Practice following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road, with questions based on the Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39).
They take about twice as long
A trailer adds weight and length, so allow twice the time.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Light to Medium Trailers (p. 21)
Change lanes if possible or tap your brakes lightly
Don't brake suddenly. Moving over or a light tap on the brakes can get them to pass or back off.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Maintaining a Space Cushion (p. 19)
At least ten inches
Moving your seat back at least ten inches gives the air bag room to work.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 4: Air Bags (p. 27)
Change lanes to pass
If three feet isn't possible in the lane, move to another lane to pass.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Sharing the Road (pp. 20-21)
To the left
Cars from the left are closest to you, so look left, then right, then left again.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Searching (p. 19)
Oil on the road mixes with the water
Oil on the surface makes the first half hour of rain the most slippery.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Fog and Rain (p. 23)
3 seconds
Between 35 and 45 mph, keep three seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 3, Safe Driving: Maintaining a Space Cushion (p. 19)
The center of the back seat
The center rear seat is farthest from most points of impact.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 4: Child Safety Seats (p. 27)
The driver and all passengers, front and rear
Everyone in the vehicle must buckle up, front and back.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), Section 4: Seat Belts (p. 26)
Pump them
Antilock brakes do their own pumping. Don't pump the pedal.
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.