West Virginia DMV Practice Test 2025

The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), within the West Virginia Department of Transportation, administers all driver licensing, knowledge testing, and skills testing in West Virginia. DMV offices are located throughout the state, with primary offices in Charleston (the capital), Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, and other cities. The DMV's website provides online services including license renewal and address changes.

West Virginia's knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions drawn from the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook. A passing score of 76% — at least 19 correct answers out of 25 — is required. The test covers WV traffic laws, road signs, mountain driving rules, and WV-specific topics including coal truck operations, implied consent, and the hands-free law. If you fail, a waiting period applies before retaking. The handbook is available on the WV DMV website.

West Virginia's GDL program has three stages. Level 1 (Instruction Permit): available at age 15, requires a licensed driver 21 or older, and mandates 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night). Level 2 (Graduated License): available after 12 months with Level 1 and meeting all requirements; includes restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits. Level 3 (Full Unrestricted License): available at age 17 after completing all Level 2 requirements.

WV Code § 17C-17-5 authorizes the West Virginia Division of Highways to issue special permits allowing coal trucks to operate at weights exceeding standard federal limits on designated coalfield route systems in Logan, Boone, Mingo, McDowell, and Wyoming counties. These permits reflect the economic importance of the coal industry to West Virginia's economy and the practical need to move coal from mine to processing facility. Drivers on coalfield roads must be prepared to share the road with legally overweight coal trucks, which have longer stopping distances, may drop coal debris, and require extra clearance.

The New River Gorge Bridge carries US-19 over the New River Gorge in Fayette County at 876 feet above the river — the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The bridge has a 4-lane divided highway configuration. Key driving considerations include: crosswinds can be significant on the bridge due to the gorge's wind-channeling effect; high-profile vehicles and motorcycles are most affected by crosswinds; the posted speed limit must be obeyed; and 'Bridge Day' is held each October when the bridge is closed to vehicle traffic. The New River Gorge area is a National Park and attracts significant tourist traffic.

Yes. West Virginia Code § 17C-14-15 (WV's primary hands-free law) prohibits all handheld mobile device use while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers may not hold a phone for any purpose while the vehicle is in motion — including at red lights and stop signs. Hands-free use via Bluetooth headsets or vehicle-integrated systems is permitted for adult drivers. GDL holders under 18 face a stricter complete wireless device ban — only 9-1-1 emergency calls are permitted. Fines are up to $100 (1st offense), $200 (2nd), and $350 plus 3 license points (3rd and subsequent).

While runaway truck ramps are designed primarily for heavy trucks, West Virginia's mountain grades affect all drivers. Passenger cars, SUVs, and minivans can experience brake fade on long steep descents if the driver rides the brakes continuously rather than using engine braking (lower gears). This is particularly true for fully loaded vehicles, vehicles towing trailers, and any vehicle with worn or improperly adjusted brakes. All WV drivers should downshift when descending long grades, avoid continuous brake application, and know the location of runaway ramps on major descents as a safety reference.

West Virginia's DUI threshold is 0.08% BAC for adults 21+. First DUI offense penalties include a mandatory license revocation (minimum 15 days, up to 6 months), a fine of $100–$500 plus court costs, mandatory DUI Safety and Treatment Program attendance, and possible jail time of up to 6 months. A BAC of 0.15% or higher triggers aggravated DUI with enhanced penalties. West Virginia's implied consent law means refusing a chemical test results in an automatic one-year license revocation for a first refusal.

Spring is West Virginia's most hazardous season for mountain road surface conditions. The state's repeated freeze-thaw cycles from late January through April cause frost heaves — significant pavement upheavals — on mountain roads statewide, particularly on US-250 (the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike) and other old mountain routes. These heaves can be several inches high and appear suddenly. The WV Division of Highways posts frost heave warning signs on affected roads seasonally. Drivers should treat posted frost heave warning signs as requiring significant speed reductions — similar to approaching a significant bump at speed.