WV DMV Practice Test

Applicants age 15 to under 18 applying for the GDL Level 1 permit and applicants age 18 and older applying for the regular Class E permit take this knowledge test. This page provides practice questions and verified testing details covering automated delivery, scoring criteria, fees, and retake requirements to assist candidates preparing for West Virginia testing.

WV DMV Exam at a Glance

What the WV DMV is and how it works

According to West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), West Virginia Department of Transportation, “The knowledge examination has at least 25 questions based on the basic knowledge, traffic rules, regulations, signs, and markings found in the handbook.”^[1]

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles knowledge examination evaluates an applicant's understanding of traffic rules, regulations, signs, and markings. Applicants age 15 to under 18 must obtain parent or guardian consent to apply for a GDL Level 1 permit, while applicants age 18 and older apply for a regular Class E permit.

Testing is computer-based at designated DMV locations or administered online through Know To Drive with webcam proctoring. The examination contains at least 25 questions and is timed, meaning unanswered questions count as wrong. To pass, an applicant must answer 19 of 25 questions correctly, which equals 76%. Candidates who complete the online exam receive a completion certificate immediately. A passing score is valid 6 months from the test date.

Each attempt costs a fee of $7.50. If an applicant does not pass, DMV policy requires a wait of 7 days before a retake attempt, with no refund provided. Because local office hours and document verification steps can vary across branch locations, candidates should consult the official West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles driver licensing handbook before scheduling.

Worked examples: how to reason through WV DMV questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which document is NOT typically accepted as proof of West Virginia residency when applying for a driver's license?

1. Utility bill with your address
2. Bank statement with your address
3. A personal letter from a friend
4. Mortgage statement

Answer: C. A personal letter from a friend

Explanation:

Option C is correct because a personal letter from a friend lacks formal verification and is not recognized as valid proof of residency. Licensing authorities require standardized records issued by established institutions to confirm an applicant's residential address.

Options A, B, and D are incorrect choices because utility bills, bank statements, and mortgage statements represent standard documentation accepted by motor vehicle agencies. These records originate from regulated commercial or financial entities that tie your legal identity directly to a physical dwelling.

The general rule to remember is that residency documents must always stem from official government, financial, or utility issuers rather than private correspondence.

Example 2

Question: What is the nighttime driving restriction for a West Virginia Level 2 (Intermediate) license holder?

1. No driving between 10 PM and 5 AM
2. No driving between 11 PM and 5 AM
3. No driving between midnight and 5 AM
4. No nighttime restriction

Answer: B. No driving between 11 PM and 5 AM

Explanation:

Option B is correct because intermediate drivers in West Virginia face a mandatory curfew restricting operation between 11 PM and 5 AM. During these nighttime hours, an intermediate driver cannot operate a vehicle unless accompanied by a licensed adult or traveling directly for work purposes.

Options A, C, and D are incorrect. The restriction does not begin at 10 PM, nor does it wait until midnight. Claiming that there is no restriction ignores the core graduated licensing safety structure.

The general rule to remember is that Level 2 intermediate privileges impose the specific 11 PM to 5 AM driving curfew to limit unsupervised nighttime travel.

Example 3

Question: How often are vehicles required to pass a safety inspection in West Virginia?

1. Every 6 months
2. Annually (once per year)
3. Every 2 years
4. Only when ownership changes

Answer: B. Annually (once per year)

Explanation:

Option B is correct because state law mandates that registered motor vehicles must undergo and pass an inspection annually (once per year) to ensure operational roadworthiness.

Option A is incorrect because inspections are not scheduled every 6 months. Option C is incorrect because waiting every 2 years exceeds the statutory inspection interval. Option D is incorrect because the inspection requirement is an ongoing yearly obligation rather than an event triggered solely when ownership changes.

The general rule to remember is that West Virginia vehicle safety inspections occur annually, requiring renewal once per year for continued legal operation.

How to use these practice tests

Begin your preparation by reading the official driver licensing handbook to build a baseline understanding of road rules, regulatory signs, and driver responsibilities. Pair handbook reading with targeted practice modules on this site. Start by reviewing foundational rules in WV DMV West Virginia Traffic Laws and visual cues in WV DMV West Virginia Road Signs.

Next, focus on operational safety and statutory requirements. Work through WV DMV Safe Driving Practices and inspect legal guidelines using WV DMV Licensing and Vehicle Laws and WV DMV Vehicle Safety and Equipment. When reviewing incorrect answers, return to the handbook text to clarify regulatory standards.

Before scheduling your official test, complete timed practice runs using the full Start Practice Test set. Because the official exam contains at least 25 questions and is timed, with unanswered questions marked wrong, pacing your responses is essential. Aim consistently above the passing mark of 19 correct answers, or 76%, so you are prepared to secure your completion certificate without facing the 7 days waiting policy for retesting.

Sources & last verified

1. webapps.transportation.wv.gov — number of questions, time limit, passing score, delivery (official source). “The knowledge examination has at least 25 questions based on the basic knowledge, traffic rules, regulations, signs, and markings found in the handbook.” Verified Oct 20, 2026.
2. West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), West Virginia Department of Transportation — exam fee, eligibility (official source). “Level 1 – Knowledge Test – Fee $7.50 per attempt” Verified Oct 21, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
3. West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), West Virginia Department of Transportation — retake policy, validity, score release (official source). “Applicants who fail testing due to knowledge must wait seven (7) days before attempting to retake the test.” Verified Oct 21, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.

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