Free West Virginia DMV Practice Test (2026)

West Virginia · Checked October 2026

Practice for the West Virginia permit test with a learning path built around the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles rules: a West Virginia-only module on the state's own laws and teen-license limits, core rules-of-the-road lessons, instant explanations and a timed exam simulation.

Start learning About the West Virginia test

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West Virginia permit test at a glance

Questions25

To pass19 correct (76%)

Min. permit age15

AgencyDMV

The knowledge exam has 25 questions on traffic laws, signs and markings, and you must answer 19 correctly; it is timed, so unanswered questions count as wrong, and an audio version with headphones is available. You can also take the written test online through the DMV's Know to Drive program (you still finish at a DMV office), each attempt costs $7.50, and if you fail you cannot retest within one week.

Tip: Start with module 1, “West Virginia laws & permit rules”. These 12 questions cover rules that are specific to West Virginia, the part of the test that general study guides usually miss.

West Virginia traffic laws you will be tested on

Topic	West Virginia rule	Source
Under-21 zero tolerance	Drivers under 21 may not drive with any measurable alcohol; the handbook sets the limit at 0.02% BAC. A first offense brings a $25 to $100 fine and at least a 30-day license revocation.	webapps.transportation.wv.gov
Adult DUI limit	A BAC of 0.08% or more means you are presumed to be driving under the influence, and a BAC above 0.05% but below 0.08% can be used as evidence that your driving is impaired. A first DUI with a BAC under 0.15% carries a $100 to $500 fine, up to 6 months in jail and at least a 15-day revocation.	webapps.transportation.wv.gov
Phones and texting	All drivers may use a phone or other electronic device only hands-free; fines are $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second and $300 plus 3 points for a third or later offense. Drivers under 18 with a Level 1 or Level 2 GDL may not use a wireless device at all, except to call 9-1-1.	webapps.transportation.wv.gov
Seat belts	The driver, every front-seat passenger and every back-seat passenger under 18 must wear a safety belt, and the driver is responsible for making sure passengers buckle up. The fine is $25 and no points are added to your record.	code.wvlegislature.gov
Child safety seats	Every child under 8 must ride in a child passenger safety device that meets federal standards. A child under 8 who is at least 4 feet 9 inches tall may use a regular safety belt instead.	webapps.transportation.wv.gov
Move over law	When you approach a stopped vehicle showing flashing emergency, warning or hazard lights, flares or warning signs, move to a lane not next to it if you are on a road with at least two lanes in your direction and it is safe. If you cannot change lanes, slow to no more than 15 mph on an undivided road or 25 mph on a divided highway.	code.wvlegislature.gov
Default speed limits	Unless posted otherwise: 70 mph maximum on interstates, 55 mph on open country highways, 25 mph in business or residential areas, and 15 mph in school zones while children are present. A school zone includes school grounds and 125 feet along the street from them.	webapps.transportation.wv.gov
Implied consent	By driving in West Virginia you are deemed to agree to a breath test if arrested for DUI. If you refuse, your driving privilege is revoked for at least one year and up to life.	webapps.transportation.wv.gov

West Virginia learner permit and teen license rules

Level 1 instruction permit at age 15 with a parent or guardian's consent on form DMV-DS-23P; you may drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat, only from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and with no more than two non-family passengers besides the supervising adult.
Hold the Level 1 permit for at least 180 consecutive days with no convictions and be at least 16 before applying for a Level 2 intermediate license; a conviction restarts the 6-month clock.
For Level 2, a parent or guardian must certify at least 50 hours behind the wheel, including 10 hours at night, or you must complete a driver education course approved by the West Virginia Department of Education; you also must pass a road skills test.
Level 2 drivers may drive alone from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. a licensed driver 21 or older must be with you, except for work, school-sanctioned or religious activities, or emergencies.
Level 2 passengers: no non-family passengers under 20 during the first 6 months, and no more than one non-family passenger under 20 during the second 6 months.
At Levels 1 and 2 you may not use any wireless device while driving (except to call 9-1-1), you must have zero alcohol in your system, and everyone in the vehicle must buckle up.
You may apply for a Level 3 license at 17 after 12 months of conviction-free driving on Level 2; Level 3 is valid until age 21.

How to get your West Virginia learner's permit

Study the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook. If you like, take the written test online through Know to Drive first; the certificate is not permission to drive, so you must still go to a DMV location.
Gather your documents: a certified birth certificate (required each time you apply and test for a Level 1 permit), your Social Security number, two proofs of West Virginia residency, and name-change papers if your name has changed.
Have your parent or legal guardian sign the consent on the application form DMV-DS-23P (married applicants under 18 bring a certified marriage certificate instead).
Visit a DMV regional office to pass the vision screening (at least 20/40) and, if you did not test online, the 25-question knowledge test (19 correct to pass); the knowledge test fee is $7.50 per attempt.
Receive your Level 1 GDL instruction permit (red, vertical card for ages 15 to 17) and start practicing with a licensed driver 21 or older between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
After 180 conviction-free days, at age 16 or older, bring your 50-hour driving log (or driver education proof) and take the road skills test for your Level 2 intermediate license.

Sample West Virginia-specific questions

Here are four of the 12 questions in our West Virginia module. Each one is based on the official West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook or West Virginia law; open the answer to see the rule behind it.

1. What is the minimum age to apply for a Level 1 GDL instruction permit in West Virginia?

14
15
15 and a half
16

Show answer

Correct answer: 15. You must be at least 15 to get a Level 1 GDL instruction permit, along with passing the vision and knowledge tests and having parental consent on form DMV-DS-23P. Source: webapps.transportation.wv.gov

2. How many questions must you answer correctly to pass the West Virginia knowledge exam?

15 of 25
17 of 25
21 of 25
19 of 25

Show answer

Correct answer: 19 of 25. The exam has 25 questions and you must get 19 right. It is timed, and any question left unanswered counts as wrong. Source: webapps.transportation.wv.gov

3. During which hours may a Level 1 GDL instruction permit holder drive?

5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
5:00 a.m. to midnight
Any time, as long as an adult is in the car

Show answer

Correct answer: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Level 1 permit holders may only drive between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and always with a licensed driver 21 or older. Source: webapps.transportation.wv.gov

4. How old must the licensed driver in the front passenger seat be when you drive with a Level 1 permit?

18 or older
19 or older
21 or older
25 or older

Show answer

Correct answer: 21 or older. With a Level 1 permit you may drive only with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the right front passenger seat. Source: webapps.transportation.wv.gov

How this practice test works

Learn the West Virginia rules first: module 1 covers the state's permit test, teen-license limits and traffic laws.
Work through the core modules: signs, signals, right-of-way, speed, lanes, special situations, impairment and sharing the road.
Practice 5 questions at a time: every answer shows an explanation, and missed questions come back until you get them right.
Take the timed West Virginia exam simulation and review every mistake before your appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the West Virginia permit test online?

Yes. The DMV's Know to Drive online testing is part of the application process, and you need a computer with a keyboard, mouse and camera. Passing online is not permission to drive: you must still visit a DMV location to show your documents and get your permit.

Do I have to take driver's education in West Virginia?

No. To move to a Level 2 intermediate license you can either have a parent or guardian certify 50 hours of practice (10 at night) or complete a driver education course approved by the West Virginia Department of Education.

What happens if I get a ticket while on a GDL?

Any conviction restarts your conviction-free period (6 months on Level 1, 12 months on Level 2). Two convictions on a Level 1 permit mean a 90-day revocation; on Level 2, the first conviction requires a driver improvement program, and a second moving violation revokes your license until age 18.

Can skipping school affect my license?

Yes. If your school tells the DMV you are not attending or have too many unexcused absences, your license is restricted to work, medical, educational and religious driving until you turn 18 or bring a reinstatement form from your school and pay the fee.

Are these the real DMV test questions?

No. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles does not publish its exam. Our West Virginia module is written from the official handbook and state law, and the core modules cover the rules of the road taught in every state handbook.

Is this practice test free?

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

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Official West Virginia sources

Every West Virginia fact and question on this page was checked in October 2026 against the official handbook, the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website or West Virginia law. When an official source did not publish a detail (for example, the number of test questions), we say so instead of guessing. Rules change, so confirm with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles before your test. PracticePermit.us is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with any government agency. How we write and check our questions.

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