Free West Virginia Permit Practice Tests 2025

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for an instruction permit in West Virginia. This age requirement applies to all first-time permit applicants, regardless of previous driving experience.

To apply for a permit in West Virginia you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Two proofs of West Virginia residency
• Proof of your Social Security Number (Social Security card or W-2 form)
• Payment for the application fee
• Legal full name document (if your name has changed from what appears on your identity document)
• If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required. Check the West Virginia DMV website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Give their consent for you to obtain your instruction permit

The application process in West Virginia is as follows:

1. Complete the Application for a Driver’s License or ID Card (DMV-DS-23P)
2. Bring the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Pay the application fee
4. Pass your vision test
5. Pass your knowledge test

If you’re under 18, you must also:

• Be at least 15 years old
• Have a parent or guardian sign to approve the application
• Complete or be enrolled in an approved driver education course

No, you must apply in person at a DMV regional office. While some forms can be downloaded in advance, you must visit the DMV to submit your application, provide your documents, take your vision test, and complete your knowledge test.

The West Virginia DMV charges a fee for an instruction permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the knowledge test, and issuing your permit. Visit the West Virginia DMV website for current fee information.

To get your permit in West Virginia you must pass:

• A vision test to ensure you meet the state’s vision standards
• A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The West Virginia permit knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 19 questions correctly (76%) to pass.

The West Virginia permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• The effects of alcohol and drugs on driving
• Driving in hazardous conditions

The best ways to prepare for your West Virginia permit test:

• Study the West Virginia Driver’s License Manual thoroughly, available on our website at West Virginia Driver’s License Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Pay special attention to road signs, signals, and rules of the road

If you fail the West Virginia permit test:

• You can retake the test after waiting at least one day
• Additional testing fees may apply for retests
• You will need to continue studying the areas where you had difficulty
• There is no limit to how many times you can take the test

With a West Virginia instruction permit, you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least 5 years of driving experience
• This supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road skills test

When driving with a permit in West Virginia you:

• Must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least 5 years of driving experience in the front passenger seat
• Cannot use any electronic communication devices while driving
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you’re with a parent, guardian, or a designated licensed driver over 21 (in writing)

In West Virginia, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months before taking the road skills test
• You must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours must be at night)
• You must be at least 16 years old to apply for an intermediate license

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your instruction permit
• Practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your road skills test

West Virginia requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 18: Yes, you must complete an approved driver education course to get your permit. This course includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
• If you are 18 or older: No, driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a safer driver.

In West Virginia, before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must complete an approved driver education course that includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night) with someone at least 21 years old who has at least 5 years of driving experience

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it is still beneficial

You can find West Virginia-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the West Virginia Department of Education website for a list of approved programs
• Contacting the West Virginia DMV for information on commercial driving schools
• Verifying that the program includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction

The West Virginia road test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signals
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
• Safe driving practices and awareness of other road users
• Penalties for traffic violations

Before you start, the examiner will ensure your vehicle is safe and properly equipped.

You can schedule your road test in West Virginia by:

• Visiting the DMV website to make an appointment
• Calling your local DMV regional office
• Visiting a DMV regional office in person

On the day of your road test in West Virginia, bring:

• Your instruction permit
• A properly registered and insured vehicle for the test
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle
• A licensed driver who can legally drive you to the test
• If you’re under 18, your completed 50-hour driving log and proof of driver education completion

Common reasons for failing the West Virginia road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in West Virginia:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months
• Complete an approved driver education course
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
• Be at least 16 years old to apply for an intermediate license
• Pass the road test
• Pay the required fees

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the required fees

West Virginia’s graduated licensing program for minors has these stages:

• Instruction Permit: Must be at least 15 years old, and you must be enrolled in or complete driver education. Practice driving with a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) who has at least 5 years of driving experience.
• Intermediate License: Must be at least 16 years old, hold your permit for at least 6 months, complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night), and pass the road test.
• Full License: Intermediate restrictions end when you turn 18 or after 12 months without a traffic violation.

As a new driver under 18 in West Virginia with an intermediate license, you:

• Cannot drive with more than one passenger under 20 who isn’t a family member for the first 6 months
• Cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless you’re with a parent, guardian, or a licensed driver over 21 designated in writing

These restrictions apply until you turn 18 or have held the intermediate license for 12 months without a traffic violation.

West Virginia does not recognize out-of-state permits. If you are moving to West Virginia with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a West Virginia permit
• If you’re under 18, you’ll need to fulfill all West Virginia requirements, including driver education and the minimum holding period

West Virginia offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Oral knowledge tests
• Extended testing time
• The ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Medical waivers for certain physical conditions
• Contact your local DMV regional office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can obtain a driver’s license or instruction permit in West Virginia by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of legal presence in the United States
• Proof of West Virginia residency
• Visit the West Virginia DMV website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens

You can download a copy of the West Virginia Driver’s License Manual from our website here. Physical copies are also available at DMV regional offices.

Yes! We offer free West Virginia-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. They are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the West Virginia permit process:

• Visit the West Virginia DMV website at https://transportation.wv.gov/dmv
• Call the DMV at 1-800-642-9066 during business hours
• Visit your local DMV regional office
• Email: dmvwebmail@wv.gov

If you lose your West Virginia permit:

• You can request a replacement at your local DMV regional office
• Provide proof of your identity
• Pay the replacement fee
• Report the loss to prevent potential identity theft

A parent or guardian can request cancellation of a minor’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the DMV, including proof of identity and relationship to the minor.