Virginia DMV Written Test 2025 Preparation Guide

This guide is designed to help you prepare for the Virginia DMV written test by explaining key driving concepts and rules. Below are summarized points from a DMV test preparation video, covering important questions and answers.

Key Topics and Answers

Traffic and Road Safety

Driving Slowly: If you're causing a traffic jam by driving slowly, pull off to the right side and let traffic pass.
Reversing Your Car: Before reversing, check all mirrors, look over your shoulder, and use rear view mirrors to ensure surroundings are clear.
Black Ice: Dangerous because it is transparent and blends into the road, making it hard to see. Common in cold conditions with wet pavement.
Flashing Red Light: Equivalent to a stop sign. Stop completely and proceed when safe.
Steady Yellow Light: Slow down and prepare to stop.
Safe Following Distance: Increase the distance when behind large vehicles that block your view.
Median Use: Never drive or park on a median.
Lane Use Control Signal (Green Arrow): Indicates you may use the lane.
Changing Lanes: Signal, check mirrors and blind spots, change lanes only when safe.

Signs and Signals

Flagger Ahead Sign: Be prepared to follow traffic directions by a flagger.
Cold Roads: Can become brittle, leading to cracks and potholes.
Deer Crossing Sign: Indicates potential deer crossing; exercise caution.
Traffic Signal Ahead Sign: Indicates a traffic signal is upcoming.
School Zone Fines: Doubled to encourage caution.
Slippery Roads: Roads are slipperiest during the first rain after a dry spell.
HOV Lanes: Accessible with two or more passengers, public transport, or electric cars.

Emergency and Hazard Situations

Emergency Vehicles: Pull to the right and stop for emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights.
Drug Use: Even over-the-counter drugs can impair driving.
Hazard Lights: Use when your car is stopped or disabled on the highway or shoulder.
Alcohol Effect: Slows reaction time, avoid driving after drinking.
Weather and Driving: Increase following distance in bad weather.
Signal Person Instructions: Always follow at construction sites.

Driving Techniques and Etiquette

Left Turns: Yield to oncoming traffic.
Seatbelts: All occupants should wear seat belts every time.
Line Colors: White lines separate lanes moving in the same direction.
Tailgating: Safely change lanes to allow tailgater to pass.
Parking on Hills: On an uphill with a curb, turn wheels away from the curb.
Interstate Entrance: Yield to oncoming traffic.

Miscellaneous

Motorcycles: They have the right to use a full lane.
Traffic Light Order: From top to bottom: red, yellow, green.
Distracted Driving: Avoid using a cellphone while driving.
No-Passing Zones: Don't pass at intersections.
Travel Lanes: Keep moving until you can safely pull off the road.
Blind Spots: Always check before changing lanes.
Crosswalks: Stop and wait for pedestrians to cross entirely.
Tired Driving: Avoid driving when very tired to prevent accidents.
Prohibitory Signs: A red circle with a line through it means an action is forbidden.
Snow/Icy Roads: Make speed and directional changes gradually.
Railroad Crossing Sign: Be cautious of trains.

For more practice or to obtain a cheat sheet for passing the DMV exam, further resources are suggested by the video.

These notes provide a comprehensive review of the major points covered in the DMV test preparation video, ensuring a thorough understanding of essential driving rules and safety measures.