20 questions from the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. 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.”
4. What is the specific hazard associated with Low Ground Railroad Crossings?
Answer: The bottom of low vehicles may get caught or drag on the tracks due to a steep slope. The handbook explains that the steep slope at these crossings can cause low-clearance vehicles to drag on the tracks.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 11: “Low Ground Railroad Crossing: A steep slope where the railroad tracks cross the road may cause the bottom of low vehicles to get caught or drag on the tracks.”
5. 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.”
6. 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.””
7. 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.”
8. Under what condition may a driver cross double solid white lines separating lanes?
Answer: Only where signs and markings allow entry into the designated special use lane. The handbook specifies that crossing these lines is permitted only when specific signs and markings authorize entry into the special use lane.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 14: “You may enter the designated special use lane only where signs and markings allow.”
9. 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.”
10. How long is a driving privilege suspended for a second DUI offense if the driver refuses a breath test?
Answer: Sixty days or until trial, whichever comes first. The handbook specifies that a second offense results in a suspension of 60 days or until trial, whichever occurs first.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 32: “for 60 days or until you go to trial, whichever comes first, for a second offense”
11. When stopped by a police officer at night, what specific lighting action does the handbook require?
Answer: Turn on your vehicle’s interior lights. The handbook instructs drivers to turn on interior lights during nighttime stops to ensure visibility and communication.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 28: “If you are pulled over at night, turn on your vehicle’s interior lights.”
12. 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.”
13. Under what specific condition is it permissible to pass a vehicle on the right?
Answer: When the vehicle ahead has signaled and is making a left turn. The handbook specifies that passing on the right is allowed only when the vehicle ahead has signaled and is executing a left turn.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 19: “you may pass on the right if the vehicle you are passing has signaled and is making a left turn.”
14. 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.”
15. When is it required to use headlights due to inclement weather conditions?
Answer: When visibility is reduced to 500 feet. The handbook specifies that headlights are required in bad weather when visibility drops to 500 feet.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 24: “Virginia law requires motorists to use headlights during inclement weather such as rain, fog, snow or sleet when visibility is reduced to 500 feet.”
16. On which side of the road must a driver park when on a two-way street?
Answer: On the right side of the road. The handbook directs drivers to park on the right side when on a two-way street.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 24: “On a two-way street, park on the right side of the road.”
17. What should you do with your hands while communicating with a police officer during a stop?
Answer: Keep your hands in plain view, preferably on the steering wheel. To ensure safety and clear communication, drivers are advised to keep hands visible on the steering wheel during a stop.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 28: “Keep your hands in plain view, preferably on the steering wheel.”
18. When making a U-turn, into which lane should the driver proceed once the way is clear?
Answer: The outside or right hand lane traveling in the opposite direction. The instructions for making a U-turn specify proceeding into the outside or right-hand lane of the opposite direction.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 20: “When the way is clear, proceed into the outside or right hand lane traveling in the opposite direction.”
19. During rain, snow, and ice, how does the posted speed limit apply?
Answer: You may receive a ticket for driving too fast for conditions even if at or below the posted limit. The handbook clarifies that adhering to the posted limit is not sufficient in poor weather; drivers must adjust speed to conditions to avoid tickets.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 9: “During rain, snow and ice, you may receive a ticket for driving too fast for the conditions even if you are driving at or less than the posted speed limit.”
20. What should a driver do when approaching railroad tracks regarding clearing the crossing?
Answer: Ensure there is room for the vehicle on the other side before proceeding. Drivers must verify there is sufficient space on the far side of the tracks before entering the crossing.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 12: “Make sure there is room for your vehicle on the other side of the tracks before proceeding.”