West Virginia permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 46 West Virginia numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 39 number questions in our West Virginia bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.

Numbers flashcards

39 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.

See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    What is the jail penalty for driving while your license is revoked for DUI?

    A mandatory 30 days to six months

    Driving while your license is revoked for DUI brings a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days to six months.

    West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 29

  • Fines, points & penalties

    What is the penalty for filing false or fraudulent insurance information with the West Virginia DMV?

    An additional 90-day license suspension, plus possible fine and jail

    Filing false insurance information adds a 90-day suspension, revokes your registration, and can bring a fine up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

    West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 27

  • Speed limits

    Road sign shown with this question

    You pass a five-sided (pentagon) school sign, and children are present along the road. What is the maximum speed limit in a West Virginia school zone?

    15 mph

    The pentagon shape warns of a school zone or school crossing. In West Virginia the school-zone limit is 15 mph when children are present or when the sign says so.

    West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 44

Every West Virginia number, by topic

Official test facts and West Virginia laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

7 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
one year, 45 daysDrunk driving (DUI)First refusal: revocation for one year, or 45 days plus one year in the Motor Vehicle Alcohol Test and Lock Programcode.wvlegislature.gov
Quote
For the first refusal to submit to the designated secondary chemical test, the commissioner shall enter an order revoking the person’s license to operate a motor vehicle in this state for a period of one year or for a period of 45 days
30 days to six monthsWhat is the jail penalty for driving while your license is revoked for DUI?Answer: A mandatory 30 days to six monthsWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 29
Quote
is revoked on a DUI is a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days to six (6) months
0.08 percentAt what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a West Virginia driver presumed to be driving under the influence?Answer: 0.08 percent or moreWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 31
Quote
If a driver’s BAC is 0.08 percent or more, they are presumed to be driving under the influence.
one year, 45 daysYou are arrested for DUI and refuse to take the breath test. What happens to your driving privilege?Answer: It is revoked for one year, or 45 days plus test and lockWest Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
For the first refusal to submit to the designated secondary chemical test, the commissioner shall enter an order revoking the person’s license to operate a motor vehicle in this state for a period of one year or for a period of 45 days
age 18A 16-year-old is convicted of DUI. How long will the license be revoked?Answer: Until age 18 or the statutory period, whichever is longerWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 32
Quote
If you are under the age of 18, a DUI offense will result in revocation of your driver’s license until you reach the age of 18 or for the applicable statutory period
60 daysA driver under 21 is convicted for the first time of driving with a BAC of at least 0.02 but under 0.08 percent. How long is the license suspension?Answer: 60 daysWest Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $100, and have his or her license to operate a motor vehicle suspended by the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles for a period of 60 days
ten yearsWhen is the Interlock Program mandatory for a West Virginia DUI offender?Answer: After two or more DUI-related revocations within ten yearsWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 33
Quote
or related offenses within a ten-year period, participation is mandatory.

Fines, points & penalties

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$25Seat beltsThe fine is $25 with no pointscode.wvlegislature.gov
Quote
Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be fined $25. No court costs or other fees may be assessed for a violation of this section.
15 mph, 25 mphMove Over lawIf a lane change is impossible or unsafe, slow to no more than 15 mph (undivided) or 25 mph (divided), depending on conditionscode.wvlegislature.gov
Quote
Proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed not to exceed 15 miles per hour on any nondivided highway or street and 25 miles per hour on any divided highway depending on road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.
90-dayWhat is the penalty for filing false or fraudulent insurance information with the West Virginia DMV?Answer: An additional 90-day license suspension, plus possible fine and jailWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 27
Quote
Filing of false or fraudulent insurance information will result in an additional 90-day suspension of your driver’s license
Two yearsHow long do points stay on a West Virginia driving record?Answer: Two years from the conviction dateWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 28
Quote
Points remain on your driving record for two (2) years from the conviction date.
6 pointsAt what point total will the West Virginia DMV send you a letter of caution?Answer: 6 pointsWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 28
Quote
When you have six (6) points or more on your record, the DMV will send you a letter of caution
12 pointsHow many points make your West Virginia license subject to suspension?Answer: 12 pointsWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 28
Quote
When you accumulate 12 points on your record, your driver’s license is subject to suspension.
3 pointsHow many points can an approved eight-hour defensive driving class remove from your record?Answer: 3 pointsWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 28
Quote
You may have three (3) points deducted from your record by completing an approved eight (8) hour defensive driving class.
$500What is the minimum fine for a first offense of passing a stopped school bus in West Virginia?Answer: $500West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 60
Quote
a minimum fine of $500 or confinement in jail for not more than six (6) months for the first offense
$25,000, $50,000What are West Virginia's minimum liability insurance amounts?Answer: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per crash, $25,000 propertyWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 26
Quote
$25,000 for one (1) death or injury | $50,000 for two (2) deaths or injuries | $25,000 for property damage

Speed limits

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 mphSpeed limits: School zones15 mph during school recess or while children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hourscode.wvlegislature.gov
Quote
Fifteen miles per hour in a school zone during school recess or while children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours.
25 mphSpeed limits: Business & residence districts25 mph in any business districtcode.wvlegislature.gov
Quote
Twenty-five miles per hour in any business or residence district; and (3) Fifty-five miles per hour on open country highways, except as otherwise provided by this chapter.
55 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways55 mph on open country highwayscode.wvlegislature.gov
Quote
Twenty-five miles per hour in any business or residence district; and (3) Fifty-five miles per hour on open country highways, except as otherwise provided by this chapter.
15 mphYou pass a five-sided (pentagon) school sign, and children are present along the road. What is the maximum speed limit in a West Virginia school zone?Answer: 15 mphWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 44
Quote
The maximum speed limit in a school zone is 15 m.p.h. when children are present or when specified.
55 mphOn a West Virginia interstate in good weather with no lower posted speed, what is the slowest you should drive?Answer: 55 mphWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 69
Quote
Do not drive slower than 55 mph on an interstate unless the weather or road conditions are bad or a lower speed has been posted.
25 mphUnless a different limit is posted, what is the speed limit in a West Virginia business or residential area?Answer: 25 mphWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 52
Quote
Open County Highway - 55mph - unless otherwise posted Business or Residential Areas - 25mph

Distances & following gaps

11 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
125 feetHow far along a street from the school grounds does a West Virginia school zone extend?Answer: 125 feetWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 52
Quote
extending 125 feet along the street or highway from the school grounds
100 feetHow far ahead should you signal before turning?Answer: At least 100 feetWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 53
Quote
Signal at least 100 feet before you plan to turn.
500 feetIt is illegal to turn around near the crest of a hill where approaching drivers within what distance cannot see you?Answer: 500 feetWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 55
Quote
near the crest of a hill where you cannot be seen by another vehicle approaching within 500 feet in either direction
100 feetOn a two-lane road, how close to a bridge, tunnel or underpass may you start to pass another vehicle?Answer: No closer than 100 feetWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 59
Quote
Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, tunnel, or underpass.
four secondWhat following-distance rule does the West Virginia handbook recommend in normal conditions?Answer: The three-to-four second ruleWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 57
Quote
The best way to assure proper following distance is to use the three-to-four second rule.
Four secondsIt is dark and raining. What is the minimum following distance the handbook recommends?Answer: Four secondsWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 57
Quote
If it is dark or raining, the distance should be at least four seconds.
six secondsThere is ice and snow on the road. How far behind the vehicle in front should you stay?Answer: At least six secondsWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 57
Quote
If there is ice or snow, stay at least six seconds behind the vehicle in front.
300 feetYour car breaks down on the interstate and you have flares. Where should you place them?Answer: One about a car length behind, another about 300 feet backWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 70
Quote
Put a flare about one (1) vehicle length behind your vehicle and another about 300 feet back.
four to six secondsIn wet conditions, how much space should you leave behind a large truck?Answer: At least four to six secondsWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 63
Quote
In wet conditions give at least four (4) to six (6) seconds of space.
200 feetYou are following another vehicle at night. Within what distance must you dim your headlights?Answer: 200 feetWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 72
Quote
When following another vehicle, dim your headlights within 200 feet of the other vehicle.
Six inchesAccording to the handbook, as little as how much water can float some smaller vehicles?Answer: Six inchesWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 73
Quote
As little as six (6) inches of water can float some smaller vehicles, while two (2) feet of water will carry most away.

Parking

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
18 inchesWhen parallel parking on a two-way street, how close to the right curb must your wheels be?Answer: Within 18 inchesWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 57
Quote
park so the righthand wheels are parallel to and within 18 inches of the right curb
18 inchesYou parallel park on the left side of a one-way street. Where should your wheels be?Answer: Within 18 inches of the left curbWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 57
Quote
When parallel parking on the left side of the road, wheels should be within 18 inches of the left curb.
30 feetHow close to a stop sign or traffic signal may you park in West Virginia?Answer: No closer than 30 feetWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 55
Quote
Within 30 feet of any stop sign or traffic control signal
50 feetYou want to park near a railroad crossing. What is the closest you may park to the nearest rail?Answer: 50 feetWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 55
Quote
Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing

Ages, permits & the test

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
25Questions on the testwebapps.transportation.wv.gov
Quote
The knowledge examination has at least 25 questions based on the basic knowledge, traffic rules, regulations, signs, and markings found in the handbook. ... You must answer 19 out of the 25 questions correctly to pass the test. There is a time limit on the test and any questions not answered in the prescribed time will be considered incorrect.
19 of 25Correct answers to passwebapps.transportation.wv.gov
Quote
The knowledge examination has at least 25 questions based on the basic knowledge, traffic rules, regulations, signs, and markings found in the handbook. ... You must answer 19 out of the 25 questions correctly to pass the test. There is a time limit on the test and any questions not answered in the prescribed time will be considered incorrect.
50 hoursHow much certified supervised driving practice must you have before applying for a Level 2 license (unless you complete driver education)?Answer: 50 hours, with 10 at nightWest Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
Must have 50 hour certification form completed, with 10 of the hours being at night
Six monthsHow long must you hold a Level 1 permit before you can apply for a Level 2 intermediate license?Answer: Six monthsWest Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
Held a Level I permit for six (6) months
60 daysWhat is the minimum license suspension for a first offense of passing a stopped school bus in West Virginia?Answer: 60 daysWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 60
Quote
The penalty for passing a stopped school bus is a minimum of 60 days driver’s license suspension

Time limits & deadlines

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
18 hoursAfter being awake for about how long are your driving skills similar to someone under the influence?Answer: 18 hoursWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 33
Quote
After being awake for 18 hours (time varies), driving skills are comparable to someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

2 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
under 18Seat beltsThe driver, every front-seat passenger and back-seat passengers under 18 must wear a seat beltcode.wvlegislature.gov
Quote
A person may not operate a passenger vehicle on a public street or highway of this state unless the person, any passenger in the back seat under 18 years of age, and any passenger in the front seat of the passenger vehicle is restrained by a safety belt
4 feet 9 inchesSeat beltsChildren under 8 must ride in a child safety seat or booster unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tallcode.wvlegislature.gov
Quote
Provided, That if a child is under the age of eight years and at least four feet nine inches tall, a safety belt shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of this section.

Other numbers

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
12 timesCompared with dry pavement, how much farther can it take to stop on snow or ice?Answer: As much as 12 times the normal distanceWest Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, page 73
Quote
It takes as much as 12 times the normal distance to stop on snow or ice as it takes to stop on dry pavement.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the West Virginia permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 46 of them for West Virginia, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, West Virginia statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

Keep going