All ExamsVirginia Driver's LicenseLicense Types

License Types — Virginia Driver's License Practice Test

License TypesQuestion 1 of 11

11 questions in this topic · 11 drawn at random this round

To operate a school bus designed to carry 15 occupants (including the driver), what do you need?

Virginia Driver's Manual

All questions are based on the official Virginia Driver's Manual (Virginia DMV). Study the relevant section to reinforce your knowledge.

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This Virginia Driver's License License Types practice set has 11 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 80% on the real Virginia Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Topic overview

Virginia issues several distinct types of driving credentials, and each one covers a different scope of vehicles. A standard driver's license lets you operate cars and small trucks that don't require a commercial driver's license (CDL), while a CDL is required for larger vehicles such as tractor-trailers, passenger buses, tank vehicles, or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials. Knowing which credential applies to which vehicle is one of the most testable ideas in this chapter.

Before earning a full license, most new drivers start with a learner's permit, which lets you practice driving only when a qualified licensed driver is in the front passenger seat. That supervising driver normally must be at least 21, though close family members as young as 18 can supervise under specific conditions. Anyone who wants to drive a school bus also needs special testing: even a small bus does not require a full CDL, but it does require passing the commercial driver and school bus knowledge tests to add the endorsement to your license.

A frequent point of confusion is the international driver's license — it is not a real license on its own. It is only a translation of your existing, valid license from your home country and never allows you to drive by itself; it must always be paired with your original foreign license. Selling a document falsely presented as a driver's license is a serious criminal offense in Virginia.

Can I drive by myself with a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit only allows you to drive with a qualified licensed driver, normally at least 21 years old, in the front passenger seat.

Do I need a full commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive a small school bus?

Not necessarily. A bus designed for 15 occupants or fewer only requires passing the commercial driver and school bus knowledge tests to add an endorsement to your regular license, not a full CDL. Larger school buses do require a CDL.

Can I drive in Virginia using only an international driver's license?

No. An international driver's license is just a translation of your home-country license, not a valid license by itself — it must be presented together with your original foreign license.

Written from the official Virginia Driver's Manual — License Types ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the License Types bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 11 questions at random from the same bank.

Whenever you drive in Virginia, what must you have with you?
- A valid driver's license or learner's permit — Correct answer
- Only your vehicle registration card
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Your driver's education certificate
Explanation: Whenever you drive, you must carry a valid driver's license or learner's permit. Any misuse of it is illegal and could result in fines, jail or suspension.
Handbook: License Types — Carrying Your License
A learner's permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle only when which person is seated in the front passenger seat?
- A licensed driver at least 21 years of age, alert and able to assist — Correct answer
- Any passenger who is at least 18 years old
- A licensed driver of any age
- A parent or guardian seated anywhere in the vehicle
Explanation: A learner's permit allows you to drive when a licensed driver at least 21 years of age is seated in the front passenger seat, alert and able to assist.
Handbook: License Types — Learner's Permit
A licensed driver who is age 18, 19, or 20 may accompany a learner's permit holder only if that driver is the permit holder's what?
- His or her legal guardian or sibling — Correct answer
- A close family friend
- A licensed driving instructor only
- Any cousin or other relative
Explanation: An accompanying driver age 18, 19, or 20 is allowed only if he or she is the permit holder's legal guardian or sibling (brother, sister, half-sibling, or stepsibling).
Handbook: License Types — Learner's Permit