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All ExamsVirginia Driver's LicenseSeat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety Seats

Seat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety Seats — Virginia Driver's License Practice Test

Seat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety SeatsQuestion 1 of 23

23 questions in this topic · 23 drawn at random this round

Who can grant a waiver of the seat belt requirement for physical or medical reasons?

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 Seat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety Seats practice set has 23 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 law requires the driver and every passenger, front and rear, to wear a seat belt. Wear the lap belt low across your thighs and the shoulder belt across your chest — never behind your back or under your arm.

Air bags work together with seat belts to cushion you in a front-end crash, so always buckle up even if your vehicle has air bags. Sit at least ten inches from the steering wheel, and remember that children age 12 and under are safer buckled up in the back seat.

Children under age 8 must ride in a properly installed child safety seat or booster seat, riding rear-facing from birth to around age 2 (or as long as the seat manufacturer allows). A common mistake is thinking a child can stop using a booster once they're 'big enough' — Virginia actually uses a specific fit checklist (snug lap and shoulder belt, sitting without slouching, knees bent at the seat's edge, feet flat on the floor) rather than just an age or size guess.

At what age can a child stop using a car seat or booster in Virginia?

Not just a fixed age — a child must be at least 8 AND meet the specific seat-belt-fit checklist (snug lap and shoulder belt, sitting up straight, knees bent at the seat edge, feet flat on the floor) before riding with just a seat belt.

How far back should I sit if my car has air bags?

At least ten inches from the steering wheel, tilting the wheel downward if it's adjustable.

Can I hold a young child on my lap while driving instead of using a car seat?

No — in a crash, a child held in your lap could be crushed between your body and the dashboard or seat.

Written from the official Virginia Driver's Manual — Seat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety Seats ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the Seat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety Seats bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 23 questions at random from the same bank.

  1. According to the Virginia Driver's Manual, how much do seat belts improve your odds in a crash?

    • They can double your chances of surviving a crash and more than double your chances of avoiding serious injury — Correct answer
    • They reduce repair costs but do not affect survival
    • They help only in rollover crashes
    • They make no measurable difference in serious injuries

    Explanation: Wearing seat belts can double your chances of surviving a crash and more than double your chances of avoiding serious injury.

    Handbook: Seat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety Seats — Seat Belt Benefits

  2. Under Virginia law, who is required to wear a safety belt?

    • The driver and all passengers, both front and rear — Correct answer
    • Only the driver
    • Only front-seat occupants
    • Only passengers under age 18

    Explanation: Under Virginia law, the driver and all passengers, both front and rear, must wear safety belts.

    Handbook: Seat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety Seats — Seat Belt Law

  3. A driver transporting anyone younger than age 18 must ensure that passenger is properly secured. Where does this requirement apply?

    • No matter where the child is seated in the vehicle — Correct answer
    • Only when the child sits in the front seat
    • Only on highways and interstates
    • Only when the child is under age 8

    Explanation: A driver transporting anyone younger than age 18 must ensure the passenger is properly secured in a safety belt, booster seat or child safety seat, no matter where the child is seated in the vehicle.

    Handbook: Seat Belts, Airbags, and Child Safety Seats — Securing Minors