Virginia Permit Test Cheat Sheet: Key Numbers to Memorize

A Virginia permit test cheat sheet should connect each number to its driving situation. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires all 10 sign answers and at least 24 of 30 general answers, according to its knowledge-exam guide. Use these handbook numbers for passenger-car study, including speed limits, following gaps, parking and alcohol rules.

Last verified: November 6, 2026

Key takeaways

Virginia DMV numbers become useful answers when you remember the condition attached to each rule.

• Virginia’s sign section requires 10 correct answers out of 10.
• Virginia’s general section requires at least 24 correct answers out of 30.
• Virginia prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, according to the DMV handbook.

Which Virginia speed numbers belong on a study card?

Virginia’s default passenger-car speed limits are 25 mph in school, business and residential areas, 35 mph on unpaved roads, and 55 mph on other roads unless signs specify otherwise, according to the Virginia Driver’s Manual, Speed Limits. Posted signs and unsafe conditions matter; a memorized default does not override either.

Imagine leaving a residential street for an unpaved road. Read the new road’s signs rather than carrying the neighborhood limit forward automatically. For the exceptions and safe-speed discussion, use our Virginia speed guide.

How do following-distance numbers change with speed?

The Virginia DMV handbook recommends a dry-road following gap of 2 seconds below 35 mph, 3 seconds at 35–45 mph, and 4 seconds at 46–70 mph in its Space Management section. Virginia drivers should increase space for bad weather, traffic, pavement or vehicle conditions. These are driving guidelines, not permission to tailgate whenever a timer expires.

Pick a fixed roadside object, begin counting when the vehicle ahead passes it, and finish before your car reaches it. If rain begins, create additional room early instead of waiting until the lead driver brakes.

Which parking clearances and BAC limits need conditions?

Virginia DMV’s Parking and Alcohol sections prohibit parking within 15 feet of a hydrant, 20 feet of an intersection or 50 feet of a railroad crossing. Virginia’s adult DUI threshold is 0.08% BAC for drivers age 21 or older; impairment can support DUI below that level.

A parking question may show an open curb beside a hydrant. The empty space does not make parking legal. Likewise, a BAC answer must identify the driver’s age rather than treating the adult threshold as a safe drinking allowance.

Can a practice question test judgment instead of a number?

Virginia DMV’s slippery-road guidance requires slower, smoother driving and greater space, so Virginia permit preparation also needs decisions that do not reduce to a single number. Try this app question before reviewing the full exam format and other Virginia car guides.

Frequently asked questions

Virginia permit study works best when the numbers are tied to exceptions, rather than memorized without context.

Can a cheat sheet be used during the exam?

Virginia DMV prohibits assistance during the knowledge exam. Use your study sheet before testing, then put it away.

Does the passing total erase a missed sign?

No. Virginia DMV requires a perfect sign section before the general section, so a strong general score cannot compensate for a sign error.

Should I memorize motorcycle and CDL rules too?

Virginia passenger-car applicants should learn how to share the road with those vehicles. Motorcycle classification and commercial licensing have separate testing requirements.