20 questions from the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the required clearance distance when passing a horse-drawn buggy according to Virginia state law?
Answer: At least three feet. The handbook specifies a minimum clearance requirement of three feet for passing buggies.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 10: “State law requires motorists to pass with at least three feet of clearance when the way is clear.”
2. If a driver is caught driving after their license has been suspended for an alcohol-related offense, how long is the vehicle immediately impounded?
Answer: 30 days. The handbook clearly indicates an immediate 30-day impoundment period for this specific violation.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 32: “Your vehicle will be impounded immediately for 30 days if you are caught driving after your license has been suspended for an alcohol-related offense.”
3. How long does a new Virginia resident have to obtain a Virginia driver’s license after moving to the state?
Answer: Within 60 days. The handbook specifies a 60-day window for new residents to obtain their license.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 35: “If you are a new Virginia resident and drive, you must obtain a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of moving here.”
4. What is the status of an international driver's license according to the Virginia Driver Handbook?
Answer: It is only a foreign translation of your existing valid driver's license. The handbook clarifies that an international driver's license serves merely as a translation of a valid license and is not a standalone valid license for driving.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 34: “An international driver’s license is not a valid driver’s license and does not allow you to drive. It is only a foreign translation of your existing valid driver’s license to be used when you are traveling outside of the U.S.”
5. According to Virginia law, who is responsible for ensuring that passengers younger than age 18 are properly secured?
Answer: The driver transporting them. The handbook assigns the responsibility of securing passengers under age 18 to the driver transporting them.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 28: “A driver transporting anyone younger than age 18 must ensure that the passenger is properly secured in a safety belt, booster seat or child safety seat no matter where the child is seated in the vehicle.”
6. What is the maximum distance a driver may travel in a center lane marked by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line on both sides?
Answer: 150 feet. The handbook sets a specific limit of 150 feet for traveling within this type of center turn lane.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 14: “However, they may not travel further than 150 feet in this lane.”
7. When approaching a toll plaza without an E-ZPass transponder, what should a driver do?
Answer: Look for and follow signs for cash only lanes. The handbook instructs drivers without transponders to specifically look for and follow signs directing them to cash-only lanes.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 15: “If you do not have a transponder, as you approach a toll plaza, look for and follow signs for cash only lanes.”
8. What does a T Intersection sign indicate regarding the roadway ahead?
Answer: The roadway ends ahead at a stop sign, requiring a turn after yielding. The handbook defines a T Intersection as a place where the current road ends, requiring the driver to stop and turn after yielding.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 11: “The roadway you are traveling on ends ahead at a stop sign. You must turn right or left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.”
9. How far ahead of a turn should a driver signal their intent?
Answer: At least three or four seconds, 100 feet. The handbook specifies that drivers must signal their intent to turn at least three to four seconds or 100 feet ahead of the maneuver.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 20: “You should signal at least three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn.”
10. Why should a driver keep their front wheels pointed straight ahead while waiting to make a left turn?
Answer: To prevent being pushed into oncoming traffic if rear-ended. Keeping wheels straight ensures that if a rear-end collision occurs, the vehicle is pushed straight forward rather than into oncoming traffic.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 20: “Keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you are actually going to make the left turn. This prevents you from being pushed into oncoming traffic if another vehicle crashes into you from behind.”
11. What is the maximum distance allowed from the curb when parking next to it?
Answer: One foot. The handbook specifies a strict limit of one foot for parking distance from the curb.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 24: “You may not park more than one foot from the curb.”
12. How frequently should a driver use their rearview mirror to check traffic behind them?
Answer: About every 10 seconds. The handbook advises checking the rearview mirror approximately every 10 seconds to monitor traffic behind the vehicle.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 21: “Use your rearview mirror to check the traffic behind you frequently, about every 10 seconds.”
13. According to the Virginia Driver Handbook, what action is required when approaching a flashing red light?
Answer: Come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. The handbook states that a flashing red light requires a complete stop and yielding to others before proceeding.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 7: “Flashing red light: At a flashing red light, come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.”
14. Where is the safest place to install a child safety seat according to the handbook?
Answer: In the center of the back seat. The handbook specifically identifies the center of the back seat as the safest location for installing a child safety seat.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 29: “The safest place to install a child safety seat is in the center of the back seat.”
15. What is the required action for a driver facing a red arrow signal?
Answer: Stop and wait until the arrow changes, unless specific signs allow turning after a stop. Drivers must stop at a red arrow and cannot proceed in that direction unless specific signs permitting a turn after stopping are present.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 7: “A red arrow means you must stop if you intend to move in the direction of the arrow. You may not proceed in the direction of the arrow as long as the red arrow is displayed, unless signs are posted at the intersection that read “Right on Red Arrow After Stop” or “Left on Red Arrow After Stop.””
16. When leaving a work zone, what is the correct procedure regarding lane changes?
Answer: Stay in your lane and maintain your speed until completely clear of the work zone. Drivers must remain in their lane and keep their speed steady until they have fully exited the work zone area.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 12: “As you leave the work zone, stay in your lane and maintain your speed. Don’t change lanes until you are completely clear of the work zone.”
17. Why should drivers slow down when encountering open joints on bridges or ramps?
Answer: Because open joints could cause a motorcyclist to lose control. The handbook states that slowing down helps prevent motorcyclists from losing control due to the uneven surface of open joints.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 11: “Open joints on bridges or ramps could cause a motorcyclist to lose control of the motorcycle.”
18. What is required if a driver's license has been expired for one year or more during a suspension period?
Answer: Show proof of legal presence and pass the two-part knowledge, road skills and vision exams. If the license is expired for over a year during suspension, the driver must provide proof of legal presence and successfully complete all specified exams to reinstate privileges.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 30: “During the suspension period, if your license has been expired for one year or more, you must show proof of legal presence and pass the two-part knowledge, road skills and vision exams to have your driving privilege reinstated.”
19. What action does the handbook recommend when driving through ponded water?
Answer: Use caution and avoid the water if possible. The handbook advises using caution and avoiding ponded water when possible to prevent loss of control.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 25: “Use caution when driving through ponded water, and avoid it if possible.”
20. How should a driver position their body to maximize visibility while backing up?
Answer: Turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window. The handbook instructs drivers to turn their body and head to the right to look through the rear window for better visibility than mirrors alone provide.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 24: “To see as much as possible, turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window.”