
Answer: From any direction. The handbook states that drivers must stop regardless of the direction from which they approach the stopped bus.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 17: “You must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when you approach from any direction on a highway, private road or school driveway.”
6. When approaching a person riding a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle, what is the required minimum distance to pass them?
Answer: At least three feet to the left. The handbook states that drivers must reduce speed and pass at least three feet to the left when passing these types of vehicles.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 19: “when approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle or other device, reduce speed and pass at least three feet to the left.”
7. Which factor is listed as affecting braking distance?
Answer: The condition of your brakes and tires. The handbook lists brake and tire condition as a direct factor influencing braking distance.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 17: “Braking distance is also affected by how fast your vehicle is traveling, the condition of your brakes and tires, and the pavement condition.”
8. What is the maximum legal speed limit for passenger vehicles on unpaved roads in Virginia unless otherwise posted?
Answer: 35 MPH. The handbook specifies that the default speed limit for unpaved roads is 35 MPH.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 17: “Unless there is a speed limit sign stating otherwise, the maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles is 25 MPH for school, business and residential areas; 35 MPH for unpaved roads and 55 MPH for all other roads.”
9. If you plan to turn left while navigating a roundabout, which side should you stay in upon entry?
Answer: Stay to the left. The instructions for roundabouts specify staying to the left when entering if the intention is to make a left turn.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 18: “If you plan to turn left, stay to the left as you enter the roundabout.”
10. What is the purpose of dotted white lines in intersections and interchanges?
Answer: To show lane assignment where drivers might otherwise drift out of their lane. Dotted white lines help guide drivers into the correct lanes for turning or exiting, preventing them from drifting.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 13: “They are used to show lane assignment in intersections and interchanges where there might otherwise be a tendency to drift out of a lane or an area of intended use.”
11. If a driver has vision in only one eye, what is the minimum horizontal vision required when looking toward their nose?
Answer: 30 degrees. The handbook states that drivers with vision in one eye need at least 30 degrees of horizontal vision toward the nose.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 6: “If you have vision in only one eye, you must have horizontal vision of at least 30 degrees or better when looking toward your nose and 40 degrees or better when looking toward your temple, or comparable measurement that shows a field of vision within this range.”
12. What is the recommended action when driving in heavy fog?
Answer: Look for road edge markings to guide you. The handbook advises using low-beams and looking for road edge markings to navigate safely in heavy fog.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 25: “Use low-beam headlights in heavy fog and look for road edge markings to guide you.”
13. What is the correct procedure for a driver turning right on a green light at an intersection with a bicycle box?
Answer: Signal and yield to bicycles on the right. The handbook specifies that when turning right on green, drivers are required to signal their intent and yield to bicyclists located on the right.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 15: “If turning right on a green light, drivers must signal and yield to bicycles on the right.”
14. What action is required if you are involved in a crash?
Answer: Stop, help injured persons, report to police, exchange information, and notify insurance. The handbook lists a specific sequence of actions including stopping, assisting, reporting, exchanging info, and notifying insurance, which corresponds to option C.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 37: “Stop, help any injured, report the crash to the police, exchange information and notify your insurance company.”
15. What is the recommended frequency for stopping to rest during long-distance driving to avoid drowsiness?
Answer: Every two hours. The handbook advises drivers to stop for rest at least every two hours during long-distance trips.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 26: “Limit long distance driving. Stop at least every two hours for rest.”
16. What is the minimum age requirement for children to ride facing forward in a child safety seat or booster seat?
Answer: At least age 8. The handbook states that children should remain in a forward-facing seat or booster until they are at least age 8.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 29: “Children should ride facing forward in a child safety seat or booster seat until at least age 8, or until they can attain a proper seat belt fit.”
17. What is the correct procedure regarding your safety belt while stopped by a police officer?
Answer: Keep your safety belt fastened. Drivers are instructed to remain belted during a traffic stop, ensuring both driver and passengers keep their belts fastened.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 28: “Keep your safety belt fastened and ask your passengers to keep their belts fastened.”
18. What is required regarding an ignition interlock device if ordered by the court or DMV?
Answer: Operating a motor vehicle equipped with the ignition interlock device. The handbook states that operating a vehicle not equipped with the required ignition interlock device leads to suspension or revocation, implying the vehicle must be equipped with it.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 30: “operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with the ignition interlock device when it is required by the court or DMV”
19. What does the 'Left Turn Yield on Green' sign indicate regarding right-of-way at a traffic signal?
Answer: Traffic turning left must yield to traffic coming from the other direction. The handbook states that left-turning traffic does not have right-of-way and must yield to opposing traffic.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 9: “It tells you that the traffic turning left at a green light does not have the right-of-way and must yield to traffic coming from the other direction.”
20. According to the handbook, what should a driver do if a collision with a deer or other large animal is unavoidable?
Answer: Brake firmly, stay in your lane, and come to a controlled stop. The handbook instructs drivers to brake firmly and stay in their lane rather than swerving when a collision is unavoidable.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 27: “If a collision with a deer or other animal is unavoidable, do not swerve. Brake firmly, stay in your lane, and come to a controlled stop.”