US driving theory test practice

West Virginia DMV Cheat Sheet

A condensed study guide for the WV DMV written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the West Virginia-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official West Virginia driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just West Virginia? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.

25Questions
76%To Pass
$7.50 knowledge test (per attempt); $7.50 Level 1 GDL Instruction PermitFee

West Virginia-Specific Rules

Minor & Provisional Licensing

  • A Regular Instruction Permit (18+) is valid six months; if it expires, both vision and knowledge tests must be retaken.
  • A Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit is available at 15, requiring a vision screening, a knowledge test, and parental/guardian consent on form DMV-DS-23P.
  • A Level 1 GDL holder may only drive 5 a.m.-10 p.m. with a licensed adult 21+ in the right front seat, carrying no more than two non-family passengers beyond that adult.
  • A Level 1 GDL holder has zero tolerance for alcohol and can't use a wireless device while driving except to contact 9-1-1; two convictions mean a 90-day revocation of the permit.
  • A Level 1 GDL permit is nonrenewable; if surrendered, the holder must retest and hold a fresh 180 consecutive conviction-free days.
  • A Level 1 GDL permit expires on the holder's 18th birthday, with a 30-day grace period to complete the road skills exam.
  • A Level 2 GDL Intermediate License needs 16+, 180 conviction-free days at Level 1, a road skills test (up to three attempts), and a log of 50 hours behind the wheel (10 at night) or approved driver's ed.
  • Level 2 GDL holders drive unsupervised 5 a.m.-10 p.m.; overnight they need a supervising adult 21+, except for work, school activities, religious activities, or emergencies.
  • Level 2 GDL holders may carry no non-family passengers under 20 for the first six months, and no more than one for the second six months.
  • Level 2 GDL needs 12 conviction-free months to reach Level 3; a first conviction requires a driver improvement program, a second revokes privileges until 18.
  • Level 3 GDL is optional once earned -- a qualifying driver may apply or simply keep following Level 2's restrictions until 18.

Licensing Procedure & Documents

  • The knowledge exam has at least 25 questions, requiring 19 correct (76%) to pass; unanswered questions in the time limit count as incorrect.
  • West Virginia's vision standard is at least 20/40 in one eye.
  • The knowledge test costs $7.50 per attempt; a Level 1 GDL permit costs a separate $7.50.
  • DMV Online Services let a driver check license status/points, view or buy a driving record for $12.50, and pay reinstatement fees.
  • False information on an application, or using someone else's license, carries a 90-day suspension.

Rules of the Road

  • Default speed limits: 70 mph interstates, 55 mph open county highways, 25 mph business/residential, 15 mph school zones.
  • A school zone extends 125 feet along a street or highway abutting the school grounds.
  • Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights in both directions, except opposite a bus stopped across a median on an interstate.
  • Passing a stopped school bus carries a minimum 60-day suspension and a minimum $500 fine, or up to six months jail, for a first offense.
  • Everyone must wear a seat belt; the only exception is a person 18 or older riding in the back seat.
  • Children under 8 need an approved child safety device unless they're at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, in which case a seatbelt is enough.
  • No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 30 feet of a stop sign/signal, 50 feet of a railroad crossing, or 20 feet of a mailbox.

DUI & Alcohol Laws

  • A first Zero Tolerance offense (under 21, any alcohol) is $25-$100 and a 30-day minimum revocation; a second is $100-$500, 24 hours jail, and 60 days or until 18, whichever is greater.
  • A first DUI under .15 BAC is $100-$500, up to 6 months jail, 15-day minimum revocation; at .15 or higher it's $200-$1,000, 2 days-6 months jail, 45-day minimum revocation.
  • A DUI causing death is a felony: $1,000-$3,000, 3-15 years in prison, 1-year minimum revocation.
  • A second DUI is $1,000-$3,000, 6-12 months jail, 1-year revocation; a third or later is $3,000-$5,000, 1-3 years, 1-year revocation.
  • Refusing the Breathalyzer under Implied Consent revokes the license from one year up to life.
  • The Ignition Interlock Program is mandatory after two or more DUI-related offenses within 10 years; applying before a scheduled revocation begins can skip the minimum revocation period.
  • An under-18 DUI revokes the license until 18 or the statutory period, whichever is longer, plus a required Safety and Treatment program.

Crashes, Insurance & License Actions

  • Minimum liability insurance: $25,000 for one death/injury, $50,000 for two or more, $25,000 property damage.
  • No insurance at the time of a crash suspends both the vehicle's registration and the driver's driving privilege.
  • 6+ points brings a caution letter; 12+ points makes a license subject to suspension; points last 2 years, with 3 removable once every 12 months via an approved 8-hour course.
  • Mandatory revocation applies to manslaughter by vehicle, two or more moving violations as a graduated driver, fatal/injury hit-and-run, three reckless driving convictions in 24 months, racing, and any felony using a vehicle.
  • Driving on a non-DUI suspended license can bring a 90-day suspension; driving on a DUI-revoked license brings a mandatory 30 days-6 months jail plus another 6-month revocation.
  • Courts must notify the DMV of failures to appear/comply; the DMV suspends until compliance and fees are paid, and also for unpaid child support.
  • West Virginia belongs to the Driver License Compact and Non-Resident Violator Compact, so out-of-state violations become part of the WV driving record.
  • An out-of-state under-18 transfer applicant without an equal GDL must retest fully, but is credited prior license time toward WV's Level 1 GDL requirement if they show a current driving record.
Want the core rules and road signs that apply everywhere, not just West Virginia?General cheat sheet →

Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with WV DMV before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-08-04.