West Virginia DMV permit practice test 2026
The West Virginia DMV knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need 19 right to pass (76%). Our 300 practice questions are written from the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook (2026), and every answer tells you where to find the rule in the handbook. Free, with no sign-up.
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All 12 West Virginia practice tests
Each test mixes questions from every part of the handbook. Work through them in order, then use the simulator.
- Practice test 125 questions
- Practice test 225 questions
- Practice test 325 questions
- Practice test 425 questions
- Practice test 525 questions
- Practice test 625 questions
- Practice test 725 questions
- Practice test 825 questions
- Practice test 925 questions
- Practice test 1025 questions
- Practice test 1125 questions
- Practice test 1225 questions
The West Virginia DMV knowledge test
Automated (computer) test at all DMV testing locations, given by driver examiners. It has at least 25 questions on driving knowledge, traffic rules, signs and markings. Phones, smart glasses and other electronics are not allowed in the exam room. You can also take the written test online (Know to Drive Online Testing) as part of the application; the certificate does not give you permission to drive.
No separate signs test; on the road test the examiner asks you to identify traffic signs (2 picked at random on the score sheet).
Source: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV Department of Transportation), checked 2026-10-27.
What the test covers
Our questions follow the handbook's chapters. The number of practice questions on each topic:
| Topic | Practice questions |
|---|---|
| Licensing laws and penalties | 50 |
| Safe and defensive driving | 32 |
| Sharing the road | 29 |
| Hazards, weather and night driving | 25 |
| Emergencies | 25 |
| Road signs | 22 |
| Signals and pavement markings | 22 |
| Alcohol and drugs | 18 |
| Following and passing | 18 |
| Lanes, highways and freeways | 17 |
| Parking | 13 |
| Right of way | 10 |
| Speed limits | 10 |
| Turns and intersections | 9 |
West Virginia learner's permit rules
- Minimum age: 15 (Level 1 GDL instruction permit); 18+ regular Class E instruction permit
- Hold the permit for at least Level 1: 6 months (180 consecutive days) conviction-free before Level 2; adults never licensed: 30 days before the road test before the road test
- 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
- Licensed driver at least 21 in the front passenger seat
- Level 1: may only drive between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Level 1: no more than two additional non-family passengers besides the supervising adult
- Zero tolerance: no measurable alcohol
- All occupants must wear seat belts
- Under 18: no wireless communication device use while driving except to call 9-1-1
- Level 1: two convictions = permit revoked 90 days; any conviction restarts the 6-month conviction-free period
- Parental consent on form DMV-DS-23P (not required for married applicants with marriage certificate)
Fees: Knowledge test $7.50 per attempt; Level 1 GDL permit $5.00 permit fee per handbook fee chart (p.25); handbook p.20 bullet and DMV fees/GDL web pages list $7.50 (per attempt); Level 2 intermediate license / road skills exam $5.00 license + $7.50 test (handbook chart); DMV web pages list $7.50 per attempt (road skills exam); Level 3 license $2.50 per year from age 17, $5.00 per year from 18, until 21 (handbook chart and DMV fees page; DMV GDL page says $5.00 per year until 21); 18+ instruction permit $7.50; Class E license $5.00 per year; REAL ID (For Federal Identification) surcharge +$10.00; Duplicate license $7.50.
The official handbook
Everything on the test comes from the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook. Read it alongside the practice tests. Our chapter-by-chapter guide.
Renewing your license
No age-based road or written test. All renewals must pass the vision screening. Licenses follow 'Drive for Five' (expire in years when age is divisible by 5; $5 per year). Family members, physicians or police can refer an unsafe driver for re-examination.
Questions
How many questions are on the West Virginia permit test?
The West Virginia DMV knowledge test has 25 questions and you need 19 correct to pass (76%). No separate signs test; on the road test the examiner asks you to identify traffic signs (2 picked at random on the score sheet).
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in West Virginia?
15 (Level 1 GDL instruction permit); 18+ regular Class E instruction permit. You then hold the permit for at least Level 1: 6 months (180 consecutive days) conviction-free before Level 2; adults never licensed: 30 days before the road test before the road test and 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
What happens if I fail the West Virginia permit test?
You can retake it: If you fail the knowledge or road skills test, you may not be tested twice within one week. Online (Know to Drive) test: wait seven days after failing; a passing online score is valid 6 months.
What do I need to bring for the West Virginia permit test?
One proof of identity (certified U.S. birth certificate, passport, or DHS documents); Social Security number (card, W-2, paystub or 1099); Proof of legal name change if your name has ever changed; Two proofs of WV residency (no PO boxes; recurring documents no more than 90 days old); Form DMV-DS-23P (parent/guardian consent for under 18; married applicants under 18 bring a certified marriage certificate instead); and more (see the full list).
What is the vision requirement in West Virginia?
20/40 or better using both eyes, with or without conventional corrective lenses, and no serious visual defect (one eye: 20/40 in that eye). Bioptic/telescopic lenses may not be used to meet the acuity standard. Below standard: DLAB-Form 2 from a vision specialist; possible Driver's License Advisory Board review.
Independent practice tests, not affiliated with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV Department of Transportation). Questions written by us from the official handbook and checked against it.