Free West Virginia DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026
This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written knowledge exam, which has 25 questions; to pass you need 19 of 25 correct (76%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
Where should you stop your vehicle at a red light when there is a stop line?
What's on the West Virginia Practice Test 1
The real West Virginia knowledge test has 25 questions, and to pass you need 19 of 25 correct (76%). Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 76%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 20
- Traffic laws 12
- Safe driving 8
- Speed limits 3
- Parking 3
- Right of way 3
- Emergencies 2
- Alcohol & drugs 2
53 questions in the pool, 11 of them written specifically for West Virginia. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. When you parallel park on a West Virginia street, your curb-side wheels must be within how far of the curb?
- A. 6 inches
- B. 12 inches
- C. 18 inches (correct)
- D. 24 inches
Why: West Virginia requires parallel-parked vehicles to have the curb-side wheels parallel to and within 18 inches of the curb, facing the direction of traffic.
Source: official West Virginia driver handbook, PDF p.57, Parallel Parking (17C-13-4)
2. A West Virginia Level 1 (instruction permit) holder may use a cell phone while driving:
- A. Not at all (correct)
- B. Hands-free only
- C. For navigation only
- D. For short calls
Why: West Virginia prohibits Level 1 instruction permit holders from any cell phone use or texting while driving.
Source: official West Virginia driver handbook, PDF p.21, Levels 1 and 2 GDL
3. A diamond-shaped orange sign indicates:
- A. A school zone
- B. A work zone ahead (correct)
- C. A slow-moving vehicle ahead
- D. A yield ahead
Why: Orange diamond-shaped signs indicate construction or work zones. Speed limits are often reduced and fines are doubled in work zones. Slow down and stay alert.
4. Traffic is backed up just past a railroad crossing. When should you start across the tracks?
- A. Right away, since no train is in sight now
- B. When the car ahead of you has started to cross
- C. Only when there is room to get fully past the tracks (correct)
- D. Whenever the crossing lights are not flashing
Why: Never stop on railroad tracks. Wait behind the crossing until there is enough space on the other side for your whole vehicle.
5. When parking uphill with a curb, which direction do you turn your front wheels?
- A. Toward the curb (right)
- B. Away from the curb (left) (correct)
- C. Straight ahead, parallel to the curb
- D. Either way, if the parking brake is set
Why: When parking uphill with a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb (left). If the car rolls backward, it hits the curb and stops. Downhill: turn toward the curb.
6. A freeway lane is marked with a white diamond symbol and HOV signs. Who may drive in it?
- A. Any driver who wants to pass slow traffic
- B. Only trucks and other large commercial vehicles
- C. Only police and emergency vehicles on a call
- D. Vehicles carrying the posted number of people (correct)
Why: The diamond marks a high-occupancy vehicle (carpool) lane. The signs show how many people must be in the vehicle and when the rule applies.
More West Virginia facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the West Virginia permit practice test page.
West Virginia DMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 25
- Passing score
- 76%
- Correct needed
- 19 of 25 correct (76%)
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Division of Motor Vehicles
More West Virginia Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this West Virginia Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 76% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DMV exam.