Sample Emergencies questions
A police car with flashing lights is stopped on the shoulder of a four-lane highway. What should you do?
Keep your lane and speed Move to a lane not next to it if safe Speed up to pass quickly Stop behind it Show the answer
Move to a lane not next to it if safe
Change to a lane away from the vehicle. If you can't safely, slow down and proceed with care.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Yielding to Vehicles with Flashing Lights (p. 16)
Where should you keep your hands during a traffic stop?
In your pockets In plain view, ideally on the steering wheel Out of the window Under the seat Show the answer
In plain view, ideally on the steering wheel
Visible hands help the officer feel safe and avoid misunderstandings.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Traffic Stops (p. 26)
A school bus ahead of you approaches a railroad crossing with no flashing lights. What should you expect?
It will turn on its flashers and keep going It will speed up to cross It will stop at the crossing It will pull onto the shoulder Show the answer
It will stop at the crossing
School buses must always stop at railroad crossings.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Railroad Crossing Signs and Markings (pp. 9-10)
When should you be especially alert for deer on Virginia roads?
Only in snow At dusk and dawn, especially in fall Only at night in spring At noon in summer Show the answer
At dusk and dawn, especially in fall
Deer move most at dusk and dawn, and crashes rise in the fall.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Deer/Large Animal Hazards (p. 25)
An officer asks you to sign a traffic citation. What does signing mean?
Only that you received it, not that you are guilty That you admit guilt That you give up a court date That you agree to pay at once Show the answer
Only that you received it, not that you are guilty
Signing is not an admission of guilt, and refusing can lead to arrest.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Traffic Stops (p. 26)
On an undivided road, an ambulance with siren on comes toward you in the other lane. What must you do?
Keep driving, since it is in the other lane Stop in your lane Speed up to clear the area Pull to the edge and stop until it passes Show the answer
Pull to the edge and stop until it passes
Virginia also requires you to pull over and stop for emergency vehicles coming the other way on an undivided highway.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Yielding to Vehicles with Flashing Lights (p. 16)
A crash with a deer can't be avoided. What should you do?
Brake firmly and stay in your lane Speed up to push through Swerve sharply around it Steer onto the shoulder Show the answer
Brake firmly and stay in your lane
Swerving can cause a worse crash. Brake firmly, hold your lane and stop under control.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Deer/Large Animal Hazards (p. 25)
At a crossing with gates, when should you stop?
Only after the gate is fully down When the train horn sounds twice When the lights start flashing, before the gate lowers Only when you see the train Show the answer
When the lights start flashing, before the gate lowers
Stop as soon as the lights flash and stay until the gates go up and the lights stop.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Railroad Crossing Signs and Markings (pp. 9-10)
You hit a large animal with your car. Whom should you report it to?
Your employer The DMV No one Law enforcement Show the answer
Law enforcement
Report collisions with large animals to law enforcement.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Deer/Large Animal Hazards (p. 25)
How close may you follow a fire truck with its lights flashing?
No closer than 100 feet No closer than 50 feet No closer than 500 feet As close as traffic allows Show the answer
No closer than 500 feet
Stay at least 500 feet behind an emergency vehicle with flashing lights.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Yielding to Vehicles with Flashing Lights (p. 16)
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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.
