Virginia Lanes & Turns practice test
Practice lane markings, turns, passing and merging: 40 questions based on the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), 12 of them on Virginia's own rules.
Key Virginia facts: Lanes & Turns
Sample Lanes & Turns questions
On a Virginia multi-lane highway, may you cruise in the left lane?
No, it is for passing only Yes, during daylight Yes, if traffic is light Yes, at the speed limit Show the answer
No, it is for passing only
Use the left lane to pass and then move back right. Slower drivers keep right.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Changing Lanes (p. 17)
May you exceed the speed limit to finish passing another vehicle?
Yes, on a two-lane road Yes, by up to 10 mph No, it is still illegal Yes, if the other car speeds up Show the answer
No, it is still illegal
The speed limit applies while you pass. Don't pass if you can't do so legally.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Passing (pp. 17-18)
You enter an E-ZPass-only toll lane by mistake without a transponder. What should you do?
Stop and wait for an attendant Stop and back out Cross into the next lane at the gate Keep going without stopping Show the answer
Keep going without stopping
Stopping there could cause a rear-end crash. Cameras record the plate and the owner gets a bill.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Toll Plazas and Lanes (p. 13)
You plan to turn left at a two-lane roundabout. Which lane should you enter?
The shoulder Either lane The right lane The left lane Show the answer
The left lane
Keep left to turn left, keep right to turn right, and use either lane to go straight.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Roundabouts (pp. 16-17)
A car ahead is turning left. When may you pass it on the right?
Whenever the shoulder is wide Never Only if you sound your horn Only if you can stay on the pavement Show the answer
Only if you can stay on the pavement
Passing on the right is allowed for a left-turning car, but not by driving off the main roadway.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Passing (pp. 17-18)
In a Virginia town's business district, where may you make a U-turn?
Only at an intersection Anywhere mid-block Only from a driveway Only on a divided highway Show the answer
Only at an intersection
U-turns in business districts, cities and towns are limited to intersections, and never on a highway.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: U-Turns (p. 18)
You and an oncoming car are both turning left at an intersection. How should you turn?
One at a time, the larger vehicle first In front of each other, passenger sides side by side Behind each other, driver sides side by side Wait until the other car has turned Show the answer
In front of each other, passenger sides side by side
Turning in front of each other keeps the paths from crossing.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Turning (p. 18)
After you turn right, which lane should you normally enter?
Any lane that is open The left lane The lane closest to the curb The center lane Show the answer
The lane closest to the curb
Turn into the curb lane unless markings show otherwise, then change lanes if needed.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Turning (p. 18)
When may you drive in a marked bicycle lane?
During rush hour When no cyclist is in sight To pass slower cars Only when you need to turn, after yielding to bicycles Show the answer
Only when you need to turn, after yielding to bicycles
Bike lanes are for cyclists. Enter one only to turn, and yield to bicycles first.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 2: Pavement Markings (pp. 11-13)
An intersection has two left-turn lanes. Which should you use?
Whichever lane is shorter The one that best fits where you go next Always the far left lane Always the lane to the right Show the answer
The one that best fits where you go next
Pick the turn lane that sets you up for your route on the new road.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Turning (p. 18)
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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.
