DMV

How Many Questions Are on the Virginia Permit Test?

Virginia's knowledge exam has 40 total questions, but it isn't one combined score — Part One is 10 road-sign questions requiring a perfect 10/10, and Part Two is 30 general-knowledge questions requiring 24 correct (80%).

The official test format

Unlike a single combined score, Virginia requires a perfect score on the sign section separately from the 80% threshold on the general-knowledge section — missing even one sign question fails that part outright, regardless of how well you do on the rest.

The exam is administered on a computer at a DMV customer service center or a participating high school, with an oral option available by request.

Because DMV procedures and formats can change, always confirm the current structure on the official Virginia DMV website before your appointment.

How the questions are distributed by topic

Part One draws specifically from traffic-sign recognition, while Part Two covers right-of-way, signals, and Virginia-specific rules throughout the Driver's Manual.

Our free Virginia permit practice tests cover 33 topic areas, including a dedicated set of sign-recognition questions, so you can see exactly which section needs more review.

How our practice tests are structured

Rather than mirroring the exact 40-question, two-part format, dmvwrittenexam.com splits its 149 original Virginia permit questions into multiple 25-question practice tests, giving you far more repetitions than the official test alone would.

Each question includes an explanation and a source reference, so you learn why an answer is correct instead of just memorizing a letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a perfect score on the whole 40-question test?

Only on Part One, the 10-question sign section. Part Two, the 30-question general-knowledge section, requires 80% (24 correct), not a perfect score.

Are the sign and general-knowledge sections timed separately?

Section timing and format details are set by the Virginia DMV and can vary. Confirm current procedures on the official Virginia DMV website before your appointment.

Can I retake just the section I failed?

Retake policies, including whether you retest both sections or only the one you failed, are set by the DMV. Check current rules with the Virginia DMV.

Ready to put this into practice?

Start a free Virginia permit practice test

Last reviewed: 2026-07-20