20 questions from the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39). Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the required hand signal for indicating a right turn when a vehicle's mechanical turn signals are not functioning?
Answer: Left hand and arm pointing upward. The handbook specifies that for a right turn, the driver must extend the left hand and arm upward.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 20: “Right Turn Left hand and arm pointing upward”
2. According to the handbook, what specific action must a driver take when encountering a Railroad Crossbuck with flashing lights?
Answer: Stop when the light begins to flash and proceed only after all trains have passed and lights stop flashing. The handbook mandates stopping when lights flash and waiting until the tracks are clear and lights stop flashing before proceeding.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 11: “Always stop when the light begins to flash and be alert for approaching trains. Do not proceed until all trains or any other vehicles using the rails have passed, the tracks are clear, and the lights are no longer flashing.”
3. According to the handbook, what is the specific requirement for traffic in a lane marked by a Lane Use Control sign?
Answer: Traffic must turn in the direction of the arrow. The handbook states that vehicles in these lanes are required to follow the direction indicated by the arrow.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 9: “Traffic in the lane must turn in the direction of the arrow.”
4. What is the correct procedure for entering a roundabout as described in the handbook?
Answer: Yield to traffic already in the circle and travel counter-clockwise. The handbook specifies that drivers must yield to existing traffic and move counter-clockwise within the circle.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 11: “Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to traffic already in the circle and travel in a counter clockwise direction.”
5. What does a yellow X or yellow diagonal downward arrow signal instruct you to do?
Answer: Move out of the lane as soon as safely possible. The handbook directly defines the meaning of these specific signals as an instruction to vacate the lane safely.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 8: “Yellow X or Yellow Diagonal Downward Arrow: These signals mean that you should move out of the lane as soon as safely possible.”
6. How far ahead of a turn or lane change should a driver activate their turn signal?
Answer: Three or four seconds, 100 feet. The handbook provides specific metrics for signaling, stating drivers should signal three to four seconds or 100 feet in advance.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 20: “When you plan to turn, signal three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of your turn.”
7. What additional requirement is imposed on a second DUI offense involving a juvenile passenger?
Answer: An 80-hour community service requirement. The handbook states that a second offense with a juvenile passenger requires an additional 80 hours of community service.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 32: “A second DUI offense with a juvenile in the vehicle carries an additional 80-hour community service requirement plus all other fines and jail sentences.”
8. According to the handbook, what action should a driver take immediately upon encountering a 'Do Not Enter – Wrong Way' sign?
Answer: Immediately slow down, pull over, and cautiously turn around. The handbook instructs drivers to slow down, pull over, and turn around when facing this sign to avoid head-on collisions.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 9: “Immediately slow down, pull over, and cautiously turn around.”
9. When passing a truck, bus, or RV, what specific visual cue indicates it is safe to pull in front of the vehicle?
Answer: You see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror. The handbook states that the driver must see the entire front of the truck in the rearview mirror before merging back into the lane.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 23: “When passing, look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front.”
10. According to the Virginia Driver Handbook, what must a driver do at a railroad crossing even if no train is visible?
Answer: Come to a complete stop. The handbook mandates a complete stop at railroad crossings regardless of whether a train is currently visible.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 7: “At a railroad crossing, you must come to a complete stop even if you don’t see a train.”
11. What is the required action if you hit an unattended vehicle and cannot locate the owner?
Answer: Leave a note with your contact information and damage description at the scene. The handbook states that if the owner cannot be found, the driver must leave a note containing specific details at the scene.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 27: “If you cannot locate anyone, leave a note that can be found easily at the scene of the crash. Include your name, telephone number, the date and time of the crash, and a description of the damage.”
12. What is the penalty for a second or subsequent offense of violating the child restraint law?
Answer: $500 penalty. While the first offense carries a $50 fine, the handbook states that subsequent offenses can result in a $500 penalty.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 29: “If you are convicted of violating the child restraint law, you will be fined $50. A second or subsequent offense could mean a $500 penalty.”
13. Under Virginia's implied consent laws, what is required of a driver operating a motor vehicle on public roads when requested by law enforcement?
Answer: Take a breath test. The handbook states that operating a vehicle on public roads constitutes agreement to take a breath test upon request.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 32: “Under implied consent laws, if you operate a motor vehicle on Virginia’s public roads, you agree to take a breath test upon request.”
14. How should a driver brake when driving on slippery surfaces such as packed snow?
Answer: Apply the brakes gently. The handbook instructs drivers to apply brakes gently when braking on slippery surfaces.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 25: “When you brake, apply the brakes gently.”
15. What responsibility does the manual associate with holding a driver’s license?
Answer: To be courteous of other drivers and follow state and federal motoring laws. The handbook links the license to the responsibility of courtesy and legal compliance.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 2: “Your driver’s license carries with it a great responsibility to be courteous of other drivers on the roadways and follow state and federal motoring laws.”
16. If a traffic signal is not working due to a power outage and displays no lights, how should a driver proceed?
Answer: Stop, proceeding through the intersection as though it were an all-way stop. The handbook mandates that drivers treat non-functioning signals as all-way stops, requiring a stop before proceeding.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 8: “Out of service signals: When traffic signals are not working because of a power outage or other problem and not displaying any lights, you are required to stop, proceeding through the intersection as though it were an all-way stop.”
17. What does the shape of a pentagon sign indicate?
Answer: A school zone or school crossing. The handbook assigns the pentagon shape specifically to school zones and crossings, distinct from diamonds (warnings) or rectangles (regulatory/guide).
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 9: “Pentagon (School Zone/School Crossing): This five-sided shape marks school zones and warns you about school crossings.”
18. If your lane is marked with both a curved and straight arrow, what maneuver are you permitted to make?
Answer: You may turn or go straight. The presence of both arrows gives the driver the option to either turn or continue straight through the intersection.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 14: “If your lane is marked with both a curved and straight arrow, you may turn or go straight.”
19. When following another vehicle at night, when should you switch to low-beam headlights?
Answer: Whenever you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead. The handbook specifies that drivers must use low-beams when following another vehicle within a distance of 200 feet.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 25: “When following, use low-beams whenever you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead.”
20. How far should a driver move their seat back from the steering wheel if the vehicle is equipped with air bags?
Answer: At least ten inches. The instructions for vehicles with air bags specify maintaining a distance of at least ten inches between the driver and the steering wheel.
Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 29: “Move your seat back so that you are at least ten inches from the steering wheel.”