The West Virginia permit test is the knowledge test for a Level 1 instruction permit from the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you can take it online at home with a webcam or at a DMV regional office. The DMV does not publish how many questions are on the test or the passing score. Practice sites commonly say 25 questions and 76% (19 correct), but treat those numbers as unofficial.
West Virginia permit test at a glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Agency | West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.wv.gov) |
| Minimum age | 15 for the Level 1 instruction permit |
| Questions | Not published by the DMV. Practice sites say 25, which is unofficial |
| Pass mark | Not published. Practice sites say 76% (19 of 25), which is unofficial |
| Where | Online through the DMV Online Services Portal, or at a DMV regional office |
| Online test | Yes, on a computer with a webcam. Under 18 needs an adult over 18 to help register |
| Fee | $7.50 per attempt for the Level 1 knowledge test |
| Retakes | After an online fail for wrong answers, wait seven days |
| Languages | Not listed on the DMV pages we checked. Ask the DMV |
How many questions are on the West Virginia permit test?
The West Virginia DMV does not publish the number of questions or the passing score on its permit and online test pages. Practice sites commonly say 25 questions with 19 correct needed to pass, which would let you miss 6. Because that is unofficial, aim for every question on your practice tests rather than counting on misses, and ask the DMV if you want the exact format.
What's on the test
The test is based on the West Virginia driver's handbook. Expect questions in a few groups:
- Road signs: shape, color and meaning. Many people skip signs when studying, and they show up on the test.
- Rules of the road: right of way, turning, passing, speed limits and parking.
- Safe driving: following distance, night driving, bad weather and sharing the road.
- Alcohol and drug laws, including the rules for drivers under 21.
- Graduated licensing rules for teen drivers, from the Level 1 permit to Level 2.
Mountain driving shows up in the handbook: steep grades, sharp curves and narrow two-lane roads. Read those sections closely, even if you live in a flatter part of the state.
Online with a webcam
West Virginia lets you take the knowledge test online through the DMV's Online Services Portal at dmv.wv.gov. You register, pay, and test on a computer with a camera and a mouse or trackpad. Phones and touchscreen devices will not work. The system takes your photo before the test and at random times during it.
- You cannot leave the test screen. After two warnings the test stops and you fail.
- Keep your cursor inside the red box on the screen.
- No one else should appear on camera, including the adult who helped you register.
- If you are under 18, an adult over 18 must take part in registration. A parent is preferred but not required.
- Your details must match DMV records. If they do not, you test in person.
How to study for the West Virginia permit test
- Read the West Virginia driver's handbook in short sessions, one chapter at a time.
- Learn road signs by shape and color, then by meaning.
- Highlight every number (distances, ages, BAC limits, hours) and put them on one page.
- Take West Virginia permit practice tests and explain every wrong answer out loud.
- Close every other program and turn off notifications before an online test. Most online fails we hear about are accidental clicks outside the window.
What to bring and how to book
Even if you pass online, you visit a DMV regional office to get the permit. The DMV recommends making an appointment. Bring:
- Your certificate of completion, if you tested online.
- Your identification and residency documents. Check the current list on dmv.wv.gov before you go.
- A parent or legal guardian to sign the application if you are under 18. Married applicants under 18 bring a certified marriage certificate instead.
- The $7.50 test fee if you are testing at the office.
The DMV validates your test, takes your photo and issues the permit. Do not wait too long after an online pass: the DMV has given different time limits for how long a passing score stays valid, so go soon.
Can you take the West Virginia permit test online?
Yes. The West Virginia DMV offers the knowledge test online to people it can verify, and teens under 18 need an adult over 18 to help register. You need a computer with a webcam, and you still visit a DMV regional office afterward to get the permit.
What happens if you fail the West Virginia permit test?
If you fail the online test because of wrong answers, you must wait seven days before you retest, and you pay the $7.50 fee again. If you fail at an office, ask the examiner when you can come back. Use the wait to study the topics you missed. Our guide on what happens if you fail your permit test has a simple plan for the second try.
West Virginia permit test FAQ
How many questions is the West Virginia permit test?
The DMV does not publish the number. Practice sites commonly say 25, which is unofficial.
How many questions can you miss on the West Virginia permit test?
The DMV does not publish a passing score. Practice sites say you need 19 of 25 (76%), which would let you miss 6, but that is unofficial.
Can you take the West Virginia permit test online?
Yes, on a computer with a webcam through the DMV's Online Services Portal. Under 18, an adult over 18 must help register.
How much is the West Virginia permit test?
The DMV lists $7.50 per attempt for the Level 1 knowledge test.
How old do you have to be to get a permit in West Virginia?
15 for the Level 1 instruction permit.
