The road skills test and basic control

Key points

1. Adjust the seat and rear view mirror before driving; proper seat adjustment gives better control.

   Source: PDF page 36

   “Adjust the vehicle seat and rear view mirror before driving. Proper seat adjustment assures better control of the vehicle.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 36

2. Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.

   Source: PDF page 36

   “Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 36

3. It is best to hold the wheel at about 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock, for maximum control.

   Source: PDF page 53

   “The left hand should be placed approximately at 8 o'clock and the right hand at 4 o'clock.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 53

4. After a lane change, cancel your turn signal and check traffic.

   Source: PDF page 40

   “Cancel your turn signal upon completion of the lane change and check traffic.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 40

5. Before entering a curve, reduce speed so no further braking is needed in the curve, and stay in your lane.

   Source: PDF page 40

   “Before entering the curve, reduce your speed so further braking is not required in the curve, and keep vehicle in the lane.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 40

6. During the test you may be asked to identify traffic signs you just passed.

   Source: PDF page 40

   “During the road test you will be asked to identify a number of traffic signs.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 40

7. Signal at the right time, not too early or too late.

   Source: PDF page 41

   “Use turn signals when required. Activate turn signals at appropriate times. Do not signal too early or too late.”
   West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, PDF page 41

Numbers to know

3 questions from the West Virginia practice test

1. 1. During a West Virginia road test lane change, what must you do after completing the lane change?

   1. Cancel the turn signal and check traffic
   2. Speed up by 10 mph
   3. Sound the horn
   4. Stop briefly in the new lane
   Show answer

   Cancel the turn signal and check traffic. The road test lane change begins with traffic checks: look in the mirrors and check the blind spot by looking over your shoulder with a head check, use the correct turn signal, and change lanes smoothly when it is safe. After completing the lane change, cancel your turn signal and check traffic. A signal left flashing misleads other drivers, and neither a horn, a burst of speed, nor a stop in the new lane is part of the maneuver.

2. 2. What should a driver do before entering a curve?

   1. Brake sharply after the vehicle is centered in the curve
   2. Accelerate until reaching the posted maximum
   3. Reduce speed so further braking is not needed in the curve
   4. Move toward the center line for a wider path
   Show answer

   Reduce speed so further braking is not needed in the curve. The handbook advises reducing speed before entering a curve so that further braking is not required while the vehicle is turning. Braking late can upset the vehicle, and accelerating to the posted maximum ignores the warning sign and roadway conditions. Moving toward the center line creates a conflict with opposing traffic. Enter at a controlled speed, stay in your lane, continue checking traffic, and maintain a safe pace through the bend. The key timing cue is to slow before the curve rather than after steering into it.

3. 3. What steering-wheel practice helps a driver maintain control?

   1. Drive with one hand outside the window
   2. Keep both hands on the steering wheel
   3. Release the wheel briefly on straight roads
   4. Hold the wheel only when turning
   Show answer

   Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Using both hands gives the driver more control when the roadway changes or an unexpected movement occurs. The one-hand choices reduce available control and are specifically contrary to the handbook's simple safety guidance. A straight road can still contain a sudden hazard, so hand position should not depend on whether a turn is visible. Keep a firm, balanced grip, stay attentive, and preserve the ability to steer smoothly around a developing problem.

Source: the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Chapter IV: Examination Procedures And Requirements. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.