West Virginia Permit Test Practice
West Virginia's graduated licensing program uses simple names: Level 1 is the instruction permit, Level 2 the intermediate license and Level 3 the full license. You can apply for Level 1 at 15 through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV) by passing a vision test and a written knowledge test, which costs $7.50 per attempt.
Level 1 comes with real limits. You drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat, only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., and you can't use a phone at all. You'll hold the permit at least six months without violations and log 50 hours of practice, 10 at night, before moving to Level 2 at 16. Since every failed attempt costs another fee, practicing free on DMV Permit Prep is a cheap way to make sure you pass on the first try.
- Permit age
- 15
- Practice
- 50 hours, 10 at night
Start a free West Virginia practice test
5 free tests per license. No sign-up needed.
West Virginia permit test sample questions
Tap an answer to check yourself.
1. How long must you hold a West Virginia Level 1 instruction permit before applying for a Level 2 license?
2. For the first six months with a West Virginia Level 2 license, how many non-family passengers under 20 may you carry?
3. How long must you hold a West Virginia Level 2 license, infraction-free, before moving to Level 3?
4. In West Virginia, a Level 1 permit holder may carry how many passengers besides the supervising driver?
5. In West Virginia, when may a Level 2 intermediate license holder drive without supervision?
How to get your learner's permit in West Virginia
- 1Study the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook and take practice tests.
- 2Gather your birth certificate or passport, Social Security number and proofs of WV residency.
- 3Have a parent or guardian sign the application if you're under 18.
- 4Visit a WV DMV regional office, pass the vision test and pay $7.50 for the knowledge test.
- 5Pass the knowledge test and receive your Level 1 instruction permit.
- 6Hold it 6 months violation-free and log 50 hours (10 at night) before applying for Level 2.
Level 1 drivers may drive only from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a licensed adult 21+ and can't use a phone at all. Permit holding period: 6 months, violation-free. Fee: $7.50 per knowledge test attempt.
The West Virginia knowledge test
Written knowledge test and vision test taken in person at a WV DMV regional office, with a $7.50 fee for each attempt.
Study tips for West Virginia
- Each attempt costs $7.50, so take full practice tests until you're scoring well above passing.
- Learn the Level 1 and Level 2 passenger and hour limits; questions about the GDL levels are common.
- Review West Virginia's move-over law, updated in 2025, and rules for winding mountain roads.
CDL in West Virginia
WV DMV issues a commercial learner's permit after you pass the CDL general knowledge test and any class or endorsement tests, and first-time Class A or B applicants must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training before the skills test.
Motorcycle in West Virginia
West Virginia adds motorcycles as a Class F endorsement; riders under 18 must reach Level 2 of the GDL program before getting a motorcycle instruction permit, which allows daylight riding only with no passengers. Completing an approved rider course waives the on-cycle skills test.
West Virginia permit test FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a permit in West Virginia?
You can apply for a Level 1 instruction permit at 15, with a parent or guardian's signature if you're under 18.
How much is the WV permit test?
WV DMV charges $7.50 for each knowledge test attempt.
When can a Level 1 permit holder drive in West Virginia?
Only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat.
How long do you need your permit before getting a license in WV?
You must hold the Level 1 permit for at least six months without violations and log 50 hours of practice, including 10 at night, before moving to Level 2.
Official information: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV) . DMV Permit Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV).
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