Driving Tests

West Virginia Knowledge Test: How Many Questions and Passing Score

informational·how to guide·Published September 30, 2026

How many questions are on the West Virginia knowledge test, and what score do you need?

The West Virginia knowledge test has at least 25 questions. The West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook says you must answer 19 out of the 25 correctly to pass, so you can miss up to 6 of 25. The test has a time limit, and any question you do not answer in time counts as wrong. The DMV gives the test as an automated exam at all locations.

Where the West Virginia knowledge test rules come from

The question count, the pass score and the exam room rules come from the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook (Chapters I and IV). The sample questions come from the West Virginia DMV sample driver's test. Other rules come from W. Va. Code 17B-2-7, 17B-2-3a and 17B-2-6 and the DMV graduated driver licensing page. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.wv.gov) before you drive.

West Virginia knowledge test at a glance

West Virginia knowledge test at a glance
Item	Rule
Number of questions	At least 25
Passing score	19 out of 25 correct
Wrong answers allowed	Up to 6 out of 25 (25 minus 19)
Time	Time limit; a question not answered in time counts as wrong
Where	Automated test at all DMV locations
Audio option	Available for the reading impaired, with headphones
What the questions cover	Traffic rules, regulations, signs and markings in the Handbook

How many questions can you miss?

The pass mark is 19 correct answers out of 25. Subtract 19 from 25 and you get 6: on a 25-question test, 6 wrong answers still pass and 7 wrong answers fail.

A blank is a wrong answer. If time runs out before you answer a question, the DMV scores it as incorrect, so keep a steady pace and answer every question. The free practice question on the 19-answer pass mark shows how two blank questions can turn a near pass into a fail.

How the DMV gives the test

Driver examiners give the vision and knowledge tests at DMV designated locations, and the testing is automated at all locations. For a Level 1 instruction permit (age 15 to 17), a parent or legal guardian must sign your application before you can be tested, unless you are married, and each knowledge test attempt costs $7.50. After you pass the required tests, the examiner approves your application for processing. The road skills test comes only after you pass all other parts of the examination; the West Virginia road skills test guide covers that next step.

Rules in the exam room

You cannot have a cell phone or any other electronic device in the exam room.
Only the applicant who takes the test may be in the exam room.
DMV employees do not read the test to you, re-word the information or explain questions, so read each question with care.

Is there an audio version of the West Virginia knowledge test?

Yes. Audio versions of the knowledge examination are available for the reading impaired. The DMV gives the audio test with headphones, and it covers the same information as the printed test, so the same rules apply. Headsets are limited, so you may have to wait for one when you ask for the audio test.

What the test covers

The questions cover the basic knowledge, traffic rules, regulations, signs and markings in the Handbook. State law adds detail: under W. Va. Code 17B-2-7, the exam checks that you can read and understand the highway signs that regulate, warn and direct traffic, that you know West Virginia traffic laws, and that you know how alcohol affects people and why driving under its influence is dangerous.

The free question on knowledge test subject areas lets you check the topic list.

The vision screening at the same visit

All applicants, new or renewal, must pass the vision screening. You pass with vision of 20/40 or better using both eyes, with or without corrective lenses, and no serious visual defect. The examiner may also check depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision. If your vision is worse than 20/40, you do not pass and the DMV advises you to see a vision specialist. If you need glasses or contact lenses to reach 20/40, your license shows a restriction code for corrective lenses.

What to do after your test result

You answer 19 or more of the 25 questions correctly

You pass. The examiner approves your application for processing. For a Level 1 instruction permit, you must also pass the vision screening and complete the driving under the influence awareness program.

You answer 18 or fewer correctly

You do not pass. Wait at least one week before the next knowledge test, and use that time to study the Handbook chapters on signs and traffic rules. The West Virginia permit test fee and retest rules explain the cost of each new attempt.

The official DMV sample test

The DMV's sample driver's test has 20 questions with an answer key. The questions come from state law and the Handbook, but they are not the questions on the real test. Question 5, for example, asks the shape of a stop sign, and the key gives the octagon.

How to prepare for the West Virginia knowledge test

1
Read the Handbook
The test questions come from the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, so read the chapters on traffic rules, signs and markings.
2
Study the official sample test
Work through the 20 DMV sample questions, then check your answers against the answer key.
3
Practice with free questions
Answer practice questions by topic, such as signs, right of way and alcohol, and read each explanation.
4
Answer every question
Watch the time limit and answer every question. A question left open when time ends counts as wrong.

Key takeaways

The knowledge test has at least 25 questions, and you must answer 19 out of 25 correctly to pass, so you can miss up to 6. Unanswered questions count as wrong.
The DMV gives automated testing at all locations, with an audio version and headphones for the reading impaired.
No cell phones or electronic devices are allowed in the exam room, and DMV staff do not explain questions.
If you fail, you cannot be tested again within one week.
Next step: practice on the free West Virginia Class E practice test.

West Virginia knowledge test: common questions

Is the West Virginia knowledge test exactly 25 questions?

The Handbook says the exam has at least 25 questions, so plan for 25 or more. The pass mark it gives is 19 out of the 25 questions. Study all the Handbook subjects instead of counting questions, and answer each one before the time limit ends.

Can I use my phone during the West Virginia permit test?

No. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted in the exam room, and only the applicant taking the test may be in the room. Plan to keep your phone outside the exam room, and do your last review before you go in.

Can my driver education instructor give me the knowledge test?

State law (W. Va. Code 17B-2-7) told the DMV commissioner to propose rules that let driver education instructors give a knowledge test that the DMV develops. If you pass a test that your driver's education instructor gives under that rule, you do not have to show proof of school enrollment under W. Va. Code 18-8-11. Ask your instructor if your course gives the test.

How long do I wait to retake the West Virginia knowledge test?

You cannot be tested twice within one week after a failed knowledge test. W. Va. Code 17B-2-6 and the Handbook give the same rule. For a Level 1 permit, each new attempt costs another $7.50. Use the week to study the signs and markings chapters of the Handbook.

What do I need to bring to the West Virginia knowledge test?

For a Level 1 instruction permit, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport. If you are under 18 and not married, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application before you can be tested. A married applicant under 18 brings a certified copy of the marriage certificate instead of parental consent.

Are your practice questions the real West Virginia test questions?

No. Our free practice tests are in English only, and they are study questions, not the real test questions. The DMV also says that its own 20 sample questions are not the actual test questions. Use both to learn the Handbook rules before your test day.