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)