What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the DMV office — start to finish.
A West Virginia motorcycle instruction permit lets you practice riding on public roads while you prepare for the on-cycle skills test and your motorcycle ('F') endorsement. You earn it by passing the motorcycle knowledge and vision tests at a DMV office.
The steps below follow the WV DMV process. Confirm current fees and schedule the skills test at transportation.wv.gov/DMV.
Any person 16 or older may apply. If you are under 18, you must first have completed the requirements for a Level 2 intermediate driver's license or a Class E driver's license before you can get a motorcycle instruction permit (W.Va. Code §17B-2-5).
Study the West Virginia Motorcycle Operator Manual (18th Edition). The knowledge-test questions come directly from it; you cannot use it during the test.
Take the motorcycle knowledge test (widely reported as 25 questions, 19 to pass) and a vision screening at your local DMV office to be issued the instruction permit.
The instruction permit is valid for 180 days and cannot be renewed. You may ride only during daylight hours and may not carry a passenger. Always wear your helmet and eye protection and keep your headlight on.
You must hold the instruction permit for at least seven days before you can schedule the on-cycle skills test at the DMV.
Schedule and pass the on-cycle skills test, bringing a registered, insured motorcycle in safe condition plus your helmet and eye protection. Passing adds the 'F' endorsement to your license. Completing an approved Basic RiderCourse instead waives the skills test.
Check the official DMV page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. The pass standard is widely reported as 19 of 25 (76%) — unusually, not the common 80%; West Virginia publishes no official count, so this is third-party consensus. A rider must hold the instruction permit at least 7 days before the on-cycle skills test. Universal helmet law, and eye protection is required for every rider even if the motorcycle has a windshield.