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West Virginia permit test essentials
Last verified September 28, 2026 against the official West Virginia Driver’s Licensing Handbook.
Study for the West Virginia knowledge test with free practice questions written from the official manual.
Practise West Virginia questions free Your checklist in the app Road signs
Quick facts
- Questions on the test
- 25Official source, checked September 23, 2026
- Correct answers to pass
- 19 (76%)Official source, checked September 23, 2026
- Earliest age for a learner permit
- 15 You must be at least 15 for a Level 1 GDL instruction permit.Manual PDF p. 19, Level 1 GDL instruction permit
- Permit fee
- $7.50 The Level 1 GDL instruction permit fee.Manual PDF p. 20, Level 1 GDL instruction permit
- Knowledge test fee
- $7.50 per try The knowledge test costs $7.50 for each attempt.Manual PDF p. 20, Level 1 GDL instruction permit
- If you fail the knowledge test
- 1 week If you fail the knowledge or road skills test, you cannot be tested twice within one week.Manual PDF p. 36, Retest information
- What to bring
- 4 kinds of documents: see your DMV checklist.
Numbers to know
As the West Virginia manual states them; these often come up on the test.
- 0.08%
Blood alcohol limit, 21 and older
For drivers 21 and older, it is against the law to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
Manual PDF p. 9, Glossary: blood alcohol concentration - 0.02%
Blood alcohol limit, under 21
Under 21, it is against the law to drive with a BAC of 0.02% or higher; permit holders may have no measurable alcohol at all.
Manual PDF p. 9, Glossary: blood alcohol concentration - 3 to 4 seconds
Following distance
Use the three-to-four second rule; at least four seconds in the dark or rain and six on ice or snow.
Manual PDF p. 57, Following distance - 100 feet
- 500 feet
Dim high beams for oncoming traffic
Dim your headlights within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle.
Manual PDF p. 61, Night driving - 200 feet
Dim high beams behind a vehicle
Dim your headlights within 200 feet of the vehicle in front of you.
Manual PDF p. 61, Night driving - 15 feet
No parking near a fire hydrant
When you park, stay at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant.
Manual PDF p. 55, Parking - Stop
School bus with red lights flashing
Traffic in both directions stops for a school bus with red lights flashing; only on interstate highways does traffic across the median not stop.
Manual PDF p. 60, School bus rules - 180 days
How long you hold the permit
Before the Level 2 intermediate license you need at least 16 years of age and 180 consecutive conviction-free days on the Level 1 permit.
Manual PDF p. 20, Level 2 GDL intermediate license - 50 hours
Supervised practice
A parent or guardian certifies at least 50 hours behind the wheel, including 10 at night (or you complete approved driver’s education).
Manual PDF p. 20, Level 2 GDL intermediate license - 21 or older
Your supervising driver
With a Level 1 permit, drive only with a licensed driver at least 21 in the right front seat.
Manual PDF p. 19, Level 1 GDL instruction permit - 20/40
Vision standard
You need at least 20/40 vision in one eye.
Manual PDF p. 19, Level 1 GDL instruction permit
Your West Virginia DMV checklist
Tick each item as you get it ready. Your ticks stay on this device only.
Documents to bring
- Manual PDF p. 19, Level 1 GDL instruction permit
- Manual PDF p. 19, Level 1 GDL instruction permit
- Manual PDF p. 14, Proof of West Virginia residency
- Manual PDF p. 19, Level 1 GDL instruction permit
Fees
Tests at the office
Parent or guardian (under 18)
Appointment and visit
Rules and fees can change. Check with the West Virginia DMV before you go.
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the West Virginia permit test?
The West Virginia knowledge test has 25 questions. To pass you need 19 (76%) correct answers.
How old do you have to be to get a learner permit in West Virginia?
You must be at least 15 for a Level 1 GDL instruction permit.
How much does a learner permit cost in West Virginia?
$7.50. The Level 1 GDL instruction permit fee.
What happens if I fail the West Virginia permit test?
If you fail the knowledge or road skills test, you cannot be tested twice within one week.
What documents do I need for a West Virginia learner permit?
A certified birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or government vital records agency (every time you apply and test for the Level 1 permit). Your Social Security card, signed by you. Two proofs of West Virginia residency (no P.O. Box; bills no more than 90 days old). Under 18, the School Driver Eligibility form counts as one. Under 18: a valid School Driver Eligibility Certificate from your county school board (it expires 30 days after it is issued).