Updated for 2026

West Virginia WV DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

25

Passing Score

19

Standard Fee

$7.50 (Level 1 Permit) / $7.50 (Level 2 Skills Test) / $5.00 per year until age 21 (Level 3 License)

Testing System

computerized touchscreen (25 questions, multiple choice)

Critical Failure Factors

The most common automatic fail in West Virginia is the 'Rolling Stop'. Examiners are extremely strict about coming to a complete cessation of movement behind the white line; a 'California stop' will end the test immediately. Additionally, during the 'Parallel Parking' or 'Backing' maneuver, hitting a cone is an automatic failure. On the written test, applicants frequently fail questions related to the specific restrictions of the 'Graduated Driver Licensing' (GDL) levels (specifically the passenger and curfew rules for Level 1 and 2) and the 'Move Over' law specifics regarding non-emergency vehicles.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

West Virginia traffic laws are codified in Chapter 17C of the West Virginia Code and are heavily influenced by the state's rural and mountainous geography. A critical and recently expanded statute is the 'Move Over Law'. While most states require moving over for police, WV law now mandates that drivers must move to a non-adjacent lane or slow down to 15 mph (on non-divided highways) or 25 mph (on divided highways) for ANY stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights, including tow trucks, maintenance crews, and private vehicles with hazard lights on. Failure to do so carries heavy fines and potential license suspension. The state enforces a strict 'Graduated Driver Licensing' (GDL) system. For a Level 1 Permit (age 15), driving is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, and the driver must have a supervisor over 21. For a Level 2 Intermediate License (age 16), for the first 6 months, the driver strictly cannot carry ANY non-family passengers under the age of 20. In the second 6 months, they may carry only one. This 'Passenger Restriction' is a primary enforcement law, meaning police can pull a teen over solely for suspecting a violation. Regarding school buses, traffic in both directions must stop when the red lights are flashing, unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier (like a concrete median); a simple turning lane does NOT exempt oncoming traffic from stopping. Speed limits are also context-dependent; on open country highways where not otherwise posted, the statutory limit is 55 mph, but drivers are legally required to reduce speed on narrow, winding mountain roads regardless of the sign. West Virginia also has a 'Hands-Free' requirement for drivers under 18 (Level 1 and 2), prohibiting all use of wireless devices. For adults, texting is a primary offense. Finally, the 'Implied Consent Law' dictates that by driving in WV, you agree to chemical testing; refusal results in an automatic license revocation of at least 1 year (or 45 days followed by mandatory ignition interlock participation).

Statistical Realities

Driving in West Virginia is defined by its rugged topography, which presents unique hazards not found in flatter states. The most significant statistic drivers must know is that West Virginia consistently ranks #1 in the nation for deer-vehicle collisions. The odds of hitting a deer are approximately 1 in 38. Drivers are taught to never swerve to avoid a deer, as swerving on narrow mountain roads often leads to fatal run-off-road accidents or head-on collisions; instead, brake firmly and hit the animal if necessary. Another critical feature is the 'Runaway Truck Ramp'. Due to long, steep downgrades (some exceeding 9% grade), heavy trucks often lose their brakes. Drivers must never park in or block the entrance to these gravel ramps, which are lifesavers for truckers. Winter driving requires caution due to 'Black Ice' forming rapidly in shaded mountain hollows and on bridges before the rest of the road freezes. Infrastructure-wise, West Virginia enforces a strict 'Vehicle Safety Inspection' program. Unlike many states that have abandoned this, WV requires every vehicle to undergo a safety inspection every 24 months (changed from 12 months in 2024). A valid sticker must be displayed on the windshield; driving without one is a common reason for being pulled over. The inspection covers brakes, tires, lights, exhaust, and suspension components, ensuring cars can handle the rough terrain. Drivers should also be aware of the ' coal trucks' prevalent on narrow backroads. These large vehicles need extra stopping distance and wide turning radiuses; passenger cars are advised to yield the right of way on narrow bridges or tight curves. Finally, because cell service is spotty in the mountains, the state promotes the '511 Drive Safe' system for road condition updates, but advises drivers to always carry physical maps or offline GPS data.