What's the passing score for the West Virginia written test?

You must answer at least 19 of the 25 questions correctly to pass, which equals a 76% passing score.

How much does the West Virginia written knowledge test cost?

Each permit test attempt costs $13.50. This fee applies whether you test online through KnowTo Drive or in person at a DMV office.

How old do I have to be to take the West Virginia permit test?

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit in West Virginia. For a motorcycle instruction permit, you must be at least 16 years old (and preferably have obtained a Level Two intermediate or Class E license first if you're under 18).

Can I take the West Virginia DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

Yes, West Virginia's online KnowTo Drive platform offers the test in Spanish with audio assistance available. For in-person testing, limited translation services may be available; however, you may bring your own interpreter (at least 18 years old, not a family member or friend) if needed.

How many times can I retake the West Virginia written test?

You can retake the West Virginia permit test as many times as needed. However, you must wait 7 days after a failed attempt before taking the test again, and each attempt costs $13.50.

Is the West Virginia permit test online or in person?

West Virginia offers both options. The convenient KnowTo Drive online platform allows you to test from home on any desktop or laptop computer anytime. Alternatively, you can schedule an in-person appointment at a DMV office to take the computer-based test.

What documents do I need to bring to the West Virginia DMV?

Bring proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), your Social Security card, and two proofs of residence (such as a utility bill or bank statement). If testing online, you'll need a computer with a camera and internet connection. If testing in person at the DMV, bring these documents to complete the permit application process.

West Virginia DMV Practice Test

West Virginia's permit test represents an important gateway to licensed driving in the Mountain State. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles administers a focused 25-question written knowledge exam that evaluates your understanding of state traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. A major advantage for West Virginia applicants is the availability of the KnowTo Drive online knowledge testing platform, which allows you to take your permit exam from home using any desktop or laptop computer with a camera. This innovative approach eliminates the need to travel to a DMV office and wait for an appointment. The test covers material from the West Virginia Driver's Handbook and includes questions about alcohol and drug awareness, a critical safety focus for the state. With 25 questions and a 76% passing score requirement, West Virginia's permit test is more concise than many states, yet still comprehensive in evaluating driver readiness. Whether you choose to test online from home or in person at a DMV location, understanding the content and format will help you pass confidently.

Available West Virginia practice tests

What's on the West Virginia written test

When you take West Virginia's permit test, you have the choice of testing online via the KnowTo Drive platform or in person at a DMV office. If you choose online testing, you'll complete the exam from any desktop or laptop computer in a secure environment using facial recognition and anti-cheating safeguards. The test presents 25 multiple-choice questions, one at a time, covering West Virginia traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and alcohol and drug awareness. You'll have 50 minutes to complete the exam. Questions are scenario-based and test both knowledge and judgment. If you test in person, you'll go to a DMV office by appointment and complete the test at a computer terminal in a controlled environment. Immediately after finishing, you'll receive your score. If you score 76% or higher (at least 19 correct), you pass. If you don't pass, you must wait 7 days before retaking the test. The online platform includes audio assistance in English and Spanish, making it accessible for various learning preferences.

Car / standard license

West Virginia's written knowledge test for the learner's permit consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the West Virginia Driver's Handbook, with emphasis on alcohol and drug awareness. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly (76%) to pass. The test costs $13.50 per attempt and takes approximately 50 minutes. The online KnowTo Drive platform allows you to test from home anytime; the in-person test is available at DMV offices by appointment. If you fail the test, you must wait 7 days before retaking it, and each retake costs $13.50. The test is available in English and Spanish; audio assistance is available for the online version.

Motorcycle endorsement

West Virginia motorcycle instruction permits are available to anyone age 16 or older, though applicants under 18 must first obtain a Level Two intermediate driver's license or Class E license. The motorcycle written test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions requiring a score of 19 or higher to pass, covering motorcycle-specific laws and safe riding practices. All applicants under 18 must complete the Basic RiderCourse, with parental presence required at the first class. Successful completion of the Basic RiderCourse waives the on-cycle skills test.

Commercial driver license (CDL)

West Virginia Commercial Driver's License applicants must pass knowledge tests for their chosen class and any endorsements. The CDL general knowledge test, air brakes test, combination vehicles test, and endorsement-specific tests (Hazmat, tanker, passenger, school bus) each have separate requirements. While some limited Spanish assistance may be available through interpreters, most CDL tests are administered in English. Applicants may use their own interpreter, provided the interpreter is at least 18 years old and is not a family member or friend. CDL applicants must study the West Virginia CDL Manual extensively.

Study tips for the West Virginia written test

Use the official West Virginia Driver's Handbook as your primary study resource; it's available online and covers all test material
Utilize the free KnowTo Drive practice resources to become familiar with the online testing platform and format before taking the actual exam
Pay special attention to West Virginia's alcohol and drug awareness questions—these are a significant focus of the test
Study road signs extensively; West Virginia's test dedicates substantial coverage to sign recognition and meaning
Take practice tests multiple times until you consistently score above 80%, providing a safety margin above the 76% passing requirement
Focus on right-of-way rules and intersection scenarios, which are frequently tested and require understanding of judgment skills
If taking the online test, practice with facial recognition technology beforehand to ensure you're comfortable with the setup

More West Virginia resources

Official agency: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the West Virginia permit test?: The West Virginia written knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices from the West Virginia Driver's Handbook.
What's the passing score for the West Virginia written test?: You must answer at least 19 of the 25 questions correctly to pass, which equals a 76% passing score.
How much does the West Virginia written knowledge test cost?: Each permit test attempt costs $13.50. This fee applies whether you test online through KnowTo Drive or in person at a DMV office.
How old do I have to be to take the West Virginia permit test?: You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit in West Virginia. For a motorcycle instruction permit, you must be at least 16 years old (and preferably have obtained a Level Two intermediate or Class E license first if you're under 18).
Can I take the West Virginia DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: Yes, West Virginia's online KnowTo Drive platform offers the test in Spanish with audio assistance available. For in-person testing, limited translation services may be available; however, you may bring your own interpreter (at least 18 years old, not a family member or friend) if needed.
How many times can I retake the West Virginia written test?: You can retake the West Virginia permit test as many times as needed. However, you must wait 7 days after a failed attempt before taking the test again, and each attempt costs $13.50.
Is the West Virginia permit test online or in person?: West Virginia offers both options. The convenient KnowTo Drive online platform allows you to test from home on any desktop or laptop computer anytime. Alternatively, you can schedule an in-person appointment at a DMV office to take the computer-based test.
What documents do I need to bring to the West Virginia DMV?: Bring proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), your Social Security card, and two proofs of residence (such as a utility bill or bank statement). If testing online, you'll need a computer with a camera and internet connection. If testing in person at the DMV, bring these documents to complete the permit application process.