Category: West Virginia

Photo: Abdülkadir KESKİN, Pexels

West Virginia’s DMV points system adds points to your driving record for moving violations. At 6 points you get a warning letter, and at 12 points your license is subject to suspension. Teens face extra rules: GDL convictions can revoke a permit or license outright, and skipping school can get your license restricted. This guide covers the WV point values, how to remove points and the school attendance law.

Key facts (West Virginia DMV handbook, as of November 2026)

• Points stay on your record for 2 years from the conviction date.
• 6 points or more: warning letter. 12 points: license subject to suspension.
• An approved 8-hour defensive driving class removes 3 points, once every 12 months.
• Out-of-state tickets are added to your WV record (Driver License Compact).
• Aged 15 or 16 and withdrawn from school or not making academic progress: license restricted to work, medical, school and religious driving until you are back on track or turn 17.

West Virginia point values

Offense	Points
Fleeing from an officer	8
Speeding in a school zone	6
Reckless driving	6
Hit and run (leaving the scene or failure to reveal ID)	6
Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit	6
Speeding 15 to 19 mph over	5
Speeding 11 to 14 mph over	3
3 or more wireless device violations (talking and/or texting)	3
Passing violation; failure to yield; failure to obey traffic light or stop sign	3 each
Hazardous or careless driving; driving left of center; wrong side of road; wrong way on a one-way street	3 each
Driving too fast for conditions; failure to maintain control; improper lane use	3 each
Failure to observe a safety zone; failure to follow an officer’s instructions; littering	3 each
Following too closely; improper turning; improper backing; improper or no signal	2 each
More than 3 passengers in the front seat	2
All other moving violations not listed	2

What happens as points add up

1. 6 points: the DMV sends a letter of caution.
2. 12 points: your license is subject to suspension.
3. Points drop off 2 years after the conviction date.

You can check your point total through the DMV online services portal. A driving record costs $12.50 online.

How to remove points in West Virginia

Complete an approved 8-hour defensive driving class to have 3 points deducted. The rules:

• Only once every 12 months.
• Only DMV-approved courses count.
• Take it after the points appear on your record. Taking it before does not qualify.

Phone tickets and points

West Virginia bans using an electronic communications device while driving unless it is hands-free. The handbook lists these penalties:

Offense	Fine	Points
First	$100	0
Second	$200	0
Third and later	$300	3

Drivers under 18 may not use any wireless device at all, except to call 911. For GDL drivers a phone citation also restarts the conviction-free period. See GDL levels explained.

Teen drivers: convictions matter more than points

• Level 1: two convictions revoke your permit for 90 days.
• Level 2: first conviction means a driver improvement program. A second moving violation revokes your license until 18, and you then retest as a first-time applicant.
• Level 3: the DMV says points are applied for any tickets you receive.
• Mandatory revocation applies to two or more moving violation convictions as a graduated driver. It also applies to DUI, racing, leaving the scene of an injury crash, driving while suspended or revoked, and three reckless driving convictions in 24 months.

West Virginia school attendance law for drivers

West Virginia law (W. Va. Code 18-8-11, as amended in 2022) covers students who are at least 15 but under 17. If a student in that age range withdraws from school, or is enrolled but not making satisfactory academic progress, the school notifies the DMV. The DMV then restricts the permit or license to driving for:

• work;
• medical purposes;
• educational pursuits;
• religious pursuits.

The restriction takes effect on the 30th day after the DMV sends its notice, unless the DMV receives documentation of compliance before then. For this law, “withdrawal” means more than 10 consecutive or 15 total days of unexcused absence in a school year, or certain school suspensions. The DMV can lift the restriction once you return to school and show satisfactory academic progress, or when you turn 17.

The notice also tells you that you can ask for a hearing before the county superintendent (or the private school official) on whether the withdrawal or poor progress was caused by circumstances beyond your control, such as medical reasons, family responsibilities or having to support yourself or someone else. Suspension, expulsion or time in jail does not count as beyond your control. No notice is sent when you leave to transfer to another school and a parent or guardian confirms the transfer in writing. Within 10 days of a restriction notice you can also ask the DMV for an administrative hearing, limited to identity, age or clerical errors.

The 2026 DMV handbook still says the restriction lasts until age 18 and mentions a reinstatement authorization form and fee. The current statute and the DMV’s License Restrictions page both use the under-17 age range, so this guide follows the law. Ask your school and the DMV which forms or fees apply when a restriction is lifted.

School documents when you apply

The same 2022 law removed the statutory School Driver Eligibility Certificate provisions and the rule denying a license to under-18s who did not meet the school requirements. The DMV’s current list of acceptable documents still accepts a Driver’s Eligibility Certificate showing a West Virginia street address as one proof of residency. Check the DMV’s current document list for your appointment.

Other things that suspend a WV license

• Failing to appear or comply with any court ticket or order (even non-traffic) until you show compliance and pay fees.
• No WV liability insurance, or failure to prove it.
• Falling behind on child support.
• Fraudulent use of a license: 90-day suspension.
• Passing a stopped school bus: at least 60 days.
• DUI: see implied consent and DUI. Under 21 with any measurable alcohol, a first offense brings a minimum 30-day revocation.

Common questions

How many points before you lose your license in WV?

At 12 points your license is subject to suspension. You get a warning letter at 6.

How long do points stay on a West Virginia license?

2 years from the conviction date.

How many points is a speeding ticket in WV?

3 points for 11 to 14 mph over, 5 for 15 to 19 over, 6 for 20+ over or for speeding in a school zone.

Does a first phone ticket put points on my record?

Not under the handbook schedule. Points start with a third offense. But for drivers under 18 on a GDL, a phone citation restarts the conviction-free period.

Can I lose my license for missing school in West Virginia?

If you are 15 or 16, your permit or license can be restricted to work, medical, school and religious driving if your school reports that you withdrew or are not making satisfactory academic progress. The restriction can end when you return to school and make progress, or when you turn 17.

Do tickets from other states count?

Yes. As a Driver License Compact member, West Virginia adds out-of-state violations to your record and can assess points.

Back to the West Virginia learning to drive guide. Compare other states: points systems and suspensions in the US. See also the WV permit test.

Sources

• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driver’s Licensing Handbook” (revised 07/2026), Chapters I to III and Point Scale (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL)” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Procedures on Driver’s Licenses” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “License Restrictions” and “Acceptable Proof Documents” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Legislature, Enrolled House Bill 4535 (2022 Regular Session), amending W. Va. Code 17B-2-3a, 17B-3-6 and 18-8-11 (wvlegislature.gov)

Photo: WeaponizingArchitecture, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

To get a West Virginia Level 2 intermediate license, you must show either a parent-certified log of at least 50 hours behind the wheel, including 10 at night, or a driver education card from an approved course. The log is form DMV-10-GDL, the “50-Hour Certification Log for Driver’s License Applicants Under Age 18”. This checklist explains how to fill it in and what the DMV checks.

Key facts (West Virginia DMV, as of November 2026)

• Form: DMV-10-GDL (Rev 09/14), listed on the DMV forms page.
• Minimum 50 hours, including at least 10 at night.
• Every session supervised by a licensed driver 21 or older.
• Signed by a parent or legal guardian, with their driver’s license number, under penalty of perjury.
• Alternative: a driver education card from a course approved by the West Virginia Department of Education.
• Bring the form when you apply for Level 2.

What goes on the DMV-10-GDL log

For each practice session, record:

Column	Example from the DMV form
Date	2/19/11
Location of practice	City and interstate
Initials of supervising adult driver	SD
Weather conditions	Good
Time spent daytime	3
Time spent nighttime	0
Time period	2:00 PM to 5:00

Print your name and permit number in ink at the top. You may photocopy the form if you need more rows, and enter the total hours where shown.

Who can supervise and sign?

• Supervisor for each session: any licensed driver age 21 or over may initial a session. On a Level 1 permit, the supervising driver 21+ must also sit in the front passenger seat.
• Final certification: your parent or guardian signs, gives their driver’s license number and dates the form. They certify, under penalty of perjury, that you completed at least 50 hours supervised by an adult 21+ with a valid license.

The driver education alternative

Instead of the log, you can complete a driver’s education course approved by the West Virginia Department of Education. You then present the driver education card. Driver ed is an option in West Virginia, not a requirement.

A suggested 50-hour plan that covers the road test

The WV road test scores parallel parking, turnabouts, turns, intersections, lane changes, curves and sign recognition. One way to spread your hours (a suggestion, not a DMV rule):

• Hours 1 to 10: empty parking lot. Starting, stopping, steering with both hands on the outside of the wheel, backing.
• Hours 11 to 20: quiet residential streets. Turns, stop signs, full stops behind the line, head checks.
• Hours 21 to 30: parallel parking (left and right), two-point and three-point turnabouts with cones.
• Hours 31 to 40: busier roads, lane changes, curves, hills, interstate merging (see freeway driving).
• Night hours (10+): spread through the plan, including rain if possible (see bad weather driving).

Level 1 permit holders may only drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Do your night hours after dark but before 10 p.m., which is easiest in fall and winter.

Before you submit

• Total of at least 50 hours, with 10 or more at night.
• Every row has the supervisor’s initials.
• Name and permit number printed in ink.
• Parent or guardian signature, license number and date.
• At least 180 consecutive conviction-free days on your Level 1 permit.

Common questions

Do I need driver’s ed in West Virginia?

No. You can use either the 50-hour log or an approved driver education card.

Can a grandparent or older sibling supervise?

Yes, if they are licensed and 21 or older. A parent or legal guardian still signs the certification.

Is there an app for logging hours?

The WV DMV points families to the free RoadReady app through its Parent’s Supervised Driving Program. You still need the DMV-10-GDL certification or a driver education card when you apply.

Can I count night hours after 10 p.m.?

No. Level 1 permit holders may only drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Where do I get the form?

It is on the WV DMV forms page as the 50-Hour Certification Log for Driver’s License Applicants Under Age 18.

Back to the West Virginia learning to drive guide. See also GDL levels and supervised driving hours by state.

Sources

• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “50-Hour Certification Log for Driver’s License Applicants Under Age 18” (DMV-10-GDL, Rev 09/14) (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL)” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driver’s Licensing Handbook” (revised 07/2026), Chapter I and Chapter IV (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Forms” (dmv.wv.gov)

Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

West Virginia’s Graduated Driver’s License has three levels: Level 1 instruction permit (15), Level 2 intermediate license (16) and Level 3 license (17). Each level has its own time, passenger and phone rules, and convictions reset your clock or cost you your license. This page sets out every rule per level from the WV DMV and the Driver’s Licensing Handbook.

West Virginia GDL rules compared

Rule	Level 1 permit	Level 2 intermediate	Level 3
Minimum age	15	16	17
To qualify	Vision and knowledge tests, parent consent	180 days conviction-free on Level 1, road skills test, 50-hour log or driver ed	12 months conviction-free on Level 2
Supervision	Licensed driver 21+ in the front seat at all times	Alone 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; driver 21+ needed 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (exceptions)	None
Driving hours	5 a.m. to 10 p.m. only	See above	No GDL limit
Passengers	Max 2 non-family passengers plus the supervisor	First 6 months: no non-family passengers under 20. Next 6 months: max 1	No GDL limit
Phones	No wireless device use except to call 911	No wireless device use except to call 911	Under 18: no device use except 911. At 18+: hands-free only
Alcohol	Zero tolerance	Zero tolerance	Zero tolerance
Seat belts	All occupants belted	All occupants belted	All occupants belted
Expires	18th birthday + 30 days	18th birthday + 30 days	21st birthday + 30 days
Fee	Test $7.50 per attempt; permit $5.00 (2026 fee chart)	Road skills exam $7.50 per attempt; license $5.00	$2.50 per year at 17, $5.00 per year at 18, until 21

Level 1 instruction permit

• At least 15 and under 18.
• Pass vision screening and the knowledge test (19 of 25).
• Parent or legal guardian consent on form DMV-DS-23P (not needed if you are married; bring a certified marriage certificate).

The permit is not renewable. If you surrender it, you start the exams, the 180 days and the documents over again.

Level 2 intermediate license

To apply you must be at least 16 with 180 consecutive conviction-free days on Level 1. You also need to pass the road skills test and bring either a parent-certified 50-hour log (10 at night) or an approved driver education card (see the DMV-10-GDL log).

What time can a Level 2 driver drive in WV?

Alone from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. you need a licensed driver 21+ with you, unless you are going to, taking part in, or returning from:

• lawful employment;
• a school-sanctioned activity;
• a religious activity;
• an emergency that requires you to drive to prevent injury or death of another person.

Can I drive my friends on a Level 2 license?

Not in the first six months if they are under 20 and not family. In the second six months, one non-family passenger under 20 at most. Passengers 20 and older are not limited by this rule.

Level 3 license

Moving to Level 3 is optional. You can keep Level 2 and its limits until 18. To qualify you must be at least 17, with 12 months conviction-free on Level 2. The DMV says headlamp and improper backing violations do not count against this. Apply at a DMV regional office or testing center. At Level 3, points are applied for any tickets you receive.

Violations and convictions at Levels 1 and 2

Level	What happens
Level 1	Each conviction restarts the 6-month conviction-free period. Two convictions: permit revoked for 90 days, then you reapply and retest.
Level 2	Each conviction restarts the 12-month period. First conviction: you must enroll in a driver improvement program, or stay at Level 2 until 18. Second moving violation: license revoked until 18, then you retest as a first-time applicant.

When the revocation ends at 18, the DMV says you pay a reinstatement fee and receive a retest letter.

The under-18 phone rule

Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless communication device while driving, except to contact a 911 system. The handbook cites WV Code Section 17B-2-3a. Police can stop you for it as a primary offense. A phone citation on Level 1 or Level 2 restarts your conviction-free period: 6 months on Level 1, 12 months on Level 2. See hands-free laws for US drivers.

Moving to WV under 18

If your out-of-state license is not equal to WV Level 2, or your old state had no GDL, you take the knowledge and road skills tests as a new driver. Bring a current driving record from your old state: the time you held that license is credited toward the Level 1 holding period.

Common questions

What is the curfew for a 16-year-old in West Virginia?

On Level 2 you need a driver 21+ with you between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for work, school-sanctioned activities, religious activities or emergencies.

Can I drive my brother or sister on Level 2?

Yes. The passenger limits apply to non-family members under 20.

Can I get Level 3 at 17 if I got a ticket at 16?

Only once you have 12 conviction-free months on Level 2. A conviction restarts the 12 months.

Does a hands-free phone count for teens?

Yes. Under 18, you may not use a wireless communication device at all while driving, except to call 911.

What happens with two tickets on a WV Level 1 permit?

Your permit is revoked for 90 days, then you reapply and retest.

Does my Level 3 license expire?

Yes, on your 21st birthday with a 30-day grace period.

Back to the West Virginia learning to drive guide. See also points and school attendance, GDL compared, zero tolerance.

Sources

• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL)” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “WV Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Program Flyer” (Rev. 11/2022) (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driver’s Licensing Handbook” (revised 07/2026), Chapter I (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Minimum Age to Obtain a Driver’s License” (dmv.wv.gov)

Photo: JaGa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The West Virginia road test has two parts: a basic control skills test (parallel parking and turnabouts) and an on-road test with a DMV examiner. Both are scored in points against you. You pass with 4 points or less on parallel parking and 10 points or less on the road. This guide is built from the WV Driver’s Licensing Handbook and the DMV score forms, so you know exactly what is marked.

Key facts (West Virginia DMV, as of November 2026)

• Level 2 road skills exam fee: $7.50.
• Basic control skills: a subset of left or right parallel park, forward two-point, reverse two-point and three-point turnabouts.
• Parallel parking pass: 4 points or less, all attempts combined.
• Road test pass: 10 points or less.
• Automatic fails include hitting a cone, jumping a curb and using your phone.
• No retest within one week.

Before the test: vehicle check

The examiner checks the car before you drive. You need a valid license plate and registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid WV inspection sticker. The car must be legally equipped. You must show you can use:

• headlights (high and low beam), wipers, hazard lights, defroster or heater;
• parking brake, horn, turn signals, steering tilt and seat belt.

Not being able to locate and demonstrate any safety equipment is an automatic failure. Backup lights, brake lights, tail lights, plate light, exhaust, tires and windows must all work, and the driver’s window must open. Defects can fail the exam. The handbook says you cannot switch to another vehicle on the same test date after a defect. Separately, the DMV will not test a car with an open safety recall until it is fixed. The DMV page on this says you may bring a different car without a recall on the same day.

Illegal equipment includes red or blue flashing lights, window tint under 35% light transmission, a cracked windshield and broken lenses.

Basic control skills test

You may be tested on a subset of:

Exercise	What you do
Left side parallel park	Park parallel on the left
Right side parallel park	Park parallel on the right
Forward two-point turnabout	Turn around using a side space, driving in forward
Reverse two-point turnabout	Turn around by backing into a side space
Three-point turnabout	Turn around in the roadway area in three moves

The examiner explains each exercise first, and you can ask questions.

How parallel parking is scored

• Points for missing turn signals, missing head or traffic checks, tapping the curb, climbing the curb, hitting a standard, and relying solely on the camera.
• Up to three attempts. Being outside 18 inches from the curb line after 3 attempts is a fail.
• Pass: 4 points or less across all attempts combined.
• If your car has a hands-free parking feature, it must be switched off.

Automatic failures in the skills test

• Accumulating excessive points.
• Hitting, tapping or moving a cone, barrel or flag.
• Jumping the curb at any point.

The on-road test

You drive a route that may include a moderate grade, right and left turns, and a traffic light or stop sign. The examiner gives directions and scores:

• Turns: check traffic, signal, brake smoothly, stop behind the line, keep wheels straight while waiting, both hands on the wheel, finish in the correct lane, cancel the signal.
• Intersections: check all directions, keep your lane, stop where you can see the rear tires of the car ahead, do not change lanes in the intersection.
• Urban driving: regular traffic checks, right-most lane, safe following distance, keep up with traffic without exceeding the limit.
• Lane changes: mirrors, over-the-shoulder head check, signal, smooth move, cancel signal.
• Curves: slow before the curve so you do not brake in it.
• Signs: the examiner may ask you to name signs you just passed (the form scores 2 picked at random).
• Steering: both hands on the outside of the wheel; hand-over-hand or hand-to-hand is fine; no palming.

How the road test is scored

Each item is marked 1, 3, 5 or 10 points depending on how serious the error is. Points are not cumulative within a row: only the highest mark in each row counts. A total of 10 or less is a pass. The examiner waits until you are back at the test center to discuss results.

Road test automatic failures

• Excessive points.
• Not wearing your seat belt.
• Using your wireless device at any time.
• A moving violation, disobeying signs or signals, speeding or rolling stops.
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other road users.
• An avoidable crash or contact with any vehicle, object or person.
• Any unsafe act, or another driver having to take evasive action.
• Putting the vehicle on a sidewalk or curb unnecessarily.
• The examiner having to take control.
• Not wearing required glasses.
• Refusing a maneuver.
• Being dangerously inexperienced.
• Not following a traffic control device or the examiner’s lawful direction.

Who can take the road test?

• Level 2 (under 18): at least 16, 180 days conviction-free on Level 1, and your completed 50-hour log or driver education card.
• Regular permit (18+): after holding the permit at least 30 days.

First-time applicants also complete a short DUI awareness course after passing the road skills test.

Common questions

Does hitting a cone fail the WV road test?

Yes. Hitting, tapping or moving a cone, barrel or flag is an automatic failure.

Can I use my backup camera for parallel parking?

Relying solely on the camera costs points, and any hands-free parking feature must be off. Use mirrors and look over your shoulder.

How close to the curb do I need to be?

Within 18 inches of the curb line. Being outside it after three attempts is a fail.

What score passes the West Virginia road test?

10 points or less on the road test, and 4 points or less on parallel parking.

Can I retake the road test the next day?

No. You cannot be tested twice within one week.

Can I drive myself to the road test?

You must arrive at the testing center lawfully. On a permit, that means a licensed driver 21+ in the front passenger seat.

Back to the West Virginia learning to drive guide. See also GDL levels, the 50-hour log, why people fail, road tests by state.

Sources

• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driver’s Licensing Handbook” (revised 07/2026), Chapter IV and Driver Skills Test and Road Test Score Forms (DMV-DT-1) (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL)” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Procedures on Driver’s Licenses” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Regular (non-GDL) Instruction Permit” (dmv.wv.gov)

Photo: Jason Sherrod, Pexels

The West Virginia permit test (the DMV knowledge examination) has at least 25 questions from the Driver’s Licensing Handbook, and you must answer 19 of 25 correctly to pass. It is timed, costs $7.50 per attempt and is taken on an automated system at DMV testing locations. This guide covers what is on it, what to bring and the retest rule for teens getting a Level 1 permit and adults getting a regular permit.

Key facts (West Virginia DMV, as of November 2026)

• At least 25 questions; 19 of 25 correct to pass (76%).
• Time limit: unanswered questions when time runs out count as wrong.
• Fee: $7.50 per attempt.
• Audio version with headphones available for applicants with reading difficulties.
• Fail? You cannot retest within one week.
• No phones or electronic devices in the exam room.

How many questions are on the WV permit test?

The handbook says the knowledge examination has at least 25 questions on basic knowledge, traffic rules, regulations, signs and markings from the handbook. You need 19 correct out of 25, so you can miss 6.

There is a time limit, and any question not answered in time is marked wrong. Do not get stuck: answer every question, then go back if time allows.

What to study

Questions come from the handbook. Focus on:

• Signs, signals and markings (Chapter V): sign shapes and colors, traffic lights, flashers, lane-use signals, pavement markings, railroad crossings. See road signs by shape and color.
• Rules of the road (Chapter VI): the basic speed law and WV default limits (interstate 70 mph, open country highway 55 mph, business or residential 25 mph, school zone 15 mph), right of way, passing, parking on hills, following distance, school bus rules.
• Interstate driving (Chapter VII): entering, exiting, exit lanes, stopping.
• Impaired driving (Chapter III): zero tolerance under 21, BAC levels, implied consent, drowsy driving.
• Driver responsibilities (Chapter II): insurance, phone law, points.
• GDL rules: Level 1 and Level 2 hours, passengers and convictions. See GDL levels explained.

The WV DMV website also has a sample driver’s test page to practice with.

What to bring for a Level 1 permit

• Certified birth certificate (each time you apply and test).
• Proof of your Social Security number, issued by the Social Security Administration.
• Two proofs of WV residency (the DMV accepts a Driver’s Eligibility Certificate showing a WV street address as one option).
• Parent or guardian consent on form DMV-DS-23P.
• Money for the test fee.

You will also have a vision screening. You need 20/40 or better, with or without glasses or contacts.

West Virginia numbers worth learning

• Default speed limits: interstate 70 mph, open country highway 55 mph, business or residential 25 mph, school zone 15 mph while children are present.
• Interstate minimum: do not drive slower than 55 mph unless weather, road conditions or signs call for it.
• Signal at least 100 feet before turning.
• Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead. Headlights on from sunset to sunrise and whenever you cannot see 500 feet.
• Parallel park within 18 inches of the curb.
• No U-turn near a curve or hill crest where you cannot be seen from 500 feet.
• Following distance: three to four seconds in good conditions.
• Crashes with injury, death or damage over $1,000: report within 5 days.

On test day

• Only the applicant may be in the exam room.
• No cell phones, Bluetooth devices or other electronics.
• Audio test: you take it with headphones. Staff cannot read, reword or explain questions. Headsets are limited, so you may wait.

After you pass

Under 18 (Level 1 permit): drive only with a licensed driver 21+ in the front passenger seat, between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. You may have no more than two non-family passengers besides the supervisor, and you may not use a wireless device except to call 911. The permit lasts until your 18th birthday plus a 30-day grace period. Start your 50-hour log now.

18 or older (regular Class E permit): a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat; valid 180 days and not renewable; road skills test after at least 30 days.

If you fail

West Virginia Code Section 17B-2-6, as quoted in the handbook, says you cannot be tested twice within one week. Each new attempt costs $7.50.

Common questions

How many questions can I miss on the West Virginia permit test?

6. You need 19 of 25 correct.

How long is the WV permit test?

It is timed, so ask at the testing location for the exact limit.

Can I take the WV permit test online?

Yes. The 2026 handbook says you may take the written test online through Know to Drive. The certificate is not permission to drive. You still go to a DMV location for the vision screening and to finish your application.

Is there a permit test in other languages or audio?

An audio version is available with headphones for applicants with reading difficulties.

What age can I take the permit test in WV?

15 for a Level 1 permit. Under 18 you need parental consent, unless you are married.

How much is the permit in West Virginia?

The test is $7.50 per attempt. The 2026 handbook fee chart lists the Level 1 permit at $5.00, although its Level 1 rules page still says $7.50, so bring enough for either.

Back to the West Virginia learning to drive guide. Next: WV road test. Compare: permit tests by state.

Sources

• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driver’s Licensing Handbook” (revised 07/2026), Chapters I, IV to VII (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL)” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Regular (non-GDL) Instruction Permit” (dmv.wv.gov)

Photo: Lindsey Willard, Pexels

Learning to drive in West Virginia follows a three-level Graduated Driver’s License (GDL): a Level 1 instruction permit at 15, a Level 2 intermediate license at 16 and a Level 3 license at 17. At each step you must stay conviction-free, and drivers aged 15 and 16 must also stay in school and keep up academic progress. This guide walks through the West Virginia Driver’s Licensing Handbook and the WV DMV’s current GDL rules, with a detailed guide for each step.

Key facts (West Virginia DMV, as of November 2026)

• Handbook: West Virginia Driver’s Licensing Handbook (revised 07/2026) from the WV Division of Motor Vehicles.
• Level 1 permit: from 15. Knowledge test $7.50 per attempt; 25 questions, 19 correct to pass.
• Level 2: from 16, after 180 days conviction-free on Level 1, a road skills test ($7.50) and a 50-hour log (10 at night) or approved driver education.
• Level 3: from 17, after 12 months conviction-free on Level 2. The 2026 handbook fee chart lists $2.50 a year at 17 and $5.00 a year at 18, until your 21st birthday.
• Under 18: no wireless device use while driving, except to call 911.

West Virginia GDL levels at a glance

Level	Minimum age	Key rules	Detailed guide
Level 1 instruction permit	15	Licensed driver 21+ in the front seat; 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; max 2 non-family passengers plus supervisor	WV permit test
Level 2 intermediate	16	Alone 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; passenger limits for 12 months	GDL levels explained
Level 3	17	No GDL time or passenger limits; points apply	GDL levels explained

The 50-hour log is covered in the DMV-10-GDL log guide. The road test is in the WV road test guide.

Where to test and apply

Permits and licenses are issued at DMV regional offices and, on a rotating schedule, at DMV exam centers. Check testing times on the DMV website or call before you go. You can also take the written knowledge test online (Know to Drive). The certificate it gives you is not permission to drive: you still go to a DMV location to finish the application.

Documents you need

A first-time applicant needs:

• one proof of identity (for Level 1 and Level 2, a certified birth certificate each time you apply and test);
• one proof of Social Security number, issued by the Social Security Administration;
• two proofs of West Virginia residency;
• if under 18, parent or guardian consent on form DMV-DS-23P.

A 2022 change to state law removed the statutory School Driver Eligibility Certificate requirement. The DMV’s current residency list still accepts a certificate with a West Virginia street address as one proof. An online DMV checklist also retains older wording describing it as required for under-18 applicants without a graduation document. Before your appointment, ask DMV for the current checklist for your particular transaction and keep its answer; do not treat a residency option as a universal legal requirement. Married applicants under 18 do not need parental consent but must show a certified marriage certificate.

Fees (West Virginia DMV)

Item	Fee
Knowledge test	$7.50 per attempt
Level 1 permit	$5.00 (2026 fee chart; the Level 1 rules page of the same handbook still says $7.50)
Level 2 road skills exam	$7.50 per attempt
Level 2 license	$5.00
Level 3 license	$2.50 per year at 17, $5.00 per year at 18, until your 21st birthday
REAL ID (“For Federal Use”) card	Additional $10.00

Check the current figure with the WV DMV before you go.

Adults: regular instruction permit at 18+

If you are 18 or older and have never held a Level 2 or comparable license, you get a regular Class E instruction permit after the vision and knowledge tests. A licensed driver 21+ must be in the front passenger seat. The permit lasts 180 days and cannot be renewed. You can take the road skills test after at least 30 days.

Restriction codes and designations

Restrictions appear as a code on the front of your license. Common ones are 2 (corrective lenses), 3 (automatic transmission), 5 (hand controls), 6 (outside mirrors), D (daylight driving only) and I (interlock). Driving in breach of a restriction can lead to suspension or revocation. You can also add designations for diabetic, deaf or hard of hearing (with certification on the DMV-DS-23P), organ donor and U.S. veteran.

REAL ID

You can choose a “Not for Federal Identification” card or a REAL ID “For Federal Use” card with a gold star, for airports and federal facilities. The REAL ID version costs an extra $10.00. Permanent cards are mailed from a central facility, and you get a temporary credential at the office. See REAL ID for your first license.

Rules that catch new WV drivers out

• School attendance: if you are 15 or 16 and your school reports that you withdrew or are not making satisfactory academic progress, the DMV restricts your license until you are back on track or turn 17. See points and school attendance.
• Points: 6 points brings a warning letter, 12 points means possible suspension, and points stay for 2 years.
• Phones: hand-held use is banned for all drivers. Under 18, no wireless device at all except to call 911.
• Zero tolerance: under 21, any measurable alcohol means losing your license (zero tolerance laws).
• Implied consent: refusing the breath test after a DUI arrest means revocation for one year up to life (implied consent explained).
• Drowsy driving: the handbook treats it as impaired driving. Its advice: pull over somewhere safe, and a 10 to 20 minute nap can make a big difference.
• Speed limits unless posted otherwise: interstate 70 mph, open country highway 55 mph, business or residential 25 mph, school zone 15 mph while children are present.
• School buses: traffic in both directions stops for a bus with red lights flashing. The exception is an interstate with a median, where oncoming traffic does not stop. Passing a stopped bus carries at least a 60-day suspension and a minimum $500 fine for a first offense.
• Insurance: minimum liability $25,000 for one death or injury, $50,000 for two, $25,000 property damage (insurance for new drivers).
• Crashes with injury, death or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to police within 5 days (what to do after a crash).

Handbook chapters and where to read more

• Chapter I, licensing: covered above and in the GDL guide.
• Chapter II, driver responsibilities (insurance, phones, points): points guide, hands-free laws.
• Chapter III, impaired driving: drugs and driving.
• Chapter IV, exams: permit test, road test.
• Chapter V, signs, signals and markings: road signs, traffic signals, pavement markings, railroad crossings.
• Chapter VI, rules of the road: speed, parking, four-way stops, pedestrians, school buses, motorcycles, bicycles and trucks.
• Chapter VII, interstates: freeway driving for new drivers.
• Chapter VIII, defensive driving (rain, flooding, snow, fog): driving in snow, fog and rain.
• Chapter IX, emergencies and crashes: after a crash, seat belts and child seats, move over laws.

Common questions

How old do you have to be to drive in West Virginia?

15 for a Level 1 permit, 16 for a Level 2 intermediate license, 17 for Level 3.

Do I need driver’s ed in West Virginia?

No. You need either a parent-certified 50-hour log (10 at night) or an approved driver education course for Level 2.

When does a Level 1 permit expire?

On your 18th birthday, with a 30-day grace period so you can finish your road skills test. It cannot be renewed.

Do I have to move up to Level 3?

No. It is optional. You can keep Level 2 and its restrictions until 18.

I moved to WV with a permit from another state. What now?

If you are under 18 and do not hold a GDL license equal to or above WV Level 2, you take the knowledge and road skills tests as a new driver. Bring a current driving record from your previous state: the time you held that license is credited toward the Level 1 holding period. See moving to a new state.

Can I drive in WV on an out-of-state license?

Nonresidents 16+ with a valid license from another state or country may drive for up to 90 days in a calendar year. Nonresident college students with a valid out-of-state license are also exempt.

Compare West Virginia with other states: learning to drive in the USA, GDL compared, permit tests by state, road tests by state, supervised hours, points systems.

Sources

• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driver’s Licensing Handbook” (revised 07/2026) (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL)” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “WV Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Program Flyer” (Rev. 11/2022) (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Regular (non-GDL) Instruction Permit” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Minimum Age to Obtain a Driver’s License” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Procedures on Driver’s Licenses” (dmv.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Legislature, enrolled HB 4535, 2022 (code.wvlegislature.gov)
• West Virginia DMV, online acceptable-documents checklist (apps.wv.gov)

Photo: AHeneen, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The West Virginia DMV knowledge exam has at least 25 questions from the Driver’s Licensing Handbook, and you must get 19 of 25 right to pass. It is timed, and unanswered questions count as wrong. This practice test gives you 30 original, unofficial questions built from the handbook’s chapters, so the first 25 work as a full-length mock and the last 5 are extra practice.

West Virginia knowledge exam at a glance

Item	Rule (WV DMV handbook)
Questions	At least 25
To pass	19 of 25 correct (76%)
Time	Timed; unanswered questions are marked wrong
Fee	$7.50 per attempt (as of November 2026)
Fail	No retest within one week

Documents, the audio option and test-day rules: West Virginia DMV permit test, 19 out of 25 to pass.

Mock test tips

• Give yourself a time limit and do not stall. Answer every question, then go back.
• Score questions 1 to 25 as your mock result. 19 or more is a pass.

Signs, signals and markings (questions 1 to 8)

1. A sign with eight sides is always:

• A. A school sign
• B. A yield sign
• C. A stop sign
• D. A railroad sign

Answer: C. Only STOP signs are octagons. Handbook Chapter V: signs.

2. A yellow diamond sign means:

• A. A service
• B. A regulation
• C. A warning of a condition ahead
• D. A route

Answer: C. Warning signs are yellow diamonds. Handbook Chapter V: signs.

3. A round yellow sign with an X and RR warns of:

• A. A crossroad
• B. Road repairs
• C. A rest area
• D. A railroad crossing ahead

Answer: D. Slow down, look and listen. The crossbuck marks the crossing itself. Handbook Chapter V: railroad crossings.

4. A steady yellow light means:

• A. The light will soon be red; stop if you can do so safely
• B. Speed up
• C. Stop at once, even in the intersection
• D. Go as on green

Answer: A. Do not race a yellow light. Handbook Chapter V: traffic lights.

5. A flashing red light means:

• A. Go
• B. Yield to the right
• C. Slow down
• D. Stop completely, then go when it is safe

Answer: D. Treat it as a STOP sign. Handbook Chapter V: flashers.

6. A broken yellow center line on your side means:

• A. Turn lane
• B. One-way road
• C. Passing is allowed when the way is clear
• D. No passing

Answer: C. A solid yellow line on your side means you may not pass. Handbook Chapter V: pavement markings.

7. Lane-use signals show a green arrow over your lane. This means:

• A. The lane is closed
• B. Change lanes now
• C. Bus lane only
• D. You may use the lane

Answer: D. A green arrow opens the lane; a red X closes it; yellow means prepare to leave it. Handbook Chapter V: lane-use signals.

8. Orange signs mean:

• A. A school
• B. A park
• C. A work zone ahead
• D. A hospital

Answer: C. Slow down, merge early when a lane is closed and follow flaggers. Handbook: work zones.

Rules of the road (questions 9 to 14)

9. Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit in a West Virginia school zone while children are present?

• A. 25 mph
• B. 20 mph
• C. 35 mph
• D. 15 mph

Answer: D. The handbook lists 15 mph for school zones while children are present. Handbook Chapter VI: speed.

10. Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit in business or residential areas in West Virginia?

• A. 15 mph
• B. 25 mph
• C. 45 mph
• D. 35 mph

Answer: B. The handbook lists 25 mph for business and residential areas. Handbook Chapter VI: speed.

11. Two cars arrive at a four-way stop at the same time. Who goes first?

• A. The larger car
• B. The car that honks
• C. The car on the right
• D. The car on the left

Answer: C. Yield to the driver on your right when you arrive together. Handbook Chapter VI: right of way.

12. When turning left at a green light without an arrow, you must:

• A. Turn from the right lane
• B. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
• C. Wait for red
• D. Turn before oncoming cars

Answer: B. A plain green light does not protect your left turn. Handbook Chapter VI: turns.

13. Entering an interstate, you should:

• A. Use the acceleration lane to reach traffic speed and merge into a gap
• B. Expect traffic to stop
• C. Stop at the end of the ramp
• D. Merge slowly

Answer: A. Signal, check your blind spot and merge at speed. Handbook Chapter VII: interstate driving.

14. You missed your interstate exit. You should:

• A. Stop and wait
• B. Go on to the next exit
• C. Make a U-turn across the median
• D. Back up on the shoulder

Answer: B. Never back up or cross the median on an interstate. Handbook Chapter VII: exiting.

Following distance and space (questions 15 to 17)

15. In good conditions, the handbook’s following distance check says you are too close if you pass the fixed object before you finish counting:

• A. One thousand three
• B. One thousand five
• C. One thousand one
• D. One thousand ten

Answer: A. Keep at least three seconds in good conditions. Handbook Chapter VI: following distance.

16. How much following distance does the handbook advise when it is dark or raining?

• A. The same as normal
• B. Ten seconds
• C. Two seconds
• D. At least four seconds

Answer: D. Increase to at least four seconds in darkness or rain. Handbook Chapter VI: following distance.

17. How much following distance should you leave on ice or snow?

• A. At least six seconds
• B. Three seconds
• C. Four seconds
• D. One car length

Answer: A. The handbook says at least six seconds on ice or snow. Handbook Chapter VI: following distance.

Sharing the road (questions 18 to 20)

18. A school bus stops with red lights flashing on a four-lane highway that is not an interstate. You are on the other side. You must:

• A. Stop only if children are crossing
• B. Keep going
• C. Stop, because only on interstate highways may oncoming traffic across the median continue
• D. Slow to 20 mph

Answer: C. On all highways, streets, parking lots and private roads, traffic in both directions stops. The only exception is oncoming traffic across the median on an interstate. Handbook: school bus rules.

19. What is the minimum penalty for a first offense of passing a stopped school bus in West Virginia?

• A. 3 points only
• B. A warning
• C. A $50 fine
• D. At least 60 days’ license suspension and at least a $500 fine, or up to six months in jail

Answer: D. Later offenses carry bigger penalties. Handbook: school bus rules.

20. Must you stop for a school bus loading students on school property?

• A. Only in the morning
• B. Yes
• C. No, only on public roads
• D. Only if a crossing guard is present

Answer: B. The handbook says to stop for a bus receiving or discharging students on school property or private property too. Handbook: school bus rules.

Alcohol, drugs and phones (questions 21 to 24)

21. What is West Virginia’s alcohol rule for drivers under 21?

• A. The 0.08 limit applies
• B. 0.05 is allowed
• C. Zero tolerance: any measurable alcohol can cost your license
• D. Only applies at night

Answer: C. West Virginia has a zero tolerance law for drivers under 21. Handbook Chapter III: underage drinking and driving.

22. Under West Virginia’s implied consent law, if you are arrested for DUI you are deemed to have agreed to:

• A. A vision test
• B. A driving test
• C. Pay a toll
• D. A chemical test to find your alcohol content

Answer: D. Refusal brings its own revocation. Handbook Chapter III: implied consent.

23. Can a West Virginia driver under 18 use a phone hands-free while driving?

• A. Yes
• B. Only for GPS
• C. Only at stop lights
• D. No. Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless communication device except to call 911

Answer: D. Handbook, citing WV Code 17B-2-3a. Adults may only use devices hands-free.

24. What is the only thing that lowers your BAC?

• A. A cold shower
• B. Food
• C. Time
• D. Coffee

Answer: C. The handbook notes BAC can keep rising for hours after the last drink. Handbook Chapter III: alcohol.

West Virginia GDL rules (questions 25 to 30)

25. On a Level 1 instruction permit, who must be in the front passenger seat?

• A. A parent only
• B. A licensed driver 21 or older
• C. No one
• D. Any licensed driver

Answer: B. Level 1 drivers always drive with a licensed driver 21 or older beside them. GDL rules.

26. When may a Level 1 permit holder drive?

• A. Only in daylight
• B. Only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• C. Only on weekends
• D. Any time

Answer: B. Level 1 permit holders may drive only from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. GDL rules.

27. How many non-family passengers may a Level 1 permit holder carry, besides the supervisor?

• A. Three
• B. One
• C. Two
• D. None

Answer: C. Level 1 drivers may carry no more than two non-family passengers in addition to the supervising driver. GDL rules.

28. To move to a Level 2 license you need, among other things:

• A. 30 days on Level 1
• B. Nothing; it is automatic at 16
• C. Only a written test
• D. 180 consecutive conviction-free days on Level 1, a road skills test, and a 50-hour log (10 at night) or driver ed

Answer: D. You must also be at least 16. GDL rules.

29. In the first six months of a Level 2 license, how many non-family passengers under 20 may ride with you?

• A. Two
• B. None
• C. Three
• D. One

Answer: B. In the second six months, one non-family passenger under 20 is allowed. Handbook: Level 2 GDL.

30. Speeding in a school zone carries how many points in West Virginia?

• A. 3
• B. 6
• C. 2
• D. 10

Answer: B. The handbook point table lists 6 points for speeding in a school zone. Handbook Chapter II: points.

Score your mock

Questions 1 to 25 correct	Result
23 to 25	Ready to test
19 to 22	A pass. Study the misses before test day.
18 or fewer	A fail. Reread Chapters V to VII.

Then do questions 26 to 30 as extra practice on the GDL rules and points. The WV DMV website also has a sample test. Full details of each level: West Virginia GDL levels explained and the 50 hour driving log.

Common questions

Are these the real WV DMV test questions?

No. They are original, unofficial practice questions based on the West Virginia Driver’s Licensing Handbook.

How many questions can I miss on the West Virginia permit test?

6. You need 19 of 25 correct.

How long do I have for the test?

The test is timed. Ask at the testing location for the exact limit.

What if I fail?

You cannot retest within one week. Each attempt costs $7.50.

Is there an audio version?

Yes, with headphones, for applicants with reading difficulties. Staff cannot read or explain questions.

Where are tests for other states?

See US permit practice tests by state, or the full route in learning to drive in West Virginia.

Sources

• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Driver’s Licensing Handbook” (webapps.transportation.wv.gov)
• West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL)” (dmv.wv.gov)