Virginia driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Virginia asks, answered in two or three sentences from Virginia’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
The officer can give you a ticket for not carrying your license, under Virginia law. It costs $61 with court costs, and you can pay it without going to court. If you show the court the license you already had before your court date, you only pay court costs.
Sources: Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-104 · Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, Rule 3B:2. Uniform Fine Schedule. · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
In Virginia you can't hold your phone while driving, so you can get a ticket. A first offense is $176 with court costs, and you can pay it without going to court; a second is a $250 fine. For a first offense only, a court may let you take a driver improvement clinic instead of a conviction.
Sources: Virginia driver’s manual p. 24 · Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-818.2 · Rules of Supreme Court of Virginia, Rule 3B:2. Uniform Fine Schedule. · as of 6 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
Under Virginia law, an officer can't stop you just for driving past curfew, which runs midnight to 4 a.m. If you're cited, it's a traffic infraction. For a second violation, the court may suspend your driving for up to 6 months.
Sources: Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-334.01 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
Under Virginia law, until you turn 18 you can carry only 1 passenger under 21, not counting your own family or household. After your first year, you can carry up to 3 under 21 for school activities, emergencies, or with a licensed driver 21 or older beside you.
Sources: Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-334.01 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
If you fail the road skills test 1 or 2 times, you wait 2 days before you can take it again.
Sources: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles — Road Skills Tests · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
If you're under 18, Virginia law says you hold your permit for 9 months or until you turn 18, whichever comes first. If you're 18 or older, you hold it for 60 days before your first road test, or finish an approved driver education course instead.
Sources: Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-335.2 · Virginia driver’s manual p. 4 · as of 6 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need liability insurance, with at least $25,000 for property damage. It must also cover at least $50,000 for injuring one person and $100,000 for two or more.
Sources: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles — Insurance Requirements · Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-705 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
You must stop at the scene, or as close as you can without blocking traffic. If nobody is hurt and the cars can move safely, move them off the road. Then swap names, addresses, license, plate and insurance details, and tell your insurance company right away.
Sources: Virginia driver’s manual p. 25 · as of 6 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Virginia driver’s manual p. 22 · as of 6 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
Yes, if you are lawfully stopped. You can't hold a phone while driving, but the ban doesn't apply when you're lawfully parked or stopped.
Sources: Virginia driver’s manual p. 24 · as of 6 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Under Virginia law, speeding in a posted school crossing zone while it's in operation can get you a fine of up to $250. Other penalties can be added on top of that.
Sources: Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-873 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Virginia driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Virginia’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question