West Virginia Driver Handbook
This manual is published by WV DMV. Open it on the agency site — that copy is always the current edition.
Published by WV DMV
We do not host a copy of this manual. The button above opens the current edition on the WV DMV website, which is always the authoritative version.
Testing at a Glance for West Virginia
Once you've read the handbook, here's what to expect at the WV DMV knowledge test.
25
76%
$8
Documents You'll Need When You Take the West Virginia Test
Proof of identity, Social Security card or proof of number, two proofs of WV residency, proof of legal name change (if applicable), certified birth certificate; applicants under 18 need parental consent (DMV-DS-23P) plus valid School Driver Eligibility Certificate.
West Virginia-Specific Rules Covered in This Handbook
Rules unique to West Virginia that WV DMV weights heavily in the knowledge test — you'll see these in the handbook chapters.
- gavel GDL Level 1: driving only 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with licensed driver 21+ in front seat
- gavel GDL Level 1: no wireless communication device use except to contact 9-1-1
- gavel GDL Level 1: only 2 additional non-family passengers allowed; zero alcohol tolerance
- gavel Sharing the road with heavy trucks — awareness of 'No-Zone' blind spots
- gavel Parking on hills/grades — turn wheels toward or away from curb depending on direction of travel
After You Pass: West Virginia License Renewal
5 years
$25
More West Virginia Driving Resources
West Virginia Practice Tests
Free 25-question practice sets sourced from this handbook.
location_onWV DMV Offices Near You
Addresses, hours, and directions for every West Virginia DMV location.
restart_altRenew Your West Virginia License
Fees, timing, online eligibility, and REAL ID requirements.
West Virginia Handbook FAQ
Is this the official West Virginia driver handbook?
We do not host a copy of it. WV DMV publishes the official manual on its own website, and the button above opens that edition — always the authoritative one.
What documents does WV DMV require when I show up for the test?
Proof of identity, Social Security card or proof of number, two proofs of WV residency, proof of legal name change (if applicable), certified birth certificate; applicants under 18 need parental consent (DMV-DS-23P) plus valid School Driver Eligibility Certificate.
How is the West Virginia knowledge test administered after I finish reading?
At least 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions; must answer 19 of 25 correctly (76%).
Do I have to read the whole West Virginia handbook to pass the test?
The WV DMV test has 25 questions and you need 19 correct (76%) to pass. All questions come from the handbook, but strategic readers focus on Signs, Right-of-Way, and Signaling first — those chapters carry the most test weight.
How current is this West Virginia handbook version?
WV DMV reissues the handbook when state law changes. Because we link straight to the agency, the button above always opens whatever edition is current.
Where do I actually take the West Virginia test after reading the handbook?
At any WV DMV location. Use our /dmv-near-me/wv finder for the nearest office with address, hours, and phone.
Is the West Virginia driver handbook free to download?
Yes. WV DMV publishes it free as a PDF. If a website is charging to "download" the handbook, it's a scam — the state's official version is always free.
Can I read the West Virginia handbook on my phone?
Yes. The WV DMV site serves the manual as a PDF that opens fine on a phone.