The West Virginia knowledge (permit) test
The knowledge test is the written exam you pass before West Virginia gives you an instruction permit. It checks that you understand traffic laws, signs and safe driving before you start practicing on the road.
Every question comes from the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, so studying the handbook is the surest way to pass first time.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can state how many questions the test has and how many you must get right.
- You can explain the time limit and what happens to unanswered questions.
- You can list the main handbook topics that the questions cover.
- You can explain the retest rule and fee if you fail.
What you need to know and understand
- The test has at least 25 questions, and you need 19 of 25 correct to pass.
- It is timed. Any question left unanswered when time runs out is marked wrong.
- Each attempt costs $7.50.
- If you fail, you cannot be tested again within one week.
- An audio version with headphones is available for applicants who have difficulty reading.
- Phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the exam room.
What the questions cover
Questions are drawn from basic knowledge, traffic rules, regulations, signs and markings in the handbook. Spend most of your study time on these chapters.
- Signs, signals and pavement markings, including sign shapes and colors.
- Rules of the road: speed limits, right of way, turning, passing, parking and school buses.
- Driving on interstates: merging, exiting and minimum speeds.
- Impaired driving: alcohol, drugs, zero tolerance and implied consent.
- Driver responsibilities: insurance, phone law, points and GDL rules.
Numbers that often come up
- Default speed limits: 70 mph 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.
- Signal at least 100 feet before you turn.
- Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle you are following.
- Keep a following distance of three to four seconds in good conditions.
- Park parallel within 18 inches of the curb.
On test day
You may also take the written test online through the DMV's Know to Drive service. Passing online is not permission to drive, so you still visit the DMV to finish your permit. The DMV website also has a sample driver's test you can use to practice. This site's practice test and pass-mark guide go deeper.
- Bring your documents and the test fee.
- Leave your phone and other devices outside; only the applicant may be in the exam room.
- Pass the vision screening first.
- Answer every question. If one is hard, choose your best answer and move on so the clock does not beat you.
- If you need the audio version, ask for it. Staff cannot read, reword or explain questions for you.
Common mistakes
- Spending too long on one question. Unanswered questions count as wrong when time runs out.
- Studying only road signs. Many questions cover GDL rules, alcohol laws and right of way.
- Booking a retest for the next day. You must wait at least one week.
- Bringing a phone into the exam room. Electronic devices are not allowed.
Test yourself: The West Virginia knowledge (permit) test
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Go deeper
Sources: West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Chapters IV to VII, West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles; Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) page, West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.wv.gov). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the West Virginia licensing agency.