West Virginia · Handbook chapter 4 · 2 min read

What to expect at the West Virginia DMV: the vision screening, the 25-question knowledge test, online testing, the DUI awareness course, vehicle checks, illegal equipment and the road skills test.

Why this chapter matters

Knowing how the tests work, and what can make you fail automatically, takes much of the stress out of test day.

Vision screening

You pass with 20/40 or better using both eyes, with or without glasses. If you need lenses to reach 20/40, your license will show a corrective-lens restriction. A driver with one eye passes if that eye reaches 20/40.

Knowledge test

• Automated, with 25 questions on traffic rules, regulations, signs and markings.
• You need 19 correct to pass.
• It is timed, and unanswered questions count as wrong.
• An audio version with headphones is available for reading-impaired applicants.
• You may take the written test online through Know To Drive, but you must still go to a DMV location for processing.
• No phones, smart glasses or other devices in the exam room.
• If you fail, you may not retest within one week. Each attempt costs $7.50.

Before the road test

• First-time applicants take a short DUI awareness course after the road test.
• Your test vehicle needs valid registration, insurance and a current inspection sticker.
• You must show how to use the lights, wipers, hazards, defroster, parking brake, horn, signals and seat belt.

Illegal equipment

• Red or blue flashing lights, sirens or loud mufflers
• More than one spotlight
• Window tint below 35 percent light transmission
• A cracked windshield, holes in the body or broken lenses
• A load past the left fenders or more than 6 inches past the right

Road skills test

You may be asked to parallel park, do two-point and three-point turnabouts, make turns, drive through intersections, change lanes and name signs you pass. Automatic failures include not wearing your seat belt, using a phone, hitting a curb or cone, failing to yield, a moving violation or the examiner having to take control.