West Virginia DMV · FAQ 2026
West Virginia DMV Permit Test FAQ
Common questions about the West Virginia DMV knowledge test, learner's permit, GDL program, and driver's license requirements.
How many questions are on the West Virginia DMV knowledge test? ▼
The WV knowledge examination has at least 25 questions pulled from the official handbook. You must answer 19 out of the 25 questions correctly (76%) to pass. The test is timed — any question not answered in the prescribed time is counted as incorrect. Road signs, rules, and numbers are mixed together (no separate signs section). (p. 24)
What is the passing score for the West Virginia written test? ▼
You need 19 correct out of 25 — a 76% score. That means you can miss up to 6 questions and still pass. Aim for 90%+ on this practice test before scheduling your real exam. (p. 24)
What happens if I fail the knowledge test? ▼
Under WV State Code §17B-2-6, you cannot retest within 1 week of a failed knowledge or road skills test. The knowledge test fee is $7.50 per attempt. Use the wait to drill your weakest categories in Practice Mode. (p. 26)
What is the minimum age for a West Virginia learner license? ▼
15 years old for a Level 1 GDL instruction permit. You need parental/guardian consent on form DMV-DS-23P, a valid School Driver Eligibility Certificate from your county school board, a certified birth certificate, a signed Social Security card, and two proofs of WV residency. Adults 18 and over apply for a regular Class E instruction permit (valid 6 months; hold for at least 30 days before the road skills test). (p. 9)
What are the GDL restrictions in West Virginia? ▼
Level 1 (age 15+): drive 5:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. with a licensed 21+ adult in the right front; max 2 non-family passengers; 180 consecutive days conviction-free to advance; log 50 BTW hours (10 at night). Level 2 (age 16+): drive alone 5:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; licensed adult 21+ required 10:00 p.m.–5:00 a.m.; first 6 months no non-family passengers under 20, second 6 months max one. Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless device except to contact 9-1-1. Level 3 at age 17 after 12 conviction-free months. (p. 9–12)
What is West Virginia's Zero Tolerance law for minors? ▼
The legal drinking age in WV is 21. Under the Zero Tolerance law, any measurable alcohol in the system of a driver under 21 will result in loss of the driver's license. 1st offense: $25–$100 fine, 30-day minimum revocation. 2nd offense: $100–$500 fine, 24 hours jail, 60-day revocation or until 18th birthday (whichever is greater). (p. 21–22)
What is the legal BAC limit in West Virginia? ▼
0.08% for drivers 21+. 0.02% (any measurable amount) triggers Zero Tolerance loss of license for drivers under 21. A BAC between 0.05% and 0.08% is relevant evidence of impairment and can still support a DUI conviction. Refusing a Breathalyzer under the Implied Consent Law revokes driving privileges for at least 1 year and up to life. (p. 21–22)
What is the speed limit in a West Virginia urban/residential area? ▼
Unless otherwise posted: 25 mph in business or residential areas, 55 mph on open country highways, 70 mph on interstates (55 mph minimum on interstates), and 15 mph in school zones when children are present. A school zone extends 125 feet along the road from school grounds. Always obey the posted sign — the default only applies when no sign is shown. (p. 42)
How close to a fire hydrant can I park in West Virginia? ▼
WV prohibits stopping, standing, or parking: within 15 ft of a fire hydrant · 20 ft of a crosswalk at an intersection · 30 ft of any stop sign or traffic control signal · 50 ft of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing · 20 ft of a mailbox served by a carrier using a vehicle. When parallel parked on a two-way street, your right-hand wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb. (p. 45–47)
What are the DUI penalties in West Virginia? ▼
1st DUI (BAC <0.15): $100–$500 fine, up to 6 months jail, 15-day minimum revocation. 1st DUI (BAC ≥0.15): $200–$1,000, 2 days–6 months jail, 45-day revocation. DUI with child endangerment: $200–$1,000, 48 hrs–6 months jail, 60-day revocation. DUI with death (felony): $1,000–$3,000, 2–10 years prison, 1-year revocation. 2nd DUI: $1,000–$3,000, 6–12 months jail, 10-year revocation. 3rd+ DUI: $3,000–$5,000, 1–3 years prison, lifetime revocation. Every DUI requires completing the Safety and Treatment program before reinstatement. (p. 22)
What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in West Virginia? ▼
$25,000 for one death or injury · $50,000 for two or more deaths or injuries · $25,000 for property damage. You must keep the certificate of insurance (paper or phone image per §17D-2A-4) and a valid registration card in your vehicle. Driving without insurance can suspend your license and registration; filing false insurance info adds a 90-day suspension plus up to $1,000 fine and up to 1 year jail. (p. 16–17)
Can I turn left on a red light in West Virginia? ▼
Yes — only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign prohibits it. Right on red is allowed from any two-way street after a complete stop, unless posted otherwise. Police officer directions always overrule signs and signals. (p. 39, 44, 49)
How do I renew my West Virginia driver's license? ▼
WV uses the "Drive for Five" program — your license expires in a year when your age is divisible by 5 (25, 30, 35, 40, etc.). Renewal fees are $5.00 per year for a Class E license. If your license has been expired for 6 months or more you must retest as a first-time applicant. You must notify the DMV in writing within 20 days of any address change — simply notifying the Post Office does NOT update your DMV record. New residents have 30 days after establishing WV residency to obtain a WV license. (p. 6–7, 12)