Virginia expects a new resident to title and register a car from another state within 30 days. Driving on the old state's plates after that deadline breaks the law.
Before the test begins, the examiner checks that your vehicle is safe and properly equipped. An unsafe vehicle, missing seat belts, or anything that keeps the examiner from reaching the brake pedal is enough to cancel the test, so check your car ahead of time.
Under implied consent, getting a license and driving on public roads count as advance agreement to chemical testing, such as a breath test, when you are arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Refusing the test usually brings its own penalties, including loss of your license.
Drivers who are 21 or older break the law once their BAC hits 0.08%. Anyone under 21 is held to a zero-tolerance limit far below that, so 0.08% is not their cutoff, and 0.06% is not the standard adult limit.
Virginia takes away the license of a first-time DUI offender for no less than one year, and repeat offenses lead to much longer losses of driving privileges.
Virginia requires drivers convicted of DUI to go through VASAP, the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, which offers alcohol and drug education along with intervention services. Completing it may be a condition for getting full driving privileges back.
Virginia law sets a 30-day window for reporting a new address to the DMV. Keeping your address current ensures that renewal reminders and other official notices reach you.
Virginia law (Va. Code 46.2-335) does not allow driving on a learner's permit between midnight and 4 a.m. At other hours, you may practice with a supervising driver beside you, such as a licensed driver age 21 or older, or a licensed parent or guardian.
One standard drink equals either 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits; each holds about the same amount of alcohol. Choosing beer or wine over liquor does not make you any less impaired.
Drivers under 21 are held to a zero-tolerance rule: a reading of 0.02% or more brings penalties such as license suspension, far below the 0.08% adult limit. Even a single drink can bring a young driver close to that level, so the only safe plan is not to drink before driving.
If the owner of an unattended car cannot be located, Virginia requires you to leave a note with your contact details where it is easy to see and to notify the State Police or the local police within 24 hours. Both steps are mandatory, so each listed action is correct.
In Virginia, the police officer who investigates a crash sends the official report to the DMV. A driver involved in the crash may also file a written report, but the law does not require it.
A Virginia teen becomes eligible for a learner's permit at 15 years, 6 months, and can move up to a driver's license no earlier than 16 years, 3 months, provided driver education and supervised practice have been completed.
Virginia gives new residents 60 days to switch to a Virginia driver's license. Do not mix this up with the shorter 30-day deadline for titling and registering a vehicle.
Alcohol makes it hard to hold a lane, judge speed, and react smoothly, so impaired drivers often weave, drive unusually slowly, and brake or stop without warning. If you notice these signs, keep well back and report the driver to police when it is safe.
Since January 1, 2025, Virginia requires liability coverage of at least $50,000 for the injury or death of one person, $100,000 for all people hurt in one crash, and $25,000 for property damage. The old $30,000 per-person minimum no longer applies to new or renewed policies.
Every question in this set has its own page with the correct answer and an explanation.
