Obtaining your West Virginia DMV driver’s permit requires passing a vision screening and the written permit knowledge test. The knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic rules, regulations, signs, and markings, as well as driving under the influence and sharing the road, as outlined in the state’s West Virginia DMV 2025 Driver’s Manual. To pass, you must score at least 76% (19 out of 25 questions) in person at the DMV. If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait until the next business day and pay the retest fee. Our practice resources will help make sure that doesn’t happen.
Our free online West Virginia DMV Permit Practice Test is updated for February 2025 and mimics real exam conditions, with questions and answers based on the state manual. For quicker material retention, feedback is provided immediately on any missed questions instead of at the end of the assessment.
The Instruction Permit is the first phase of West Virginia’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program for drivers under 18. If you’re aged 15 – 17 with this permit, you’re required to drive with a licensed adult who’s at least 21 years old in the vehicle with you. After turning 16 and holding the permit for at least 180 days, completing 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (including 10 hours at night), and passing the skills test, you can progress to the Intermediate Driver’s License. Restrictions include no unsupervised driving between 10 PM and 5 AM and limits on non-family passengers. After holding the Intermediate License for one year without any violations, and being at least 17 years of age, you can graduate to a full license with time and passenger restrictions lifted. For those over 18 applying for a license, the holding period for an instruction permit is at least 30 days before road test eligibility.
Once you’re ready to apply for the permit, go to the DMV with proof of identity and legal presence (birth certificate, passport), Social Security card, and two proofs of residence (utility bill, bank statement). If you’re under 18, you must provide signed consent from a parent or guardian (in person) and proof of being enrolled in or having graduated from secondary school or the equivalent (GED). Submit the documents, pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and pass the official written test.