Free · 23 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
West Virginia Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free West Virginia practice test.
23 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1Chapter I: Driver's License InformationLaws and paperwork
Who needs a license, new residents and address changes
If you live in West Virginia and drive on public roads, you need a West Virginia license and must carry it. New residents have 30 days to apply, and any address change must be reported within 20 days.
8 key points · 2 numbers · PDF pages 3 to 23
- Lesson 2Chapter IV: Examination Procedures And RequirementsLaws and paperwork
Vision, knowledge and road tests
To qualify for a West Virginia license you need at least 20/40 vision in one eye, and the knowledge test has at least 25 questions with 19 right needed to pass. If you fail the knowledge or road skills test, you may not be tested twice within one week.
8 key points · 4 numbers · PDF pages 19 to 36
- Lesson 3Chapter I: Driver's License InformationLaws and paperwork
Graduated Driver's License levels
Young West Virginia drivers move from a Level One instruction permit to a Level Two intermediate license and then a Level Three license. Level Two drivers have night and passenger limits, and drivers under 18 may use a phone only to call 9-1-1.
9 key points · 9 numbers · PDF pages 20 to 22
- Lesson 4Chapter I: Driver's License InformationLaws and paperwork
License colors, Drive for Five and renewal
West Virginia licenses are color coded by age so officers and retailers can tell a driver's age at a glance. Under Drive for Five, licenses last 5 years and expire in a year when your age is divisible by five.
7 key points · 8 numbers · PDF pages 17 to 23
- Lesson 5Chapter II: Driver ResponsibilitiesLaws and paperwork
Points, citations and suspensions
Points stay on a West Virginia driving record for 2 years, and at 12 points your license is subject to suspension. Ignoring a court action, lending your license or driving while revoked for DUI brings suspension, revocation or jail.
9 key points · 8 numbers · PDF pages 28 to 87
- Lesson 6Chapter II: Driver ResponsibilitiesEmergencies
Crash reports, insurance and phone use
West Virginia requires every driver to carry liability insurance and to report serious crashes within 5 days. Using a phone while driving is banned unless it is hands free, with exceptions for reporting emergencies.
10 key points · 5 numbers · PDF pages 26 to 84
- Lesson 7Chapter III: Driving Under The InfluenceAlcohol and DUI
Alcohol, BAC limits and zero tolerance
Alcohol is a factor in many fatal West Virginia crashes, and drivers under 21 may not have any measurable alcohol at all. For adults, a BAC of 0.08 percent means you are presumed to be under the influence.
8 key points · 5 numbers · PDF pages 31 to 32
- Lesson 8Chapter III: Driving Under The InfluenceAlcohol and DUI
Implied consent, DUI penalties and interlock
By driving in West Virginia you are deemed to consent to a Breathalyzer if arrested for DUI, and refusing revokes your privilege for 1 year up to life. After a DUI revocation you must complete a Safety and Treatment program, and the Interlock Program is mandatory after 2 or more DUI revocations in 10 years.
7 key points · 3 numbers · PDF pages 32 to 33
- Lesson 9Chapter VIII: Defensive DrivingSafe driving
Drowsy driving, fatigue and emotions
Being tired dulls your mind and slows your reaction time, and after about 18 hours awake your driving skills are comparable to someone under the influence. Take regular rest breaks and control strong emotions before you drive.
8 key points · 3 numbers · PDF pages 33 to 75
- Lesson 10Chapter IV: Examination Procedures And RequirementsSafe driving
The road skills test and basic control
On the road skills test you should set up your seat and mirror, keep both hands on the wheel, and handle lane changes and curves safely. You will also be asked to identify traffic signs and must signal at the right time.
7 key points · 1 numbers · PDF pages 36 to 53
- Lesson 11Chapter V: Traffic Control DevicesRoad signs
Sign shapes, colors and pavement markings
In West Virginia the shape and color of a sign tell you its meaning even when you cannot read the words. Pavement markings work like signs to warn, regulate and inform.
8 key points · 0 numbers · PDF pages 44 to 62
- Lesson 12Chapter VI: Traffic Laws And Rules Of The RoadSignals and markings
Turn signals and full stops
Other drivers expect you to keep going the same way, so you must signal every change in direction. West Virginia requires a full stop at every stop sign and red light, even when turning right.
6 key points · 1 numbers · PDF pages 53 to 71
- Lesson 13Chapter VIII: Defensive DrivingSignals and markings
Headlights and light conditions
West Virginia law requires headlights, not just parking lights, when it begins to get dark or visibility may be impaired. Dim your headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle you follow.
6 key points · 3 numbers · PDF pages 61 to 73
- Lesson 14Chapter VI: Traffic Laws And Rules Of The RoadSpeed limits
Basic speed law and school zones
West Virginia law forbids driving faster than is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions, and higher speed leaves less time to spot hazards. A school zone extends 125 feet along the road from school grounds, and when you drive slowly you should keep right and let faster traffic pass.
7 key points · 2 numbers · PDF pages 52 to 53
- Lesson 15Chapter VI: Traffic Laws And Rules Of The RoadSafe driving
U-turns, backing, parking and following distance
Never turn around near a curve or hilltop where approaching drivers cannot see you, and never back across traffic lanes or through an intersection. Following too closely causes most rear end collisions, so keep 3 to 4 seconds of following distance and more in darkness, rain, ice or snow.
8 key points · 5 numbers · PDF pages 55 to 57
- Lesson 16Chapter VI: Traffic Laws And Rules Of The RoadRight of way
Right of way and pedestrians
In West Virginia, safety comes before right of way, and right of way is something to be given, not taken. Pedestrian collisions cause nearly 20% of traffic deaths, so take extreme care in school zones, bus stops, playgrounds and parks.
6 key points · 1 numbers · PDF pages 59 to 60
- Lesson 17Chapter VI: Traffic Laws And Rules Of The RoadSafe driving
School buses, bicycles, motorcycles and trucks
Passing a stopped school bus brings at least a 60 day suspension and a $500 minimum fine or up to 6 months in jail for a first offense. Keep 3 to 4 seconds behind motorcycles, stay out of a truck's blind spot, never honk near a horse, and give bicyclists plenty of room.
8 key points · 3 numbers · PDF pages 60 to 63
- Lesson 18Chapter VII: Driving On InterstatesSafe driving
Entering, exiting and driving on interstates
On an interstate, slower traffic keeps right except to pass, and you should not drive below 55 mph unless conditions are bad or a lower speed is posted. Move into your exit lane early, never slow down on the main lanes, and never make a U turn.
7 key points · 1 numbers · PDF pages 67 to 70
- Lesson 19Chapter VII: Driving On InterstatesEmergencies
Breakdowns, fog and work zones on interstates
Interstate shoulders are only for disabled vehicles; if you break down, move far off the road, turn on your flashers and set flares behind your vehicle. In construction zones obey the special speed limits, signs and flaggers, and move to an open lane as soon as possible.
7 key points · 1 numbers · PDF pages 69 to 70
- Lesson 20Chapter VIII: Defensive DrivingSafe driving
Bad driving habits
Bad driving habits come from laziness, impatience, inattention, arrogance and aggressiveness. Turn your head instead of relying only on the mirror, do not let following traffic tempt you to roll a stop sign, and never compete with an arrogant driver.
6 key points · 0 numbers · PDF pages 71 to 72
- Lesson 21Chapter VIII: Defensive DrivingSafe driving
Weather, road, vehicle and traffic conditions
Never drive across a flooded road, and stopping on snow or ice can take as much as 12 times the normal distance. Watch for icy bridges, brake gently on ice, never remove your inspection sticker, and expect farm machinery and livestock in rural areas.
7 key points · 3 numbers · PDF pages 73 to 75
- Lesson 22Chapter IX: Emergency SituationsEmergencies
Blowouts, fires and other vehicle emergencies
In a blowout hold the wheel tightly and do not brake until the vehicle is under control, and in a skid stay calm and concentrate on steering. If smoke comes from under the hood, get off the road and turn off the ignition, and if the fire gets out of control move at least 100 feet away.
8 key points · 1 numbers · PDF pages 80 to 82
- Lesson 23Chapter IX: Emergency SituationsEmergencies
At a crash scene
Stop at a crash only if you are involved or can help, because extra stopping creates new hazards. If you hit an unattended vehicle, you must try to find the owner or leave a note.
5 key points · 0 numbers · PDF pages 70 to 84
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free West Virginia practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the West Virginia cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook. Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-09-27.