DMV Driver Handbook in Virginia

SUMMARY: Virginia Driver's Manuals

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has various DMV handbooks available online, including the VA driver's manual, commercial driving manual, and motorcycle drivers handbook. Also available online is the Virginia Vehicle Code.

On this page, you'll find links to the dmv handbooks and driving manuals you'll need to read to pass your driver's license tests.

Virginia Driver's Manual

The Virginia Driver's Manual (Form DMV 39) can help you pass the required driver's permit and license exams and help you become a safer driver. Topics covered in the DMV handbook include:

The DMV handbook is also offered in other languages and formats:

NOTE: You can also obtain a printed copy of the VA driving manual from any Virginia DMV customer service center.

Pass the Written Test on Your First Try!

A perfect complement to studying the VA driver handbook is to prepare for the written exam with an online practice test from our certified partner. You can quiz yourself as many times as you'd like with questions prepared from actual DMV exams!

VA Motorcycle Manual

If you're applying for your motorcycle license in Virginia, the Motorcycle Manual (Form DMV 2) will help you become a safer rider. You'll find information about the following subjects within the motorcycle DMV handbook:

  • Preparing to ride a motorcycle.
  • How to apply for a VA motorcycle license.
  • Braking, turning, and shifting gears.
  • Handling dangerous surfaces.
  • Carrying passengers.
  • Riding safely in a group.

If you want to test your knowledge before your written exam, you can take an online motorcycle practice test. Taking practice tests and studying the motorcycle drivers manual will go a long way towards acing your test.

Commercial Driver's Manual

Before taking the required exam to receive a VA commercial driver license (CDL), you should read the Commercial Driver License Manual (DMV 60a) and Supplement to the Commercial Driver License Manual (Form DMV 60V). In these DMV handbooks you'll learn about:

  • Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely.
  • Getting a commercial driver license (CDL).
  • Shifting gears.
  • Distracted driving.
  • Air brakes.
  • Driving a CMV in dangerous conditions.
  • Transporting hazardous materials.
  • School buses.

The VA CDL manual also includes a series of sample questions to help you prepare for your written exam. You can also take an online CDL practice test to make sure you're ready.

Additional Study Guides for Commercial Drivers

The following additional DMV manuals can be found on the Virginia DMV website:

  • Truck Trailer (Form DL 140).
  • Straight Truck/School Bus (Form DL 141).
  • Coach/Transit Bus (Form DL 142).
  • Combination Vehicles (Form DL 143).

Vehicle Code in Virginia

The DMV handbooks and driving manuals available in Virginia are great resources for drivers, but they are not the only ones.

You can browse the Virginia Motor Vehicle Code for details about VA traffic laws, vehicle registration, driver's licensing, driver safety, and more.

If you recently received a traffic ticket in Virginia, reading the code may help you understand your violation and charge. It may also help if you plan to fight the charge.

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