Key Virginia facts: Alcohol & Drugs
Sample Alcohol & Drugs questions
You take a cold medicine and have one drink. How could this affect your driving?
Only if you drive at night Less than the drink alone Like several drinks Not at all Show the answer
Like several drinks
Mixing alcohol with another drug can multiply the effects of both.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Drunk and Drugged Driving (pp. 24-25)
What extra penalty applies to a DUI with a 15-year-old passenger in the car?
A mandatory extra five days in jail A written warning from the court No extra penalty at all An extra $10 court fee Show the answer
A mandatory extra five days in jail
Having a passenger 17 or younger adds a mandatory five-day jail term plus other penalties.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 5, Penalties: Alcohol and the Law (p. 30)
How much higher is your crash risk after drinking compared with driving sober?
About twice About seven times About 100 times About the same Show the answer
About seven times
Alcohol affects judgment and skill, raising crash risk about sevenfold.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Drunk and Drugged Driving (pp. 24-25)
An adult may legally possess marijuana in Virginia. May they drive while under its influence?
Yes, if over 21 No, it is still illegal Yes, on private roads only Yes, below a small amount Show the answer
No, it is still illegal
Possession may be legal for adults, but driving under the influence of marijuana is not.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Drunk and Drugged Driving (pp. 24-25)
Which drink has about as much alcohol as 12 ounces of beer?
Three shots of liquor A pitcher of beer A five-ounce glass of wine A 20-ounce bottle of wine Show the answer
A five-ounce glass of wine
A beer, a shot and a five-ounce glass of wine have about the same alcohol.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Drunk and Drugged Driving (pp. 24-25)
You are charged with a first DUI after refusing a breath test. How long is the automatic suspension?
30 days One year One day Seven days Show the answer
Seven days
A first offense brings an automatic seven-day administrative suspension.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 5, Penalties: Alcohol and the Law (p. 30)
A driver under 21 is convicted of driving after drinking with a BAC of .05. Which penalty applies?
A written warning A 7-day suspension only A one-year license suspension A 30-day suspension only Show the answer
A one-year license suspension
The penalty includes a one-year suspension plus a $500 minimum fine or 50 hours of community service.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 5, Penalties: Alcohol Related Violations and Penalties Involving Persons Under Age 21 (pp. 30-31)
For a driver under 21, what is the lowest BAC that can lead to an illegal consumption conviction?
.05 percent .08 percent .10 percent .02 percent Show the answer
.02 percent
Virginia sets a .02 threshold for drivers under 21.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Drunk and Drugged Driving (pp. 24-25)
You have been drinking. What will sober you up?
A cup of coffee Only time Exercise A cold shower Show the answer
Only time
Coffee, showers and exercise do not lower your alcohol level. Only time does.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Drunk and Drugged Driving (pp. 24-25)
A 19-year-old uses a fake ID to buy alcohol. What fine applies?
At least $50 At least $500 Only a warning At least $10 Show the answer
At least $500
The penalty includes at least a $500 fine and 50 hours of community service.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 5, Penalties: Alcohol Related Violations and Penalties Involving Persons Under Age 21 (pp. 30-31)
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (April 2026 PDF (created 2026-04-27), read 2026-11-07, plus dmv.virginia.gov pages on the knowledge exam, learner's permits and teen restrictions edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
