Free Virginia Motorcycle Practice Test (2026)

Virginia · Checked October 2026

Study for the Virginia Class M, M2, or M3 motorcycle designation on a Virginia driver's license knowledge test: a Virginia module on the state's helmet, permit and rider-course rules, core lessons on safe riding, instant explanations and a timed simulation.

Start learning Virginia motorcycle rules

Loading practice test...

Virginia motorcycle license at a glance

LicenseClass M (M2, M3)

Min. age15½ (permit)

Helmet requiredAll riders

AgencyDMV

Vision screening plus a 25-question, computer-based motorcycle knowledge exam (offered in many languages, including Spanish); if you don't already have a license or permit, you also take the two-part driver knowledge exam. Then an off-street road skills test covering starting, shifting, turning, braking, and swerving. DMV does not publish a passing score for the motorcycle knowledge exam.

Virginia motorcycle rules

Rule	In Virginia
Minimum age	15 years 6 months for a motorcycle learner's permit; riders under 18 must hold it 9 months and finish driver education to be licensed
Helmet and eye protection	Universal: every operator and passenger must wear an approved protective helmet. The operator must also wear a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles, or have a windshield of a type approved by the Virginia State Police (Va. Code 46.2-910). law.lis.virginia.gov
Rider training course	The Virginia Rider Training Program offers courses such as the Basic RiderCourse, Basic RiderCourse2, and Advanced RiderCourse. Completing one exempts you from the DMV motorcycle knowledge exam and road skills test for one year (and from the 30-day permit hold if you are 18+). It is optional, but required if you fail the DMV road skills test twice. dmv.virginia.gov
Skills test waiver	Yes (both tests)

Virginia motorcycle permit restrictions

The motorcycle learner's permit costs $3 and is valid for 12 months.
You must be supervised by a licensed motorcyclist 21 or older who is alert and supervising from a separate vehicle.
No passengers, and you must wear an approved helmet and eye or face protection.
You may ride only between 4 a.m. and midnight, and must hold the permit at least 30 days (18+) or 9 months (under 18) before getting the motorcycle class.

How to get a Virginia Class M, M2, or M3 motorcycle designation on a Virginia driver's license

Study the Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (DMV 2) and the Virginia Driver's Manual.
At a DMV customer service center, pass the vision screening and the 25-question motorcycle knowledge exam (plus the two-part driver exam if you hold no license or permit) and pay the $3 permit fee.
Practice on the permit: supervised by a licensed motorcyclist 21+ from a separate vehicle, no passengers, helmet and eye protection, only between 4 a.m. and midnight.
Hold the permit at least 30 days (18+) or 9 months (under 18).
Pass the motorcycle road skills test at a participating DMV center, or complete a Virginia Rider Training Program course instead.
Add the M, M2, or M3 class to your license ($2 per year plus a replacement license fee); under 18 you must also have completed driver education.

Tip: Many motorcycle crashes involve a car turning left in front of the rider. Expect questions about being seen, lane position and intersections, in addition to the state rules above.

Sample Virginia motorcycle questions

1. Who must wear a helmet on a motorcycle in Virginia?

Only riders under 18
Operators and passengers
Only operators
Only riders on interstates

Show answer

Correct answer: Operators and passengers. Virginia has a universal helmet law: operators and any passengers must wear approved protective helmets. Source: law.lis.virginia.gov

2. A Virginia motorcycle operator must wear a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles unless:

They ride under 35 mph
They are over 21
The motorcycle has an approved windshield
It is daytime

Show answer

Correct answer: The motorcycle has an approved windshield. The operator needs a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles, or a windshield or safety glass of a type approved by the Virginia State Police. Source: law.lis.virginia.gov

3. How long must a rider under 18 hold a Virginia motorcycle learner's permit before adding a motorcycle class?

9 months
30 days
6 months
12 months

Show answer

Correct answer: 9 months. Under 18 you must hold the motorcycle learner's permit for nine months, even if you complete the Virginia Rider Training Program; riders 18+ hold it 30 days. Source: dmv.virginia.gov

Topics covered on the knowledge test

Protective gear: helmets, eye protection and clothing
Controls, pre-ride inspection (T-CLOCS) and starting out
Lane position, following distance and being seen
Braking, swerving and cornering
Intersections, blind spots and road hazards
Carrying passengers and cargo
Group riding, alcohol and fatigue

Frequently asked questions

Can I skip the DMV motorcycle tests?

Yes. Completing a Virginia Rider Training Program course exempts you from the motorcycle knowledge exam and road skills test for one year after completion. Riders 18+ also skip the 30-day permit hold, but riders under 18 must still hold the permit for 9 months.

Can I ride right after finishing the rider course?

If you are 19 or older, your course completion certificate carried with your driver's license works as a temporary M2 or M3 class for 30 days. After that, you must visit DMV to add the motorcycle class to your license.

What do M, M2, and M3 mean on a Virginia license?

M allows both two- and three-wheeled motorcycles, M2 allows only two-wheeled motorcycles, and M3 allows only three-wheeled motorcycles. The class costs $2 per year, and a motorcycle-only license costs $6 per year.

Is this motorcycle practice test free?

Yes. Every lesson, practice round and simulation is free, with no sign-up.

More Virginia tests

Virginia DMV practice test Virginia road signs test Virginia CDL test DMV handbooks

Official sources

The Virginia rules and questions on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official motorcycle manual, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website or Virginia law. When a detail is not published by an official source, we leave it out instead of guessing. Confirm current rules with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. PracticePermit.us is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.

More free practice tests