Read an existing practice question, consider its choices, then reveal the answer and explanation. This set has 20 sourced cards selected from the existing Virginia printable sample.
A short sample of car driving questions. Read the handbook to cover the other topics you need.
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Card 1 · Vehicle safety
For normal steering, which grip gives you better control of the wheel?
Hold the rim with your fingers and thumbs.
Press against the rim with your palms only.
Grip tightly with both hands crossed at the top.
Steer mainly with one hand while the other rests.
Show answer for card 1
Correct answer: Hold the rim with your fingers and thumbs.
Use a secure finger-and-thumb grip and a relaxed, upright posture. Pushing with your palms alone is not the grip recommended by the handbook.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 14: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hand Position · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 2 · Roundabouts
At a yield-controlled roundabout entrance, a circulating vehicle is approaching your entry path. What is the safe choice?
Wait for a suitable gap without forcing it to brake for you.
Enter because arriving at the entrance gives you priority.
Move partway in to make the circulating driver stop.
Match its speed by entering beside it in the same lane.
Show answer for card 2
Correct answer: Wait for a suitable gap without forcing it to brake for you.
Traffic entering a roundabout yields to traffic already circulating. Enter only when the path and gap are safe, also checking for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 16: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Roundabouts; continued on p. 17; corroborated by VDOT Roundabout webpage, updated March 27, 2026, What is a roundabout · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 3 · Awareness
You signal before a turn, with another driveway between you and your intended turn. What should you remember?
The signal tells everyone the exact driveway you selected.
Once signaling, you can stop checking nearby vehicles.
Another driver may misunderstand where you intend to turn.
The signal makes any driver at the first driveway wait.
Show answer for card 3
Correct answer: Another driver may misunderstand where you intend to turn.
A turn signal gives direction, not an exact destination. Stay alert for a driver who misunderstands your intention and pulls into your path.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 18: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Turn Signals · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 4 · Awareness
A quiet rural road has hedges close to the pavement and several farms. What deserves special attention?
Only traffic visible in your rearview mirror.
Only the road's center line until you reach a town.
Only vehicles traveling at the same speed as you.
Hidden driveways and slow vehicles that may enter ahead.
Show answer for card 4
Correct answer: Hidden driveways and slow vehicles that may enter ahead.
Rural driving calls for attention to hidden intersections, driveways and slow-moving farm vehicles, along with curves, hills and changing road conditions.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Searching - When driving in rural areas · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 5 · Bicycles
Before crossing a shared-use path at a driveway, where should you look for approaching bicyclists?
Only in the direction adjacent road traffic travels.
In both directions along the path.
Only behind the car nearest the driveway.
Only for cyclists who sound a bell.
Show answer for card 5
Correct answer: In both directions along the path.
Bicyclists may approach from either direction on shared-use paths and two-way facilities. Look both ways before crossing their path.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 20: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Bicycles · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 6 · Large vehicles
A truck ahead swings left as it prepares for a right turn. What should you do with the space between it and the curb?
Stay out of it and allow the truck room to complete the turn.
Use the opening if you can reach the corner first.
Enter the opening as soon as the cab clears it.
Follow closely into the opening behind the trailer wheels.
Show answer for card 6
Correct answer: Stay out of it and allow the truck room to complete the turn.
A large vehicle may need a wide approach to a turn. Do not squeeze between it and the curb, where its turn can close the available space.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 21: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Trucks, Tractor-Trailers, Buses and RVs, Wide Turns · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 7 · Night driving
An oncoming driver leaves bright headlights on. What helps you keep a useful view without adding glare for that driver?
Stare at the headlights to track the car continuously.
Turn on your high beams until the other driver responds.
Avoid staring into the beams and keep checking your road ahead.
Look only at the road edge until the vehicles have passed.
Show answer for card 7
Correct answer: Avoid staring into the beams and keep checking your road ahead.
Do not retaliate with high beams or stare into the glare. Briefly use the road side as a reference while continuing to check ahead and the other vehicle's position.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hazardous Conditions - Night Driving · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 8 · Weather
On packed snow, you have ample room for an ordinary planned slowdown before a turn. Which approach is best?
Reduce speed early and use gentle control inputs.
Carry normal speed to the turn and brake sharply there.
Alternate hard acceleration and braking to test grip.
Wait until the car begins sliding before reducing speed.
Show answer for card 8
Correct answer: Reduce speed early and use gentle control inputs.
Packed snow can be as slippery as ice. For an ordinary planned maneuver, slow early and brake gently; this is not an emergency-braking instruction for every brake system.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hazardous Conditions - Snow · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 9 · Alcohol and drugs
A new medicine's label mentions dizziness, but you are unsure how that affects driving. What should you do before taking the wheel?
Assume it is safe if it was sold without a prescription.
Drive a familiar route to test whether the dizziness matters.
Check the driving warnings and ask a pharmacist or clinician.
Skip prescribed doses whenever a driving trip is planned.
Show answer for card 9
Correct answer: Check the driving warnings and ask a pharmacist or clinician.
Some prescription and nonprescription medicines can impair driving. Follow the warnings and get professional advice if unsure; do not change prescribed treatment on your own.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 25: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Dangerous Driving Behaviors - Drunk and Drugged Driving, medication labels; corroborated by FDA Some Medicines and Driving Don't Mix, How to Avoid Impaired Driving · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 10 · Vehicle safety
Your car has front and side air bags. How should that affect belt use?
Use the belt only when carrying front-seat passengers.
Leave the shoulder belt off when side air bags are fitted.
Use the belt only on roads where high-speed crashes are likely.
Use the safety belt; air bags supplement its protection.
Show answer for card 10
Correct answer: Use the safety belt; air bags supplement its protection.
Air bags are designed to work with safety belts, not replace them. Their presence does not remove the need for proper restraint.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 27: Section 4 - Air Bags; corroborated by NHTSA Air Bags, Protection · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 11 · Stop sign
You face this sign at a junction. What instruction does it give before you continue?
FHWA MUTCD / Standard Highway Signs — source and adaptations in /signs/LICENSES.md
Slow down only if traffic is visible
Stop only at a later junction
Make a complete stop
Do not enter the road at all
Show answer for card 11
Correct answer: Make a complete stop
The red octagon requires a complete stop. It is different from a yield sign, an advance warning of a stop, and a sign prohibiting entry.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV39 (April 27, 2026), current-linked 40-page PDF; Section2 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings, p. 6; Traffic Signs - Sign Shapes: Octagon (Stop). Complete text and diagrams reviewed September13,2026. Road-sign recognition/meaning only; no signal or pavement-marking rule. Illustration: existing FHWA 2009 panel, verified against the Virginia example; design provenance only, not an adoption claim. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 12 · Keep Right sign
A driver reaches the island marked by this sign. Which side does the sign direct traffic to use?
FHWA MUTCD / Standard Highway Signs — source and adaptations in /signs/LICENSES.md
The right side of the island or obstruction
The left side of the island or obstruction
Either side, depending only on the driver's preference
A right turn at the next intersection
Show answer for card 12
Correct answer: The right side of the island or obstruction
Keep Right directs traffic past the right side of the island, median or barrier shown by the symbol. It does not direct a turn at another junction.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV39 (April 27, 2026), current-linked 40-page PDF; Section2 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings, p. 7; Regulatory signs: Keep Right. Complete text and diagrams reviewed September13,2026. Road-sign recognition/meaning only; no signal or pavement-marking rule. Illustration: existing FHWA 2009 panel, verified against the Virginia example; design provenance only, not an adoption claim. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 13 · Divided highway ends warning
After passing this sign, what kind of road should you be ready for?
FHWA MUTCD / Standard Highway Signs — source and adaptations in /signs/LICENSES.md
Two-way traffic with no median or divider between directions
A newly starting median between the two directions
An added lane for passing on the right
A dead end with no road beyond
Show answer for card 13
Correct answer: Two-way traffic with no median or divider between directions
The symbol shows the divider stopping near the bottom of the sign: the divided highway ends. Ahead, vehicles traveling both ways share one roadway with nothing between them, so keep right and watch for oncoming traffic.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV39 (April 27, 2026), current-linked 40-page PDF; Section2 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings, p. 8; Warning signs: Divided Highway Ends. Complete text and diagrams reviewed September13,2026. Road-sign recognition/meaning only; no signal or pavement-marking rule. Illustration: existing FHWA 2009 panel, verified against the Virginia example; design provenance only, not an adoption claim. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 14 · Yield Ahead warning
The triangular symbol is inside a yellow diamond below an upward arrow. What control is being announced?
FHWA MUTCD / Standard Highway Signs — source and adaptations in /signs/LICENSES.md
An unconditional stop at every approaching road
The end of all intersection controls
A lane reserved for slow-moving vehicles
A yield sign farther ahead
Show answer for card 14
Correct answer: A yield sign farther ahead
The upward arrow over the yield symbol is advance warning of a yield sign. It announces a later control rather than replacing it with a stop or lane-use rule.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV39 (April 27, 2026), current-linked 40-page PDF; Section2 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings, p. 8; Warning signs: Stop Ahead/Yield Ahead. Complete text and diagrams reviewed September13,2026. Road-sign recognition/meaning only; no signal or pavement-marking rule. Illustration: existing FHWA 2009 panel, verified against the Virginia example; design provenance only, not an adoption claim. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 15 · Deer Crossing warning
Text-description practice: A yellow diamond contains a leaping deer silhouette. What does it identify?
FHWA — Standard Highway Signs / reviewed local presentation
An area where deer may cross the roadway
A route reserved for horseback riders
The entrance to a livestock inspection station
A requirement to stop at the sign every time
Show answer for card 15
Correct answer: An area where deer may cross the roadway
The deer silhouette warns of an area where deer cross. Be alert and ready to slow or stop; the sign is not an animal-only route or an unconditional stop control.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV39 (April 27, 2026), current-linked 40-page PDF; Section2 Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings, p. 8; Warning signs: Deer Crossing. Complete text and diagrams reviewed September13,2026. Road-sign recognition/meaning only; no signal or pavement-marking rule. · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 16 · Speed and space
A road's posted speed felt comfortable earlier, but rain now makes the pavement slippery. What should guide your speed?
The speed you maintained before the rain started.
The posted number regardless of the pavement.
The speed that lets you drive safely in the present conditions.
The speed of the fastest vehicle still passing you.
Show answer for card 16
Correct answer: The speed that lets you drive safely in the present conditions.
A posted limit does not make that speed safe in poor conditions. Reduce speed when weather or road conditions require it.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 14: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Speed Limits · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 17 · Lane choice
You are preparing to move into a middle lane. A vehicle on the far side is signaling toward that same gap. What should you do?
Continue because you signaled before reaching the gap.
Delay the move until you know the gap will remain clear.
Move halfway across the line to claim the space.
Watch only the vehicle directly behind you.
Show answer for card 17
Correct answer: Delay the move until you know the gap will remain clear.
A lane-change check must include drivers moving into the same lane from elsewhere. A signal announces intention; it does not reserve the gap.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 17: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Changing Lanes · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 18 · Following distance
Which observation lets you measure a following gap in seconds?
Time from seeing its brake lights until they go out.
Time from the lead car passing a fixed landmark until you pass it.
Time while the lead car is hidden behind a curve.
Time spent looking from one mirror to the other.
Show answer for card 18
Correct answer: Time from the lead car passing a fixed landmark until you pass it.
Use the same fixed point for both vehicles and count the elapsed seconds. Then allow the gap needed for speed, road conditions and visibility.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Maintaining a Space Cushion - following-distance method · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 19 · Awareness
Before a planned slowdown, why should you know what traffic is doing behind you?
It guarantees the following driver will stop in time.
It helps you recognize a close or rapidly approaching follower.
It lets you stop searching the road ahead.
It makes your brake lights unnecessary.
Show answer for card 19
Correct answer: It helps you recognize a close or rapidly approaching follower.
Rearview checks help you understand whether a driver is closing quickly or tailgating. Keep monitoring the road ahead and communicate a planned slowdown.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Searching - Look behind · Original question review: 2026-09-13
Card 20 · Parking
You are ready to open your street-side door after parking. What should come first?
Open the door partway to make approaching traffic move out.
Look for passing vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Rely on the fact that the car is no longer moving.
Listen for a horn and open the door if none sounds.
Show answer for card 20
Correct answer: Look for passing vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Before opening a door, check for road users who could strike it or be forced to swerve. Being parked does not remove that hazard.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), p. 22: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Parking - exiting your vehicle · Original question review: 2026-09-13
These are selected learning examples, not state examination questions or complete handbook coverage. Read the original source when a condition or exception is unclear.
