Virginia permit test: speed limits & control

Posted and basic speed laws, statutory limits and adjusting speed to conditions. 6 questions.

Question 1 of 6
Speed limits & controlVirginia rule

Unless a sign shows a different limit, what is the maximum speed for a car in a Virginia residential area?

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Sample speed limits & control questions

  1. Unless a sign shows a different limit, what is the maximum speed for a car in a Virginia residential area?

    • A 20 MPH
    • B 25 MPH
    • C 30 MPH
    • D 35 MPH
    Show answer

    B. 25 MPH

    Virginia's default limit is 25 MPH in school, business and residential areas, 35 MPH on unpaved roads and 55 MPH on all other roads. These apply whenever no speed limit sign says otherwise.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 17

  2. You are driving a car on a paved rural highway in Virginia with no speed limit signs. What is the maximum legal speed?

    • A 45 MPH
    • B 55 MPH
    • C 60 MPH
    • D 65 MPH
    Show answer

    B. 55 MPH

    When no sign is posted, Virginia's maximum on roads that are not school, business, residential or unpaved is 55 MPH. Higher limits, like those on interstates, must be posted.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 17

  3. Under Virginia law, an officer may charge you with reckless driving based on speed alone if you drive:

    • A 10 MPH or more over the limit, or faster than 75 MPH
    • B 15 MPH or more over the limit, or faster than 80 MPH
    • C 20 MPH or more over the limit, or faster than 85 MPH
    • D 25 MPH or more over the limit, or faster than 90 MPH
    Show answer

    C. 20 MPH or more over the limit, or faster than 85 MPH

    In Virginia, driving 20 MPH or more over the limit, or over 85 MPH anywhere, can be charged as reckless driving. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor that can bring a fine, license suspension and even jail.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 16

  4. What does Virginia law say about using a radar detector in a passenger car?

    • A It is legal only on interstate highways
    • B Using one is illegal
    • C It is legal if mounted out of the driver's view
    • D It is legal everywhere except work zones
    Show answer

    B. Using one is illegal

    Virginia law makes it illegal to use a radar detector. Instead of watching for police, keep an eye on your speedometer and the posted limit.

    Source: Virginia Driver's Manual (DMV 39), page 16