West Virginia Permit Test FAQ

At least 25 questions on basic knowledge, traffic rules, regulations, signs and markings from the Driver's Licensing Handbook. You need 19 of 25 correct, and the test is timed: any question left unanswered when time runs out counts as wrong. An audio version with headphones is available for applicants who have trouble reading. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 24)

Yes, through Know to Drive online testing. You need a computer with a mouse or touchpad (phones and touch screens aren't allowed) and a webcam. Applicants under 18 register with an adult over 18, who must stay out of the camera's view during the test. Leaving the test screen gets two warnings, then a fail. The completion certificate isn't permission to drive: bring it with your documents to a DMV office within six months. (West Virginia DMV: What You Should Know (online knowledge test))

You can't be tested again for one week, whether it was the knowledge test or the road skills test. Each knowledge test attempt has its own fee. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 26)

It starts with basic control skills (parallel parking on either side and two- or three-point turnabouts), where 4 points or less passes, then a drive on public roads, where 10 points or less passes. Not wearing a seat belt, using a phone, a moving violation, failing to yield to pedestrians, climbing a curb or the examiner taking control fails you at once. Your test car needs a valid inspection sticker, registration and insurance. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 25–33)

Fifteen. You pass a vision screening and the knowledge test and bring a parent or legal guardian's consent on form DMV-DS-23P (married applicants under 18 bring a certified marriage certificate instead). The Level 1 permit can't be renewed and expires on your 18th birthday, with a 30-day grace period for the road test. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 9–10)

At 16 or older, after at least 180 days in a row on the Level 1 permit with no convictions, a passed road skills test, and either a parent's log of 50 hours behind the wheel (10 at night) or an approved driver's education course. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 10)

A licensed driver at least 21 sits in the front passenger seat, you drive only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., and you carry at most two passengers outside your family besides that adult. No phone use except to call 9-1-1, no alcohol at all, and everyone wears a seat belt. Two convictions revoke the permit for 90 days. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 9–11)

At 17 you can apply for a Level 3 license after 12 months on Level 2 with no convictions; a conviction restarts the 12 months. Level 3 is optional: you can keep Level 2 and its limits until 18. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 11–12)

A regular Class E instruction permit, after the vision and knowledge tests. It lets you drive with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat, lasts six months (after that you retest), and if you've never held a Level 2 or similar license you must have it for at least 30 days before the road skills test. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 9)

Within 30 days of becoming a resident. With a valid out-of-state license you pass a vision screening, finish a short alcohol awareness course and hand in the old license; if it expired more than three years ago, you take every test a first-time applicant takes. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 6)

Your Social Security number, one proof of identity (such as a certified U.S. birth certificate or a valid passport), two proofs of your West Virginia address (not a PO box; bills no more than 90 days old), proof of any legal name change, and the DMV-DS-23P application. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 3–6)

Moving violations carry 2 to 8 points that stay on your record for two years. At six points the DMV sends a caution letter, and at 12 your license can be suspended. An approved eight-hour defensive driving class takes off three points, once every 12 months. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 18–20)

Liability coverage of at least 25,000 dollars for one death or injury, 50,000 dollars for two or more, and 25,000 dollars for property damage, kept for the whole registration year. Carry the insurance certificate (or an image on your phone) and the registration card in the car. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 16–17)

Under the Implied Consent Law, refusing the breath test after a DUI arrest revokes your driving privilege for one year and up to life. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 22)