Virginia permit test: lanes, passing, hov and tolls
Passing and changing lanes, blind spots, toll plazas and HOV lanes. 14 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key lanes, passing, hov and tolls rulesShow the rules
- Drivers must stop behind bicycle boxes at a red signal, not inside them. (p. 15, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- HOV lanes are marked by a diamond shape in the center of the lane; signs show the minimum riders and the hours. (p. 15, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- If you enter a transponder-only lane by mistake, don't stop; stopping could cause a rear-end crash. (p. 15, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Complete your pass before reaching a No Passing zone. (p. 19, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Wait to move back right until the whole front of the car you passed is visible in your rearview mirror. (p. 19, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Stay in the right lane if you are slower than surrounding traffic. (p. 19, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- When you are being passed, don't speed up. (p. 19, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- When approaching or passing someone on a bicycle, moped or similar device, reduce speed and pass at least three feet to the left. (p. 19, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
- Avoid driving in someone else's blind spot. (p. 22, Virginia Driver's Manual (No edition date printed in text) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample lanes, passing, hov and tolls questions
1.Another car is passing you on a two-lane road. What should you do?
- AFlash your high beams
- BHold a steady speed or slow down
- CMove toward the center line
- DSpeed up to keep your place
Show the answer
✓ B. Hold a steady speed or slow down
When you are being passed, don't speed up. Keep a steady speed or slow down.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 19
2.You are still in the left lane passing a car when you reach a No Passing zone. What is true?
- AYou are breaking the law
- BYou may pass on the shoulder instead
- CYou must stop
- DYou may finish the pass
Show the answer
✓ A. You are breaking the law
Complete your pass before reaching a No Passing zone. If you are still in the left lane when you reach it, you are breaking the law.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 19
3.You are driving slower than the traffic around you on a multi-lane highway. Which lane should you use?
- AThe left lane
- BThe middle lane only
- CAny lane you like
- DThe right lane
Show the answer
✓ D. The right lane
Stay in the right lane if you are slower than surrounding traffic. The left lane is for passing only, not cruising.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 19
4.You are passing a slow car on a 55 mph road. May you go over 55 to finish the pass?
- AYes, by up to 10 mph
- BYes, briefly
- COnly on a two-lane road
- DNo, it is illegal
Show the answer
✓ D. No, it is illegal
It is against the law to exceed the speed limit while passing.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39) (No edition date printed in text), page 19