WV Permit Practice Test 1

All 20 questions in test 1

Every question below comes from the West Virginia question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. What is the safest response when there is no room to pass a bicyclist because traffic is approaching?

   1. Follow within one car length until the cyclist moves aside
   2. Pass immediately by moving onto the shoulder
   3. Sound the horn and squeeze between the bicycle and traffic
   4. Wait until the approaching traffic has gone by
   Show answer

   Wait until the approaching traffic has gone by. The handbook tells drivers to wait when an oncoming vehicle leaves no room to pass a bicyclist. That pause protects the cyclist from being crowded and gives the driver a clear, safer path once opposing traffic has gone by. The shoulder may contain hazards and is not an automatic passing lane. A horn does not create space, and close following increases pressure without solving the conflict. Slow down, remain patient, and pass only after leaving plenty of room between the vehicle and bicycle.

   Study this in the handbook: School buses, bicycles, motorcycles and trucks

2. 2. What do white pavement lines generally separate?

   1. Only railroad tracks from road lanes
   2. Traffic lanes moving in opposite directions
   3. Traffic lanes moving in the same direction
   4. Pedestrian areas from all vehicle traffic
   Show answer

   Traffic lanes moving in the same direction. White pavement lines separate traffic lanes moving in the same direction. That basic color rule distinguishes them from yellow lines, which separate opposing traffic. The opposite-direction option therefore assigns the wrong meaning to the marking. Railroad tracks and pedestrian areas may have their own signs or markings, but they are not what white lane lines generally identify. Read the line pattern as well as its color because a solid white line can restrict a lane change even when both lanes travel the same way.

   Study this in the handbook: Sign shapes, colors and pavement markings

3. 3. If a lane closes in an interstate construction zone, when should a driver move into the open lane?

   1. At the last possible moment beside the barricade
   2. As soon as possible after the advance signs provide notice
   3. Only after entering the closed lane completely
   4. After stopping in the closed lane to wait for a gap
   Show answer

   As soon as possible after the advance signs provide notice. The handbook says that when a lane is closed in a construction zone, signs will be posted well in advance, and drivers should move over to the open lane as soon as possible. It adds a direct warning to avoid waiting until the last minute to change lanes, because a late move forces a sudden merge beside the barricades. Entering the closed lane is not a required step, and stopping there to wait for a gap leaves the vehicle sitting in a lane that is shut. Read the advance signs, reduce speed, signal early, and merge smoothly when a safe opening appears.

   Study this in the handbook: Breakdowns, fog and work zones on interstates

4. 4. How does the alcohol in a 12-ounce can of beer compare with a six-ounce glass of wine or a one-ounce shot of 100-proof whiskey?

   1. The beer has much less alcohol
   2. It is the same amount
   3. The beer has about twice as much alcohol
   4. The wine has the least alcohol of the three
   Show answer

   It is the same amount. The West Virginia handbook lists this as a point to remember: the amount of alcohol in a one-ounce shot of 100-proof whiskey, a six-ounce glass of wine, and a 12-ounce can of beer is the same. Many drivers think beer or wine is a safer choice than liquor, but each of these standard drinks puts the same amount of alcohol into the body. Switching drinks does not lower the effect on alertness, judgment, or vision. Count every one of these drinks the same way, and do not drink and drive.

   Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, BAC limits and zero tolerance

5. 5. What does a lane-direction sign at a divided highway opening remind you?

   
   1. Which side of the divider you belong on
   2. That both sides of the divider are interchangeable
   3. That the median is a passing lane
   4. That traffic may cross the divider at any time
   Show answer

   Which side of the divider you belong on. Lane-direction signs placed at divider openings help a driver remain on the proper side of a divided highway. The median is not an extra passing lane, and the two sides cannot be used interchangeably. Crossing the divider whenever convenient creates a conflict with opposing or crossing traffic. Follow the arrow, stay within the roadway assigned to your direction, and use an authorized opening when changing routes.

   Study this in the handbook: Sign shapes, colors and pavement markings

6. 6. What does this West Virginia warning sign advise you of?

   
   1. A lane will be ending ahead
   2. An added lane
   3. Traffic may be merging into your lane
   4. A divided highway begins
   Show answer

   An added lane. West Virginia's warning sign section explains this sign: it is to advise you of an added lane. That is different from a lane ending. The handbook uses a separate lane-ending sign to warn that a lane will end, and a merge sign to warn that traffic may be moving into your lane, so you should be ready to change your speed or your lane. Like other diamond-shaped warning signs, this one tells you about a changed condition ahead so you can prepare before you reach it.

7. 7. What does a round yellow and black railroad sign provide?

   
   1. A warning that the road becomes one way
   2. Permission to pass a stopped train
   3. Advance warning of a railroad crossing
   4. Directions to a highway rest area
   Show answer

   Advance warning of a railroad crossing. The round yellow and black sign gives advance warning that a railroad crossing is ahead. It does not grant permission to pass a train, announce a one-way road, or direct a driver to a rest area. Use the extra distance to reduce speed, inspect both directions, and identify whether lights, bells, gates, or multiple tracks affect the crossing before proceeding.

   Study this in the handbook: Sign shapes, colors and pavement markings

8. 8. What does the West Virginia handbook say tempts impatient drivers to only slow down for a stop sign?

   1. A green light at the next intersection
   2. Wet pavement
   3. Pressure from following vehicles and the absence of cross traffic
   4. A flashing yellow signal
   Show answer

   Pressure from following vehicles and the absence of cross traffic. The handbook's impatience section warns that pressure from following vehicles and the absence of cross traffic may tempt you to only slow down for a stop sign. Neither excuse changes the law: regardless of traffic you must come to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light, even for a right turn. The impatient driver who rolls through, speeds from stop to stop and weaves in traffic raises the chance of a crash for everyone nearby.

   Study this in the handbook: Bad driving habits

9. 9. What does a pentagon-shaped school sign identify?

   
   1. A school zone or school-zone crossing
   2. A railroad crossing
   3. A hospital entrance
   4. A no-passing zone
   Show answer

   A school zone or school-zone crossing. The pentagon shape warns of a school zone or a school-zone crossing. It does not identify railroad tracks, a hospital entrance, or the beginning of a no-passing zone. In West Virginia, the school-zone maximum is 15 mph when children are present or when specified. Slow before the marked area, watch for people walking, and follow any posted control. Expect children to move unpredictably.

   Study this in the handbook: Sign shapes, colors and pavement markings

10. 10. A diamond warning sign warns of a hill where special care must be taken. When should you slow down?

    1. Before you start downhill
    2. Only after you reach the bottom
    3. Only if the road is wet
    4. Halfway down the hill
    Show answer

    Before you start downhill. West Virginia's hill warning sign is a yellow diamond that warns of hills where special care must be taken. The handbook's instruction is simple: slow down before you start downhill. Like other diamond-shaped warning signs, it warns of possible danger ahead. Do not wait until you are partway down the hill or at the bottom to reduce speed. The sign gives you advance notice so you can slow down at the top, before the downhill section begins.

11. 11. How soon must a new West Virginia resident apply for a West Virginia driver's license after establishing residency?

    1. Only when the out-of-state license expires
    2. Within 10 days
    3. Within 60 days
    4. Within 30 days
    Show answer

    Within 30 days. A new resident who wants to drive in West Virginia must apply within 30 days after establishing residency. Waiting until an out-of-state license expires can miss the state's deadline, and the 10-day and 60-day choices substitute numbers not stated in this rule. The handbook separately explains that a valid, nonexpired out-of-state license may be transferred after the applicant completes the required steps. Mark the residency date, gather the documents, and begin the transfer process before the 30-day window closes.

    Study this in the handbook: Who needs a license, new residents and address changes

12. 12. An ambulance approaches with its siren sounding and warning lights flashing. What must you do?

    
    1. Stop in the intersection so the ambulance can go around
    2. Pull to the right edge, clear the intersection, and stop
    3. Continue at the speed limit until the ambulance passes
    4. Move left and maintain speed beside the emergency vehicle
    Show answer

    Pull to the right edge, clear the intersection, and stop. West Virginia directs drivers to yield to an ambulance, fire vehicle, or police vehicle using a siren and flashing warning lights. Pulling right, getting clear of the intersection, and stopping creates a predictable path for the responding vehicle. Stopping in the intersection can block its route, while continuing or moving left keeps the conflict active. Keep your foot on the brake so the emergency driver can see that you are stationary, then watch for additional emergency vehicles before moving.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way and pedestrians

13. 13. When you parallel park on a two-way street, how close to the right curb must your right-hand wheels be?

    1. Within 6 feet
    2. Within 3 feet
    3. Within 30 inches
    4. Within 18 inches
    Show answer

    Within 18 inches. For parallel parking on a two-way street, the West Virginia handbook says to park so the right-hand wheels are parallel to and within 18 inches of the right curb. When parallel parking on the left side of the road, the wheels should be within 18 inches of the left curb. Park in the direction of traffic and center the vehicle in the space. The handbook says you should end up about six inches from the curb and never more than 18 inches. Parking too far out narrows the lane for passing traffic.

    Study this in the handbook: U-turns, backing, parking and following distance

14. 14. According to the West Virginia handbook, what is the first response when a vehicle runs off the paved road?

    1. Brake hard and jerk the wheel left
    2. Turn sharply back onto the pavement immediately
    3. Grip the steering wheel tightly and ease off the accelerator
    4. Accelerate toward the center of the highway
    Show answer

    Grip the steering wheel tightly and ease off the accelerator. When wheels leave the pavement, the handbook says to grip the steering wheel tightly, stay on the shoulder, and ease off the accelerator. Braking should be gentle, with speed reduced gradually while the driver checks traffic. Jerking back onto the pavement right away skips those steps; the handbook turns the wheels sharply onto the pavement only after speed is reduced and traffic is checked, then turns them the other way so the vehicle does not head across the highway. Acceleration increases the loss of control. Keep the vehicle stable first, then return to the pavement only after reducing speed and confirming that the path is clear.

    Study this in the handbook: Blowouts, fires and other vehicle emergencies

15. 15. What may repeated convictions do to a West Virginia driver’s privilege?

    1. Erase earlier violations from the driving record
    2. Build a point record that can lead to suspension
    3. Guarantee a permanent license with no review
    4. Allow unrestricted driving after every conviction
    Show answer

    Build a point record that can lead to suspension. The handbook warns that repeated convictions may build a point record leading to suspension of the driving privilege. The rule describes a cumulative consequence, so a driver should not treat each conviction as an isolated event. It does not promise that earlier violations disappear, and it does not guarantee permanent licensing or unrestricted driving. Keep the practical cue in mind: repeated violations can add points until the privilege is suspended. The exact suspension process can depend on the point record and applicable law, but the handbook clearly identifies suspension as the possible result of accumulating convictions.

    Study this in the handbook: Points, citations and suspensions

16. 16. Two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction are separated by a solid white line. What does this mean?

    1. You may change lanes when it is safe
    2. You may pass only on the left
    3. The right lane is ending
    4. Do not change lanes
    Show answer

    Do not change lanes. West Virginia's handbook explains that solid white lines mark the edge of the pavement and help you stay on the road at night or in bad weather. When solid white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, DO NOT CHANGE LANES. Broken white lines are used between same-direction lanes where you may change lanes, but you should never straddle them except while changing lanes. Stay in your lane until the line becomes broken.

    Study this in the handbook: Sign shapes, colors and pavement markings

17. 17. Why does West Virginia's handbook tell drivers to reduce speed when conditions limit visibility or stopping distance?

    1. A faster vehicle has less time to identify hazards and react safely
    2. Higher speed always improves traction on wet pavement
    3. Reduced speed is required only when an officer is present
    4. Visibility changes have no effect if the posted limit is obeyed
    Show answer

    A faster vehicle has less time to identify hazards and react safely. Speed changes the time available to notice a hazard, judge another vehicle, and correct a mistake. When rain, darkness, traffic, or a roadway problem limits what you can see or how quickly you can stop, slow down below the posted maximum as needed. The choice about improved wet traction reverses the safety concern, since water can reduce grip. A posted limit is not permission to maintain that speed in every condition. Use a simple cue: less sight distance or more stopping distance calls for less speed.

    Study this in the handbook: Basic speed law and school zones

18. 18. How long do points stay on a West Virginia driving record?

    1. One year from the violation date
    2. Three years from the conviction date
    3. Two years from the conviction date
    4. Five years from the conviction date
    Show answer

    Two years from the conviction date. West Virginia points remain on the driving record for two years, counted from the conviction date. One year is too short, and the clock starts at conviction, not at the date of the violation. Three and five years are longer than the stated period. While points are on the record they count toward the 6 point caution letter and the 12 point suspension level.

    Study this in the handbook: Points, citations and suspensions

19. 19. How many points does West Virginia's point scale assign for speeding in a school zone?

    1. Six points
    2. Three points
    3. Five points
    4. Eight points
    Show answer

    Six points. The West Virginia point scale lists speeding in a school zone at 6 points, the same as reckless driving, hit and run, and speeding 20 mph or more over the limit. Three points is the value for speeding 11 to 14 mph over and for many ordinary violations. Five points is for speeding 15 to 19 mph over. Eight points is reserved for fleeing from an officer.

20. 20. Under West Virginia's Level 2 intermediate license rules, whose seat belt use is the young driver responsible for?

    1. Only the driver's own belt
    2. Only passengers in the front seat
    3. All occupants of the vehicle
    4. Only passengers under 18
    Show answer

    All occupants of the vehicle. A Level 2 intermediate license holder must require all occupants to follow the seat belt law, the same duty Level 1 permit drivers carry. Buckling only yourself, or only the front seat, falls short of that rule. The duty is not limited to passengers under 18. The same passage also bars the Level 2 driver from having any measurable alcohol in their system.

    Study this in the handbook: Graduated Driver's License levels