Virginia Learners Permit Study Guide

Learner's Permit and Driving Basics

• A pedestrian crossing is a designated area for pedestrians to cross roads safely.
• New residents in Virginia have 60 days to obtain a state driver's license after moving.
• Vehicle registration and title must be completed within 30 days of moving to Virginia.

Headlights and U-Turns

• Motorists are required to turn on headlights at sunset for visibility.
• U-turns are legal unless marked by a no U-turn sign.

Licensing Requirements

• Always carry a driving permit or license while driving.
• A flashing red light means stop completely and yield to oncoming traffic.
• Licensed drivers in the passenger seat must be at least 21 if the driver holds a learner's permit.

Following Distance and Railroad Crossings

• Use the 2, 3, and 4 second rule to maintain safe following distances.
• Low ground railroad crossings indicate steep grades near railroads.

Child Safety and Traffic Signs

• Children under eight must be secured in a booster seat or child safety seat.
• Traffic sign shapes convey essential information about their messages.

Special Traffic Conditions

• A yellow and black sign with a truck indicates an approaching steep grade.
• Pedestrians with a white cane always have the right of way.
• The speed limit in school zones is 25 mph.

Intersection and Seatbelt Regulations

• A "Y" intersection requires a choice to turn right or left ahead.
• Both the driver and all front seat passengers must wear seat belts under Virginia law.

Responsible Driving Practices

• If your cellphone rings while driving without a hands-free device, let it go to voicemail.
• Flashing arrow panels direct drivers around road work ahead.

Road Signals and Driving Safety

• A green arrow signals to drive in the lane marked by the arrow.
• All drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter, can impair driving ability.

Stopping Distance and Accessibility

• Stopping distance is determined by perception time, reaction distance, and braking distance.
• Blue roadway markings indicate parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities.

Licenses and Vehicle Safety

• Virginia issues a six-month temporary license to those with an out-of-state license and proof of driver's education.
• Airbags are designed to protect the occupants' head, neck, and chest during collisions.

Roundabouts and License Suspension

• A roundabout is an intersection controlled by a central circular island.
• License suspension means the temporary withdrawal of driving privileges.

Crash Survival and Space Cushion

• Wearing safety belts can greatly increase survival chances in crashes.
• Maintaining a space cushion allows for reaction distance in emergencies and helps avoid collisions.

Night Driving and Passing Protocol

• Use low beam headlights when driving in foggy conditions for better visibility.
• When passing another vehicle, check traffic, adhere to speed limits, and complete the pass before reaching any no passing zones.

School Bus Safety

• Stop completely for school buses with flashing signals and remain stopped until all children have cleared the area.

Driver's License Functionality

• A driver's license authorizes operation of any vehicle or small truck under 26,001 pounds.