For normal steering, which grip gives you better control of the wheel?
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), printed p. 14: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hand Position ↗
A road's posted speed felt comfortable earlier, but rain now makes the pavement slippery. What should guide your speed?
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), printed p. 14: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Speed Limits ↗
You recognize that the car ahead has stopped, but your foot has not yet applied the brake. What is happening during that interval?
Correct answer: Your car is still covering reaction distance.
Reaction distance is the travel between recognizing a problem and applying the brakes. Stopping space must allow for this travel as well as braking.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 15: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Stopping Distance ↗
Two stops begin at the same speed with the same car. One road is dry and the other is wet. Why should you plan more room on the wet road?
Correct answer: Wet pavement can increase the distance traveled while braking.
Braking distance depends on pavement and tire conditions as well as speed and brake condition. Do not assume a dry-road stopping distance will work on wet pavement.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 15: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Stopping Distance ↗
Your car has functioning four-wheel antilock brakes. Which habit should you avoid when braking hard?
Correct answer: Repeatedly pumping the brake pedal.
Do not pump antilock brakes. Learn the particular car's system from its owner's manual; ABS instructions are not interchangeable with non-ABS techniques.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 15: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Antilock Brakes ↗
You are approaching an unfamiliar roundabout. What preparation is most helpful before reaching its entrance?
Correct answer: Identify your exit and follow the approach's lane guidance.
Read the approach's street, direction and lane guidance early. Roundabout layouts vary; advance planning avoids a last-moment maneuver inside the circle.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 17: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Roundabouts - tips for driving safely; corroborated by VDOT Roundabout webpage, updated March 27, 2026, How to Navigate; linked Navigating a Roundabout brochure ↗
At a yield-controlled roundabout entrance, a circulating vehicle is approaching your entry path. What is the safe choice?
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), printed p. 16: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Roundabouts; continued on printed p. 17; corroborated by VDOT Roundabout webpage, updated March 27, 2026, What is a roundabout ↗
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?
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), printed p. 17: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Changing Lanes ↗
Another driver has begun passing your car. How can you help the pass finish safely?
Correct answer: Keep a steady speed or ease off rather than accelerating.
When being passed, do not speed up. Maintaining a steady speed or slowing permits the other driver to complete the maneuver.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 17: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Passing - When being passed ↗
Your right tires drift onto a level shoulder. Why is a sudden sharp turn back toward the lane dangerous?
Correct answer: It can over-correct the car and cause a loss of control.
Do not panic or yank the wheel. Reduce speed gradually and make a controlled return when safe; a sharp over-correction can make the rear of the car slide.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 18: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Over-correcting ↗
While waiting to turn left across opposing traffic, how should you hold the front wheels until you actually turn?
Correct answer: Keep them pointed straight ahead.
Straight wheels reduce the chance of being pushed into opposing traffic if struck from behind while waiting. Turn the wheels when beginning the actual turn.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 18: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Turning - To make a left turn ↗
You finish a lane change and the turn signal is still flashing. What should you do?
Correct answer: Cancel it so it does not suggest another move.
Check that the turn signal has stopped after a turn or lane change. A continuing signal can mislead surrounding drivers.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 18: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Turn Signals ↗
You signal before a turn, with another driveway between you and your intended turn. What should you remember?
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), printed p. 18: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Turn Signals ↗
Which observation lets you measure a following gap in seconds?
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), printed p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Maintaining a Space Cushion - following-distance method ↗
A tall van ahead blocks your view of traffic farther down the road. How should you adjust?
Correct answer: Leave more following space so you have more time to respond.
Increase following distance behind a large vehicle that blocks your view. You need extra room when developing trouble ahead is harder to see.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Maintaining a Space Cushion - increase following distance ↗
A car is following very close behind you while traffic ahead is slowing. What adjustment helps you avoid an abrupt stop?
Correct answer: Increase the room ahead so you can slow more gradually.
More following room ahead gives you flexibility to slow smoothly when tailgated. Do not brake-check the following driver.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Maintaining a Space Cushion - Tailgating ↗
On a straight road, what is the best way to search for developing hazards?
Correct answer: Keep scanning ahead and to the sides instead of fixating on one point.
Searching includes the whole traffic scene. Moving your eyes and looking ahead helps you recognize risks before they become immediate.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Searching - Looking ahead ↗
A parked vehicle has its wheels turned toward the street and its backup lights come on. How should you treat these clues?
Correct answer: Expect that it may move into your path.
Vehicle lights and wheel position can warn of a vehicle about to move. Recognize the possibility early without assuming the other driver sees you.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Searching - Search for clues on the road ↗
A quiet rural road has hedges close to the pavement and several farms. What deserves special attention?
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), printed p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Searching - When driving in rural areas ↗
Before a planned slowdown, why should you know what traffic is doing behind you?
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), printed p. 19: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Searching - Look behind ↗
You sit in a car last driven by someone of a different height. When should you set the mirrors for your view?
Correct answer: Before you start driving.
Adjust mirrors before driving so they provide the intended rear and side views from your seating position. Mirror adjustment does not eliminate every blind spot.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 20: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Blind Spots ↗
The side mirror shows an open lane. What additional check is important just before moving into it?
Correct answer: A quick shoulder glance for a vehicle in the blind spot.
Mirrors do not show every nearby vehicle. A brief shoulder check helps reveal a vehicle in the blind spot before the lane change.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 20: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Blind Spots ↗
You have been driving beside the rear quarter of another car where its driver may not see you. What is the safer plan?
Correct answer: Adjust your position safely so you do not linger in its blind spot.
Avoid remaining in another driver's blind spot. Create a safer relative position without speeding or making an unsafe lane change.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 20: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Blind Spots - avoid someone else's blind spot ↗
Parked cars hide part of the sidewalk beside a playground. What should you anticipate?
Correct answer: A person may enter the roadway from the hidden area.
Use extra care near playgrounds and residential areas. A blocked view can hide a pedestrian until they are close to your path.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 20: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Pedestrians ↗
Before crossing a shared-use path at a driveway, where should you look for approaching bicyclists?
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), printed p. 20: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Bicycles ↗
You are ready to open your street-side door after parking. What should come first?
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), printed p. 22: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Parking - exiting your vehicle ↗
An approaching motorcycle looks small in the distance. Why should you check its approach carefully before pulling out?
Correct answer: Its size can make its speed and distance hard to judge.
A motorcycle's small profile can cause a driver to misjudge its speed or distance. Look carefully and do not pull into an unsafe gap.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 20: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Motorcycles, Yield to motorcycles ↗
A motorcycle ahead changes position within its lane near broken pavement. What is a reasonable explanation?
Correct answer: The rider may be avoiding a surface hazard.
Debris and small pavement changes can be significant motorcycle hazards. Allow room for the rider to choose a safer path within the lane.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 20: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Motorcycles, Anticipate movements ↗
A motorcyclist is riding near one side of a wide lane. Should you drive your car alongside in the same lane?
Correct answer: No; leave the rider the lane's maneuvering space.
Do not drive beside a motorcycle in the same lane. The rider may need its full width as traffic or road conditions change.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 20: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Motorcycles, never drive beside ↗
You pass a tractor-trailer and discover that your exit is close ahead. Why is cutting directly in front and braking unsafe?
Correct answer: It removes stopping room the truck needs.
Large vehicles need substantial stopping room. Do not cut in closely after passing or force the truck to brake suddenly for your exit.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 21: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Trucks, Tractor-Trailers, Buses and RVs, Front No-Zone ↗
A truck ahead swings left as it prepares for a right turn. What should you do with the space between it and the curb?
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), printed p. 21: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Trucks, Tractor-Trailers, Buses and RVs, Wide Turns ↗
Your car is set up to tow a small utility trailer with a receiver hitch and ball coupler. What check belongs before each trip?
Correct answer: Inspect the hitch connections, safety chains, plug and trailer lights.
For this equipment, inspect the connection and lighting before each trip. The handbook lists the receiver pin, secured coupler, attached safety chains, installed electrical plug and functioning lights.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 21: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Light to Medium Trailers, before driving ↗
When changing lanes with a small trailer attached to your car, what extra clearance must you account for?
Correct answer: The full added length of the trailer behind the car.
A lane change must leave enough room for the entire combination. Clearing the other vehicle with the car alone does not mean the trailer is clear.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 21: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Light to Medium Trailers, when driving ↗
You have never driven this car with its properly attached trailer. What is a sensible preparation before using busy roads?
Correct answer: Practice its handling in a suitable traffic-free area.
The handbook recommends practicing in a suitable location before taking a light-to-medium trailer onto public roads. Become familiar with the combination's different handling.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 21: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Sharing the Road - Light to Medium Trailers, practice ↗
While slowly backing a car with an unobstructed rear window, how should you keep watch?
Correct answer: Look behind directly and keep checking both sides.
Mirrors do not provide a complete rearward view. Look back, move slowly and check both sides for approaching traffic or pedestrians throughout the maneuver.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 22: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Backing ↗
You park facing uphill beside a curb on the right side of the road. Which front-wheel position helps keep the car from rolling into traffic?
Correct answer: Turn the wheels left, away from the curb.
For uphill parking with a curb on the right, turn the wheels away from the curb. The curb can then help restrain the car if it rolls backward; secure the vehicle as well.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 22: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Parking - Parking on a hill, uphill with curb diagram ↗
An oncoming driver leaves bright headlights on. What helps you keep a useful view without adding glare for that driver?
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), printed p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hazardous Conditions - Night Driving ↗
In heavy fog, your high beams make a bright haze in front of the car. Which lighting choice is more useful?
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights.
Fog can reflect headlight light back toward you. Use low beams and reduce speed for the limited view; parking lights are not a substitute.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hazardous Conditions - Fog ↗
A shower has just started on a previously dry road. Why might the pavement be especially slippery?
Correct answer: Water can mix with oil already on the surface.
Early rain can mix with surface oil and create a slick road. Use caution without waiting for deep standing water.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hazardous Conditions - Rain ↗
You can safely take a route around an area of ponded water. Why is avoiding the water preferable?
Correct answer: Ponded water can cause hydroplaning or loss of control.
Avoid ponded water where possible. Its appearance or another vehicle's passage does not guarantee that your tires will remain in effective contact with the road.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hazardous Conditions - Rain ↗
Before a snowy trip, you clear the windshield but leave a thick layer on the roof. What remains to be done?
Correct answer: Remove the snow and ice from the rest of the car too.
Clear the whole vehicle, including windows, mirrors, lights, roof, hood and rear. Snow or ice left on the car can obstruct your view or fly into other traffic.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hazardous Conditions - Snow ↗
The road looks mostly clear on a cold morning. Where should you still be especially alert for ice?
Correct answer: On bridges and in shaded areas.
Bridges can freeze before other road surfaces, and shaded areas may remain icy. Do not assume a clear-looking approach means the next surface has equal traction.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hazardous Conditions - Snow ↗
On packed snow, you have ample room for an ordinary planned slowdown before a turn. Which approach is best?
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), printed p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Hazardous Conditions - Snow ↗
Another driver shouts, gestures and tries to provoke you. Which response best protects you?
Correct answer: Leave space and avoid accepting the challenge.
Stay out of an aggressive driver's way. Do not race, retaliate or try to outmaneuver the person; disengaging reduces the chance of escalation.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 23: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Dangerous Driving Behaviors - Aggressive Driving ↗
You want to select a complicated navigation route before leaving. What is the safest time to enter it?
Correct answer: While safely parked, before the car starts moving.
Set vehicle and device controls before driving. A task that takes your attention away from traffic belongs in a safe stopped location, not in a moving gap.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 24: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Dangerous Driving Behaviors - Distracted Driving ↗
You begin missing exits and cannot clearly remember the road you just traveled. What is the safe response?
Correct answer: Stop at a safe place and rest, or let a rested driver take over.
These can be signs of drowsiness. Rest or a well-rested replacement driver addresses the problem; noise, fresh air and stimulants are not reliable substitutes.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 24: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Dangerous Driving Behaviors - Drowsy Driving ↗
You are arranging an evening at which you plan to drink alcohol. Which transportation plan avoids having to judge your own driving fitness afterward?
Correct answer: Arrange a sober driver or another ride before drinking.
Plan a sober ride before alcohol can affect your judgment. A familiar route or a later feeling of confidence is not a safe transportation plan.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 25: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Dangerous Driving Behaviors - Drunk and Drugged Driving, sober ride planning ↗
After drinking, a person has coffee and says that feeling more awake means it is safe to drive. What is the problem with that claim?
Correct answer: Coffee does not sober the person up.
Coffee is not a way to remove alcohol impairment. Do not equate feeling more awake with being sober or able to drive safely.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 24: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Dangerous Driving Behaviors - Drunk and Drugged Driving, only time ↗
A new medicine's label mentions dizziness, but you are unsure how that affects driving. What should you do before taking the wheel?
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), printed 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 ↗
A deer crosses ahead and disappears into the trees. Why should you remain cautious instead of immediately resuming speed?
Correct answer: Other animals may follow it across the road.
Large animals often travel in groups. Slow down and continue watching the roadside after the first animal crosses.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 25: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Deer/Large Animal Hazards ↗
A deer suddenly blocks your path and a collision cannot be avoided. Which response does the handbook recommend?
Correct answer: Brake firmly while holding your lane and maintaining control.
When an animal collision is unavoidable, avoid a sudden swerve into opposing traffic or roadside hazards. Brake and keep the vehicle under control.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 25: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Deer/Large Animal Hazards - unavoidable collision ↗
After pulling over safely for a police officer, what should you ordinarily do while waiting for instructions?
Correct answer: Remain in the car with your belt fastened and hands visible.
The handbook advises remaining inside unless the officer asks you to get out, keeping the belt fastened and hands visible. Avoid unexpected movements.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 26: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Traffic Stops (continuation of Section 3) ↗
During a traffic stop, an officer asks for a document in your glove compartment. What is the advised way to retrieve it?
Correct answer: Explain where it is, then reach for it slowly as directed.
Tell the officer where the requested document is and avoid sudden movements when retrieving it. Keep your hands visible as much as possible and follow instructions.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 26: Section 3 - Safe Driving, Traffic Stops - requested documents ↗
Which placement is correct for an adult's lap-and-shoulder belt?
Correct answer: Lap portion low across the hips; shoulder portion across the chest.
Wear a snug lap belt low over the hips/upper thighs and the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest. Do not route the shoulder belt behind the back or under an arm.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 26: Section 4 - Seat Belts; corroborated by NHTSA Seat Belts, Guidelines to buckle up safely ↗
Your car has front and side air bags. How should that affect belt use?
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), printed p. 27: Section 4 - Air Bags; corroborated by NHTSA Air Bags, Protection ↗
You can move your driving seat farther from the steering-wheel air bag. What limit must you preserve while adjusting it?
Correct answer: You must still comfortably reach and operate the controls.
Increase separation from the air bag while keeping a proper upright position and full control of the car. Do not trade safe control reach for extra distance.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 27: Section 4 - Air Bags, seating position; corroborated by NHTSA Air Bags, Frontal Air Bags and FAQ on seating distance/control reach ↗
You are uncertain whether a suitable child safety seat is correctly installed in this car. What should you do before using it?
Correct answer: Check both manuals and get help from a qualified seat technician.
Use the car-seat and vehicle instructions and seek a child-seat inspection if uncertain. Correct installation depends on the actual restraint and vehicle, not appearance alone.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 27: Section 4 - Child Safety Seats, safety-seat checks; corroborated by NHTSA Car Seats and Booster Seats, Car Seat Overview and Car Seat Inspection ↗
A passenger proposes holding a small child on their lap for a short ride. What is the safe decision?
Correct answer: Use the child's appropriate, correctly installed restraint.
An adult's arms or shared belt are not a child restraint. In a crash, the child can be crushed or thrown; use the appropriate installed seat.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 27: Section 4 - Child Safety Seats, never hold a child in your lap ↗
Before driving with children in the rear seat, what door-related precaution should you take?
Correct answer: Securely close the doors and use fitted child safety locks as intended.
Check that doors are closed and locked, and use the fitted child-lock feature. If a door must be opened, stop safely first; do not have children manage an unsecured door in motion.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 27: Section 4 - Child Safety Seats, when traveling with children ↗
A child has outgrown a harness seat and still fits an appropriate booster. Without the booster, the child slouches and the lap belt rides on the stomach. What should guide the choice?
Correct answer: Continue using the suitable booster until the belt fits correctly.
A usable buckle alone is not a proper belt fit. The child needs correct belt position and posture throughout the trip; follow the restraint's limits and applicable child-restraint requirements.
Source: Virginia Driver's Manual, DMV 39 (April 27, 2026), printed p. 27: Section 4 - Child Safety Seats, criteria for sitting without a booster; corroborated by NHTSA Seat Belts, Fitting a Child Correctly in a Seat Belt ↗
