DMV West Virginia · Fees, age, and practice test
West Virginia Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Start the free West Virginia practice testSourced procedural facts for West Virginia DMV, plus a free 209-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the West Virginia permit test cost?
The Level 1 GDL fee is $7.50 per attempt; the adult instruction permit is listed at $7.50.
- Learner permit / application fee: $7.50 for a Level 1 GDL attempt or an adult instruction permit; these are not two separate $7.50 charges for one Level 1 attempt.
- Knowledge (written) test fee: The Level 1 GDL fee is $7.50 per attempt; the adult instruction permit is listed at $7.50.
- Initial driver license fee: $5 per year for a standard Class E license; graduated-license fees vary by level and age. REAL ID adds $10.
Source: WV Division of Motor Vehicles - Driver's Licenses and ID Cards · Fee source checked 2026-10-05. Our 209-question West Virginia practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Your 3-stage West Virginia study path
- Stage 1: Study the sheets. Read the West Virginia cheat sheet for signs, numbers, and must-know rules.
- Stage 2: Drill topics. Run the free West Virginia practice test with instant explanations until weak topics turn green.
- Stage 3: Simulate the exam. Take the timed exam simulator under real test conditions.
West Virginia verified practice bank · 209 questions rev 2026-10-12-ca500
Before your West Virginia knowledge test
Cost details
- The fee schedule lists Level 1 at $7.50 per attempt and adult instruction permits at $7.50; later license charges differ. Official cost source
Before you apply
These notes cover selected application steps. Check the linked official instructions for the full requirements for your situation.
- Choose your card type and prepare identity, Social Security and two physical-residency proofs from DMV’s accepted-document list. Official application instructions
- First-time applicants age 18+ apply for the regular Class E instruction permit and complete vision and knowledge tests. Official application instructions
Cost and application notes checked .
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
At least 15 and under 18 for the Level 1 instruction permit
Knowledge test fee
The Level 1 GDL fee is $7.50 per attempt; the adult instruction permit is listed at $7.50.
Permit fee
$7.50 for a Level 1 GDL attempt or an adult instruction permit; these are not two separate $7.50 charges for one Level 1 attempt.
Initial license fee
$5 per year for a standard Class E license; graduated-license fees vary by level and age. REAL ID adds $10.
Questions on the knowledge test
At least 25 questions based on basic knowledge and traffic rules
Passing score
19 out of the 25 questions correctly to pass (76%)
Retake fee
$7.50 per Level 1 GDL attempt.
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours certified by parent/guardian (including 10 night hours) before advancing from Level 1 to Level 2
Documents to bring
Proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, two proofs of WV residency, and parent or guardian consent if a minor
Find an office / appointment
Regional DMV offices offer appointments via the online scheduler; general info line 1-800-642-9066.
REAL ID status
West Virginia DMV issues REAL ID (gold star) compliant licenses and ID cards. Requires proof of identity, proof of SSN, and two proofs of WV residency. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Applicants 18 and older skip the Level II GDL requirement. Requires a knowledge test for the permit, then a 7-day hold and on-cycle skills test, unless a Motorcycle Safety Course is completed to waive the skills test.
Commercial license (CDL)
Minimum age 18 with 1 year of driving experience. Requires DOT medical cert, knowledge and skills tests, and a 14-day permit hold before the road test.
Official source: WV Division of Motor Vehicles - Driver's Licenses and ID Cards
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles site.
How much is the West Virginia permit test?
West Virginia knowledge test fee: The Level 1 GDL fee is $7.50 per attempt; the adult instruction permit is listed at $7.50. (official source). Permit fee: $7.50 for a Level 1 GDL attempt or an adult instruction permit; these are not two separate $7.50 charges for one Level 1 attempt. (official source).
How many questions are on the West Virginia permit test?
The official West Virginia knowledge test: At least 25 questions based on basic knowledge and traffic rules (official source). Passing score: 19 out of the 25 questions correctly to pass (76%) (official source).
West Virginia DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | The Level 1 GDL fee is $7.50 per attempt; the adult instruction permit is listed at $7.50. | source |
| Permit fee | $7.50 for a Level 1 GDL attempt or an adult instruction permit; these are not two separate $7.50 charges for one Level 1 attempt. | source |
| Initial license fee | $5 per year for a standard Class E license; graduated-license fees vary by level and age. REAL ID adds $10. | source |
| Retake fee | $7.50 per Level 1 GDL attempt. | source |
Studying for it? Take the free West Virginia DMV practice test (209 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a West Virginia driver license covers
Initial license fee: $5 per year for a standard Class E license; graduated-license fees vary by level and age. REAL ID adds $10. (official source)
REAL ID status: West Virginia DMV issues REAL ID (gold star) compliant licenses and ID cards. Requires proof of identity, proof of SSN, and two proofs of WV residency. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official West Virginia DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in West Virginia
Getting your first permit
In West Virginia, the minimum permit age is at least 15 and under 18 for the Level 1 instruction permit. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, two proofs of WV residency, and parent or guardian consent if a minor. Regional DMV offices offer appointments via the online scheduler; general info line 1-800-642-9066.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
The Level 1 GDL fee is $7.50 per attempt; the adult instruction permit is listed at $7.50. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours certified by parent/guardian (including 10 night hours) before advancing from Level 1 to Level 2.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
West Virginia DMV issues REAL ID (gold star) compliant licenses and ID cards. Requires proof of identity, proof of SSN, and two proofs of WV residency. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: applicants 18 and older skip the Level II GDL requirement. Requires a knowledge test for the permit, then a 7-day hold and on-cycle skills test, unless a Motorcycle Safety Course is completed to waive the skills test. For a commercial license (CDL): minimum age 18 with 1 year of driving experience. Requires DOT medical cert, knowledge and skills tests, and a 14-day permit hold before the road test.
The West Virginia bank has 209 questions across 8 topics
Test day: what to bring and where to go: a printable West Virginia checklist of the documents for the permit test, plus the official office finder and appointment links.
Study the handbook, chapter by chapter: 23 free lessons that boil the West Virginia driver manual down to the rules and exact numbers on the test, each quoted with its page.
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