WV Permit Practice Test

How to use this WV practice test

1. Take the 25 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 76 percent or better, book the real test.

WV practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9
10. Test 10

Printable WV practice test with answer key

All 25 questions, WV exam length

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. How does the handbook characterize a BAC greater than 0.05 percent but less than 0.08 percent?

   1. It is treated exactly like a BAC of 0.08 percent
   2. It is automatically harmless for an adult driver
   3. It is relevant evidence for presuming impaired driving
   4. It matters only for commercial license holders
   Show answer

   It is relevant evidence for presuming impaired driving. The intermediate BAC range is not described as harmless and is not identical to the 0.08 percent presumption. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What does a ONE WAY sign tell a driver about the cross street?

   
   1. Vehicles may travel either way until dark
   2. Traffic must stop in both directions
   3. The street is reserved for buses
   4. Traffic runs in one direction only
   Show answer

   Traffic runs in one direction only. A ONE WAY sign identifies a cross street where traffic is organized to travel in one direction. Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. What is the maximum speed for an interstate in West Virginia unless another speed is posted?

   1. 55 mph
   2. 70 mph
   3. 65 mph
   4. 75 mph
   Show answer

   70 mph. West Virginia lists 70 mph as the maximum interstate speed unless a different limit is posted. Full explanation in Test 3

4. 4. A 16 year old in West Virginia commits a DUI offense. How long is the license revoked?

   1. Exactly 30 days
   2. Until age 18 or the statutory period, whichever is shorter
   3. Until age 21, in every case
   4. Until age 18 or the statutory revocation period, whichever is longer
   Show answer

   Until age 18 or the statutory revocation period, whichever is longer. For a driver under 18, a DUI revokes the license until age 18 or for the statutory revocation period, whichever is longer, and until all oth Full explanation in Test 4

5. 5. What is the driver being warned about by this signal symbol?

   
   1. A traffic signal ahead
   2. A broken streetlight
   3. A vehicle inspection station
   4. A railroad train already blocking the road
   Show answer

   A traffic signal ahead. The symbol warns that a traffic signal is ahead. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. Which situation is specifically listed as a reason to slow down even before a driver reaches the posted speed limit?

   1. Leaving a parking space after checking traffic
   2. Driving on a clear, empty straight road
   3. Approaching and crossing an intersection
   4. Traveling below the normal flow on a wide road
   Show answer

   Approaching and crossing an intersection. The handbook names approaching and crossing an intersection as a situation requiring extra caution and reduced speed. Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. What must an under-18 driver do after surrendering a Level 2 GDL license?

   1. Wait 30 days and resume Level 2
   2. Apply directly for a Level 3 license
   3. Start over with a Level 1 GDL instruction permit
   4. Retake only the vision test
   Show answer

   Start over with a Level 1 GDL instruction permit. An under-18 driver who surrenders a Level 2 GDL intermediate license must start over with a Level 1 GDL instruction permit. Full explanation in Test 7

8. 8. On an interstate, which lane should slower traffic normally use?

   1. The right-hand lane
   2. The left-hand lane
   3. The shoulder whenever traffic is heavy
   4. Any lane selected without signaling
   Show answer

   The right-hand lane. The handbook directs slower interstate traffic to the right-hand lane, except when a driver is passing another vehicle. Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. What happens when a driver refuses the designated Breathalyzer after a DUI arrest?

   1. The driver must wait 24 hours before testing
   2. Only the vehicle registration is renewed
   3. The driver receives a warning with no license action
   4. The driving privilege is revoked for one year and up to life
   Show answer

   The driving privilege is revoked for one year and up to life. Under implied consent, a driver is treated as having agreed to the designated Breathalyzer after a DUI arrest. Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. What license format is issued to applicants who are 21 years old or older?

    1. A vertical license with a blue background
    2. A vertical license with a red background
    3. A horizontal license with a landscape background
    4. A horizontal license with a portrait background
    Show answer

    A horizontal license with a landscape background. Applicants who are at least 21 receive a horizontal license with a landscape background. Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. 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. Full explanation in Test 1

12. 12. 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. Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. What does West Virginia's zero tolerance rule mean for a driver under 21?

    1. Only a BAC of 0.08 percent or more matters
    2. Any measurable alcohol can cause the driver to lose the license
    3. The rule applies only when a crash occurs
    4. A driver under 21 may drink if accompanied by an adult
    Show answer

    Any measurable alcohol can cause the driver to lose the license. West Virginia's under-21 rule is stricter than the adult presumption discussed elsewhere in the handbook. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What do the shape and color of signs help drivers recognize?

    1. Whether the vehicle needs an inspection
    2. The exact distance to the next town
    3. What a sign is trying to tell them
    4. The driver's license renewal date
    Show answer

    What a sign is trying to tell them. The handbook treats sign shape and color as recognition aids that communicate a sign's purpose. Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. What should a driver do after completing a turn?

    1. Turn on the hazard flashers while moving
    2. Leave the signal on for the next mile
    3. Switch off the turn signal
    4. Sound the horn twice
    Show answer

    Switch off the turn signal. The handbook directs drivers to switch off a turn signal after completing the maneuver. Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. When must a Level 2 GDL holder drive with a supervising adult?

    1. Between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
    2. Only during school hours
    3. Between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
    4. Only after midnight on weekends
    Show answer

    Between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.. A Level 2 holder must drive with a supervising licensed adult who is at least 21 between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. A West Virginia Level 2 driver qualifies for a Level 3 GDL. Must the driver upgrade?

    1. Yes, the upgrade is automatic on the qualifying date
    2. No, the driver may keep Level 2 and follow its restrictions until 18
    3. Yes, or the Level 2 license is revoked
    4. No, but the driver must then restart at Level 1
    Show answer

    No, the driver may keep Level 2 and follow its restrictions until 18. The handbook makes the Level 3 GDL optional. Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. Who may be in the room during a West Virginia knowledge test?

    1. The applicant and one support person
    2. The applicant and a DMV employee who reads every question
    3. Any applicant who has a phone turned off
    4. Only the applicant taking the test
    Show answer

    Only the applicant taking the test. The handbook limits the exam room to the applicant who is taking the test. Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. You are behind a large truck that is turning in West Virginia. On which side does the handbook say you must never pass it?

    1. Either side is fine if you signal
    2. Never on the left
    3. Never on the right during a turn
    4. Only on the shoulder
    Show answer

    Never on the right during a turn. Trucks swing wide to turn, and the space that opens on the right side is not an invitation; it is the path the trailer is about to sweep thr Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. How many questions must be answered correctly to pass the West Virginia knowledge test?

    1. 15 of 25
    2. 18 of 25
    3. 24 of 25
    4. 19 of 25
    Show answer

    19 of 25. Passing requires 19 correct answers out of 25. Full explanation in Test 10

21. 21. 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. Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. What should come before insisting on your right-of-way?

    1. Safety and courtesy
    2. A rapid acceleration
    3. A warning horn held continuously
    4. The size of your vehicle
    Show answer

    Safety and courtesy. The handbook places safety ahead of priority. Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. What is the recommended response when you are driving slower than normal traffic and faster vehicles cannot pass safely?

    1. Speed up above the posted limit
    2. Drive in the center of the lane to block passing
    3. Stop immediately in the travel lane
    4. Move as close as possible to the right edge and use the first safe turnout
    Show answer

    Move as close as possible to the right edge and use the first safe turnout. A slower driver should make room for traffic rather than create a moving obstruction. Full explanation in Test 3

24. 24. What minimum following interval does the handbook advise in darkness or rain?

    1. At least six seconds in every condition
    2. Exactly two seconds
    3. At least four seconds
    4. No additional interval is needed if headlights are on
    Show answer

    At least four seconds. Reduced visibility and changing road grip call for more space than the ordinary three-to-four second rule. Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. Which condition is more common in urban driving than in rural driving?

    1. No need to watch for changing traffic conditions
    2. Stray livestock and game animals beside an open highway
    3. Slow-moving farm machinery as the only traffic hazard
    4. More pedestrians, bicycles, intersections, and stop-and-go traffic
    Show answer

    More pedestrians, bicycles, intersections, and stop-and-go traffic. Urban areas bring a denser mix of pedestrians, bicycles, intersections, and repeated starts and stops. Full explanation in Test 5