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West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles

West Virginia permit test 19 of 25, against the clock

The WV DMV knowledge test is timed, and any question you leave blank counts as wrong. You need 19 of 25, and each attempt costs $7.50. Below are the format, the three-level GDL system and a practice test in the real format.

Last reviewed October 30, 2026 · WV Driver's Licensing Handbook, revised 07/2022 (oldest edition we used; check for a newer one)

25

questions (at least)

19

correct to pass

⏱

timed; blanks count as wrong

$7.50

per attempt

At the regional office

Bring a certified birth certificate and an SSA-issued Social Security card (you need both originals each time), two proofs of WV residency, the parental consent form DMV-DS-23P, and your DUI Awareness Card. You need 20/40 vision in at least one eye.

The test is automated at every location. An audio version with headphones is available, but staff can't read or reword questions. Phones and electronics aren't allowed in the exam room.

Time strategy: answer every question. If you're unsure, pick your best guess and move on, since a guess at least has a chance of being right.

West Virginia DMV practice test

Exam mode gives you 25 questions and requires 19 to pass, like the real test.

Free quiz · no sign-up

West Virginia permit practice test

Questions
25
To pass
76%
About
17 min

Instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.

Preview the 25 free questions

  1. What is the minimum age for a West Virginia Level 1 instruction permit?

    • 14
    • 15
    • 15½
    • 16

  2. How many questions are on the knowledge test?

    • 20
    • 25
    • 30
    • 40

  3. How many correct answers pass?

    • 18
    • 19
    • 20
    • 21

  4. What happens to unanswered questions when time runs out?

    • They're skipped
    • They count as incorrect
    • You get extra time
    • You retake them

  5. What does each knowledge test attempt cost?

    • $5
    • $7.50
    • $10
    • $15

  6. How old must a Level 1 supervisor be?

    • 18
    • 19
    • 21
    • 25

  7. When may a Level 1 holder drive?

    • 6 a.m.–9 p.m.
    • 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
    • 5 a.m.–11 p.m.
    • Any time

  8. How many non-family passengers may ride with a Level 1 holder, besides the supervisor?

    • 0
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3

  9. How many convictions revoke a Level 1 permit?

    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
    • 4

  10. How long must you hold Level 1 before Level 2?

    • 90 days
    • 120 days
    • 180 days
    • 365 days

  11. How many logged practice hours are required?

    • 30
    • 40
    • 50
    • 60

  12. How many of those must be at night?

    • 5
    • 10
    • 15
    • 20

  13. When may Level 2 drivers drive unsupervised?

    • 5 a.m.–10 p.m.
    • 6 a.m.–11 p.m.
    • 5 a.m.–midnight
    • Any time

  14. In the first six months of Level 2, how many non-family passengers under 20 may ride?

    • 0
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3

  15. How many in the second six months?

    • 0
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3

  16. What is the minimum vision standard?

    • 20/20
    • 20/40 in at least one eye
    • 20/70
    • 20/100

  17. What is the BAC limit for drivers under 21?

    • .00
    • .02
    • .05
    • .08

  18. What is the interstate speed limit?

    • 65 mph
    • 70 mph
    • 75 mph
    • 80 mph

  19. What is the limit on an open county highway?

    • 45 mph
    • 50 mph
    • 55 mph
    • 65 mph

  20. What is the limit in business and residential districts?

    • 20 mph
    • 25 mph
    • 30 mph
    • 35 mph

  21. What is the school-zone limit when children are present?

    • 10 mph
    • 15 mph
    • 20 mph
    • 25 mph

  22. Where may oncoming traffic across a median skip stopping for a school bus?

    • Any four-lane road
    • Interstates only
    • Parking lots
    • Nowhere

  23. What is the minimum penalty for passing a stopped school bus?

    • $100
    • $250
    • A $500 fine plus a 60-day suspension
    • A warning

  24. How soon must new residents get a WV license?

    • 10 days
    • 30 days
    • 60 days
    • 90 days

  25. When may a Level 1 holder use a wireless device?

    • Hands-free is OK
    • Only to call 911
    • Texting at stops
    • Any time

Three levels

Level 1 · age 15

Instruction permit

  • Licensed 21+ supervisor in the right front seat
  • Drive 5 a.m.–10 p.m. only
  • At most 2 non-family passengers besides the supervisor
  • Zero alcohol, everyone belted, no wireless devices (911 only)
  • 2 convictions = 90-day revocation; the permit can't be renewed

Level 2 · age 16

Intermediate

  • Level 1 held 180 days, conviction-free
  • 50 hours incl. 10 at night, or approved driver ed
  • Road test (max 3 attempts)
  • Alone 5 a.m.–10 p.m.; later only with a licensed 21+ (work, school, religious and emergency exceptions)
  • Non-family passengers under 20: none for 6 months, then 1

Level 3 · age 17

Full license

  • Graduates from Level 2
  • Under 18: school attendance still required

West Virginia's strict school bus law

Traffic in both directions stops for a school bus on all highways and streets, in parking lots, on private roads, and when buses load on school or private property. The only exception is oncoming traffic across a median on an interstate. Passing a stopped bus carries at least a 60-day suspension and a $500 fine, or up to six months in jail.

Speed limits

Interstate 70, open county highway 55, business and residential 25, and a school zone with children present 15. Low-speed vehicles may use municipal roads posted 25 mph or less.

Alcohol

.08 for drivers 21+, .02 under 21, and anything over .05 counts as evidence of impairment. GDL holders may have no measurable alcohol. The handbook's example makes a point about timing: after a last drink at 11:30 p.m., a driver can still be above .06 at 4 a.m., because BAC keeps rising after you stop drinking and only time brings it down.

Other facts

  • New residents get a WV license within 30 days.
  • Three or more wireless-device violations carry points.
  • Renewal costs $5 per year, timed so licenses expire in years when your age is divisible by 5.

Neighbors

Ohio · Pennsylvania · Maryland · Virginia · Kentucky

West Virginia permit test FAQ

How many questions are on the West Virginia permit test?

At least 25 questions on traffic rules, regulations, signs and markings. You need 19 correct (76%).

Is the WV permit test timed?

Yes. When time runs out, unanswered questions count as incorrect, so don't spend too long on any one question.

How much does the West Virginia permit test cost?

$7.50 per attempt, plus $7.50 for the Level 1 permit.

Can someone read the test to me?

DMV staff can't read or reword questions, but there's an audio version with headphones at every location.

What is the DUI Awareness Card?

First-time applicants must present a DUI Awareness Card. It's listed in the handbook's knowledge test requirements.

How soon can I retest in West Virginia?

The 07/2022 handbook doesn't give a waiting period, and we couldn't verify one. Test languages and online testing are also unverified.

Keep studying

Sources: WV Driver's Licensing Handbook (07/2022); WV DMV. Not affiliated with the State of West Virginia.