Practice test 2 of 10 — Virginia permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: A. A no-passing zone

   The pennant shape is used only to mark the start of a no-passing zone.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

2. Question 2: C. A hospital is nearby

   A blue sign with a white "H" points the way to a nearby hospital.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Guide and service signs

3. Question 3: B. Call it and give the posted crossing number

   Calling the number on the emergency sign lets the rail company stop or reroute trains; give the posted crossing number so the site is known.

   Handbook: Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings — Warning Signs

4. Question 4: B. Slower drivers should use the right lane

   If you are driving slower than other traffic, keep to the right lane so faster cars can pass on the left.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

5. Question 5: A. So drivers can tell them apart even from behind

   Their unique shapes let drivers tell what they are even when the front is covered by snow or seen from behind.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

6. Question 6: B. There is road work ahead, so slow down

   Orange signs are for work zones. This one warns of road work ahead, so slow down and stay alert.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Work zone signs

7. Question 7: A. You may not pass other vehicles here

   This sign means do not pass. You must not pass other vehicles on this part of the road.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

8. Question 8: A. Oncoming traffic with no median between you

   This sign warns that the divided highway ends. Oncoming traffic will share the road with no median between you.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

9. Question 9: C. The start of a no-passing zone

   The pennant sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. Do not begin to pass from this point on.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

10. Question 10: A. Lane changes are discouraged here

    Virginia uses solid white lines to discourage lane changes near intersections, ramps and other places where lane changes might be dangerous.

    Handbook: Section 2: Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings — Pavement Markings

11. Question 11: A. Pull over to a safe place first

    Pull over to a safe place before using your phone, since calls take your mind off driving.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Distracted driving

12. Question 12: B. 3 seconds

    The manual table gives "2 seconds Under 35 MPH", "3 seconds 35-45 MPH" and "4 seconds 46-70 MPH", so 40 mph calls for 3 seconds.

    Handbook: Section 3: Safe Driving — Following Distance

13. Question 13: B. A depressant that slows the brain

    Alcohol is a depressant. It slows the brain and the body's reactions.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — How alcohol affects you

14. Question 14: C. 85 mph

    An officer may charge reckless driving for going 20 mph or more over the limit "or over 85 MPH ... regardless of the speed limit."

    Handbook: Section 3: Safe Driving — Speed Limits

15. Question 15: B. 7 days

    Refusing a breath test or having a BAC of .08 or more when charged with DUI brings an automatic suspension of 7 days for a first offense.

    Handbook: Section 5: Penalties — Administrative License Suspension

16. Question 16: A. Dirt and glare make it harder to see

    A dirty windshield adds glare and makes it harder to see, most of all at night.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

17. Question 17: D. Blind spots where the driver cannot see you

    No zones are the large blind spots around a truck where the driver cannot see you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Large trucks and buses

18. Question 18: A. When you use your wipers due to bad weather

    Virginia requires headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers because of bad weather.

    Handbook: Section 3: Safe Driving — Lights

19. Question 19: C. Use the sun visor and slow down

    Use the sun visor or sunglasses and slow down until you can see clearly.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

20. Question 20: B. The car can get too hot very quickly

    A parked car can get too hot very quickly, even on a mild day, and a child left inside can die.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

21. Question 21: B. The full width of a lane

    A motorcycle needs the full width of a lane. Never share a lane with one.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Motorcycles

22. Question 22: B. Pull over where safe and let them pass

    If a long line forms behind you, pull over where it is safe and let them pass.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Lane use

23. Question 23: D. Stop, call 911, and help if you can

    Stop, call 911, and give help you are able to give. Do not move injured people unless they are in danger.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Crashes

24. Question 24: C. Crashes caused by big speed gaps

    A minimum speed limit keeps very slow cars off the highway, since big speed gaps lead to crashes.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Special speed zones

25. Question 25: D. Near the flow of traffic, within the limit

    Driving near the flow of traffic, within the limit, keeps you from being passed often or passing too much.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Basic speed rule

26. Question 26: D. Your tires cannot push water away fast enough

    At higher speed, tires cannot clear the water fast enough and can ride up on a thin layer of it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

27. Question 27: B. Your license can be suspended

    Under implied consent laws, refusing a lawful test usually leads to a license suspension.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Testing and implied consent

28. Question 28: A. To speed up to match highway traffic

    Use the acceleration lane to get up to the speed of highway traffic so you can merge smoothly.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Highway driving

29. Question 29: B. License suspension

    A first conviction for driving under the influence commonly leads to license suspension, along with fines.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Penalties

30. Question 30: A. The car on your right

    When two cars arrive at the same time, the car on the right goes first, no matter which way it is turning.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

31. Question 31: A. Ease off the gas and steer where you want to go

    In a skid, ease off the gas and steer gently where you want the car to go.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Skids and slippery roads

32. Question 32: C. $100

    The manual says you face "an additional $100 fine if convicted of driving between 81 and 85 MPH in a 65-MPH zone."

    Handbook: Section 3: Safe Driving — Speed Limits

33. Question 33: A. Wait behind until you can pass safely

    Wait behind the cyclist until there is room to pass safely with plenty of space.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Bicycles

34. Question 34: A. Change lanes to pass

    If the lane is not wide enough for a three-foot gap, Virginia law says you must change lanes to pass safely.

    Handbook: Section 3: Safe Driving — Sharing the Road

35. Question 35: D. Breath, blood, or urine tests

    Implied consent laws generally cover breath, blood and urine tests for alcohol or drugs.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Testing and implied consent

36. Question 36: A. Yes, alcohol can still be in your blood

    Yes. After heavy drinking, alcohol can still be in your blood the next morning, even after sleep.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — How alcohol affects you

37. Question 37: D. Slow to the school limit and watch for children

    In an active school zone, slow to the posted school zone limit and watch closely for children.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Special speed zones

38. Question 38: B. Before you enter the curve

    Slow down before the curve, then keep a steady speed through it. Braking in the curve can cause a skid.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

39. Question 39: D. 20 mph or more over

    An officer may charge you with reckless driving if you go 20 mph or more over the limit, which is a criminal misdemeanor.

    Handbook: Section 3: Safe Driving — Speed Limits

40. Question 40: A. Saves very little time and adds a lot of risk

    Speeding on most trips saves only a few minutes but raises the chance and harm of a crash.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Basic speed rule