West Virginia Driver's Handbook 2026

Before you call, please have your license plate number, driver’s license number, and/or your file number ready so that we can assist you as quickly as possible. For Vehicle Title, License Plate, Driver’s License issues, or for General Information (304) 926‑3499 / (800) 642‑9066 | Hearing‑Impaired ‑ (800) 742‑6991 Other Important Telephone Numbers (Area Code 304) Driver’s License................................................................................................. 926‑3801 Point System .................................................................................................... 926‑2505 Student Attendance ......................................................................................... 926‑2505 Unpaid Tickets.................................................................................................. 926‑2505 Driving Records ................................................................................................ 926‑3952 Compulsory Insurance ...................................................................................... 926‑3802 Driving Under the Influence.............................................................................. 926‑2506 Driving Under the Influence “Interlock” ............................................................ 926‑2507 Visit us on the web at dmv.wv.gov. Need help with reading skills or know someone who does? **FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL HELP WITH READING IS OUT THERE** CALL NOW! 1-866-2MAKE-IT (1-866-262-5348) DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES PO Box 17010 5707 MacCorkle Avenue, SE Charleston, WV 25317 WHERE TO TEST OR APPLY FOR A DRIVER’S LICENSE A WV resident can apply for a WV instruction permit, driver’s license, or identification card at any DMV regional office. All DMV regional offices are open Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm; with the exceptions of Kanawha City, which is open Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm and Saturday from 8 am - 12 pm, and the Martinsburg regional office is also open on Saturday from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Please check the DMV website at dmv.wv.gov or call 1-800-642-9066 for testing times or further information. DMV LOCATIONS Regional Office Locations 1) BECKLEY 107 Pinecrest Drive Beckley, WV 25801 2) CHARLES TOWN 24 Ruland Road Kearneysville, WV 25430 3) CLARKSBURG 153 West Main Street Clarksburg, WV 26301 4) ELKINS 1029 North Randolph Avenue Elkins, WV 26241 5) FAIRMONT 2800 Middletown Commons Suite 174 White Hall, WV 26554 6) FLATWOODS 295 Skidmore Lane Sutton, WV 26601 7) FRANKLIN 100 Thorn Creek Road Suite 300 Franklin, WV 26807 8) HUNTINGTON 801 Madison Avenue Huntington, WV 25701 9) KANAWHA CITY 5707 MacCorkle Ave. SE Suite 400 Charleston, WV 25304 10) KEYSER 196 North Tornado Way, Suite 8 Keyser, WV 26726 11) LEWISBURG 148 Maplewood Avenue Lewisburg, WV 24901 12) LOGAN 428 Main Street Logan, WV 25601 13) MARTINSBURG 38 Severna Parkway Martinsburg, WV 25403 14) MOOREFIELD 410 South Main Street Moorefield, WV 26836 15) MORGANTOWN 1525 Deckers Creek Blvd. Morgantown, WV 26505 16) MOUNDSVILLE 400 Teletech Drive, Suite 100 Moundsville, WV 26041 17) PARKERSBURG 601 Lubeck Avenue Parkersburg, WV 26101 18) POINT PLEASANT 1408 Kanawha Street Point Pleasant, WV 25550 19) PRINCETON 198 Davis Street Princeton, WV 24740 20) SPENCER 115 Church Street Spencer, WV 25276 21) SUMMERSVILLE 2 Armory Way Summersville, WV 26651 22) WEIRTON 100 Municipal Plaza Suite 100 Weirton, WV 26062 23) WELCH 92 McDowell Street Welch, WV 24801 24) WILLIAMSON 225 East 3rd Avenue Williamson, WV 25661 25) WINFIELD 116 Liberty Square Winfield, WV 25526 RO 22 16 15 5 3 17 4 10 13 2 14 7 6 20 18 8 25 9 21 11 19 1 23 24 12 FOREWORD Driving a motor vehicle in West Virginia is a privilege that carries many responsibilities. This privilege must first be earned and then carefully guarded or it may be lost. Your well-being, as well as the safety of the occupants in your vehicle, depends upon your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. In addition, the safety of occupants in other vehicles, each pedestrian, and bicyclist also depends directly upon your ability to operate a motor vehicle. As a licensed driver, you have the privilege to drive because you have successfully shown that you possess the knowledge and skill to be a safe driver. However, the driving privilege can be lost if you do not continue to show you are a safe driver. You can lose your driver’s license for a short time, a long time, or a lifetime. This manual is only a partial digest of West Virginia motor vehicle laws. As a prospective driver, you should become familiar with all of the information in this manual. It will enable you to pass the driver examination and help you become a good driver. Generally, the majority of applicants for a driver’s license will be operators of regular passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, or vans (Class E). This handbook is designed to provide you with the information you need to obtain and keep a Class E driver’s license. This handbook guides you in following the laws and rules of the road, explains the best practices necessary to avoid crashes, and encourages consideration for the rights of all users of the highways. Other manuals and handbooks are available for commercial drivers and motorcycle operators. The driver examination program provides fundamental education in traffic safety and allows you to match your driving ability with accepted standards for safe driving. dmv.wv.gov TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S CHAPTER I Driver’s License Information Who Must Be Licensed to Drive? ............................................................................................................................... 1 Who is Exempt?............................................................................................................................................................. 1 Who Can Be Denied a Driver’s License? .................................................................................................................. 1 Licensing Requirements .....................................................................................................................................................................1 There are TWO types Driver’s Licenses & ID Cards ........................................................................................................................2 “Not for Federal Identification” Card Requirements ................................................................................................2 “For Federal Identification” (REAL ID) Card Requirements ....................................................................................2 Proof Documents Required to Obtain a Driver’s License .................................................................................... 3 You Must Have One Proof of Identity ..................................................................................................... 3 You Must Have One Proof of Social Security Number ........................................................................ 3 You Must Have Proof of Legal Name Change if Your Name Has Ever Changed .......................... 4 You Must Have Two Proofs of West Virginia Residency ..................................................................... 4 School Driver Eligibility Certificate........................................................................................................................... 5 National Driver Registry: Problem Driver Point System (PDPS) ........................................................................ 5 First-Time Applicant .................................................................................................................................................... 6 New Resident................................................................................................................................................................. 6 In-State Change of Address ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Duplicate Driver’s License .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Expired Driver’s License............................................................................................................................................... 7 Driver’s License Color-Coding ................................................................................................................................... 7 Sample Driver’s Licenses/Instruction Permits........................................................................................................ 7 Applicants that are Immigrants, Non-Immigrants, and Refugees ................................................................... 8 Immigrants ................................................................................................................................................... 8 Non-Immigrants ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Refugees ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 Regular Instruction Permit -Ages 18 and Over ...................................................................................................... 9 Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) - Ages 15-17 ..................................................................................................... 9 Level 1 GDL (Instruction Permit) .............................................................................................................. 9 Level 2 GDL (Intermediate Driver’s License) ........................................................................................10 Levels 1 and 2 GDL Violations ................................................................................................................11 Level 3 GDL Driver’s License ....................................................................................................................12 Out-of state Transfers for Applicant’s Under 18 Years of Age ..........................................................................12 Driver’s License Restrictions .....................................................................................................................................12 Drive for Five................................................................................................................................................................12 U.S. Selective Service .................................................................................................................................................13 Driver’s License Designations ..................................................................................................................................13 Diabetic, Deaf, or Hard of Hearing .......................................................................................................13 Organ Donor Designation......................................................................................................................13 Veteran’s Designation ..............................................................................................................................13 Carry Your License ......................................................................................................................................................13 Motorcycle Permits, Licenses, and Endorsements ..............................................................................................14 Motorcycle Instruction Permit ...............................................................................................................14 Motorcycle Endorsement (F) ..................................................................................................................14 Motorcycle Only Driver’s License (Class F License) ............................................................................14 Motorcycle Rider Training Courses .......................................................................................................14 Driver’s License Fees (Chart) ....................................................................................................................................15 CHAPTER II Driver Responsibilities School Attendance for Minors ................................................................................................................................16 How to Refer an Unsafe Driver ................................................................................................................................16 Re-examination of Drivers .......................................................................................................................................16 Crashes .........................................................................................................................................................................16 Compulsory Insurance ..............................................................................................................................................16 The Use of Wireless Communication Devices While Operating a Motor Vehicle........................................17 Point System ................................................................................................................................................................18 Driving in Other States .............................................................................................................................................18 Failure to Comply with In-State Citations ............................................................................................................18 Fraudulent Use of Driver’s Licenses ........................................................................................................................18 Mandatory Driver’s License Revocation ...............................................................................................................19 Driving While Your Driver’s License Is Revoked or Suspended.........................................................................19 DMV Online Services .................................................................................................................................................19 Point Scale (Chart) .....................................................................................................................................................20 CHAPTER III Driving Under The Influence Under Age Drinking and Driving ............................................................................................................................21 Designated Driver ......................................................................................................................................................21 Knowing Your Limits..................................................................................................................................................21 Other Drugs .................................................................................................................................................................22 Implied Consent and the Chemical Test ...............................................................................................................22 Penalties for Driving Under the Influence ............................................................................................................22 DUI Offenses (Fines, Jail & Revocation Chart) .....................................................................................................22 How does a DUI Affect Your Driving Privileges ...................................................................................................23 Drowsy Driving is Impaired Driving.......................................................................................................................23 Signs of Drowsy Driving............................................................................................................................................23 How to Prevent Drowsy Driving..............................................................................................................................23 CHAPTER IV Examination Procedures And Requirements A Message From Your Examiners ...........................................................................................................................24 Vision Screening .........................................................................................................................................................24 Knowledge Examination ..........................................................................................................................................24 DUI Awareness Cards ................................................................................................................................................25 Vehicle Check ..............................................................................................................................................................25 Illegal Equipment .......................................................................................................................................................25 Test Component Checklist .......................................................................................................................................26 Your Driving Examination........................................................................................................................................26 Retest Information .....................................................................................................................................................26 How To Prepare For Your Driver’s Test ...................................................................................................................27 Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test .............................................................................................................27 Instructions.................................................................................................................................................27 Scoring.........................................................................................................................................................27 Exercises .......................................................................................................................................................................27 Left Side or Right Side Parallel Parking ................................................................................................27 Forward Two-Point and Reverse Two-Point Turnabout ..................................................................28 Three-Point Turnabout ............................................................................................................................28 Automatic Failures ...................................................................................................................................29 Road Test ......................................................................................................................................................................29 How You Will Be Tested ............................................................................................................................29 Turns ..........................................................................................................................................29 Intersections.............................................................................................................................29 Urban Area Driving ................................................................................................................30 Lane Changes ..........................................................................................................................30 Curves ........................................................................................................................................30 Traffic Signs ..............................................................................................................................30 General Driving .......................................................................................................................30 Automatic Failures .....................................................................................................................................................31 DRIVER’S TEST SCORE (Sample Test) ......................................................................................................................32 CHAPTER V Traffic Control Devices Single Message Shaped Signs .................................................................................................................................34 Square & Rectangular Signs ....................................................................................................................................35 Diamond & Warning Signs ......................................................................................................................................36 Construction and Maintenance Signs ..................................................................................................................37 Guide Signs ..................................................................................................................................................................38 Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals .....................................................................................................................39 Traffic Lights ................................................................................................................................................................39 Intersection Flashers..................................................................................................................................................40 Lane Use Control Signals..........................................................................................................................................40 Crosswalk Signals ......................................................................................................................................................40 Pavement Markings ..................................................................................................................................................41 CHAPTER VI Traffic Laws And Rules Of The Road Basic Speed Law .........................................................................................................................................................42 Speed Limits ................................................................................................................................................................42 Driving Slowly .............................................................................................................................................................43 Driving Signals............................................................................................................................................................43 Turning Maneuvers ....................................................................................................................................................44 Changing Direction ...................................................................................................................................................45 Backing Up...................................................................................................................................................................45 Parking Maneuvers ....................................................................................................................................................45 Prohibited Parking (§17C-13-3, W. Va. State Code) ...........................................................................................45 Angle Parking (§17C-13-4, W. Va. State Code) ....................................................................................................46 Parking on Hills ...........................................................................................................................................................46 Parallel Parking (§17C-13-4, W. Va. State Code) .................................................................................................47 Following Distance ....................................................................................................................................................47 Changing Lanes .........................................................................................................................................................48 Passing..........................................................................................................................................................................48 Right-of-Way ...............................................................................................................................................................49 Sharing the Road with Pedestrians........................................................................................................................50 School Bus Rules .........................................................................................................................................................50 Tailgating .....................................................................................................................................................................51 Headlights and Their Use .........................................................................................................................................51 Sharing the Road with Motorcycles.......................................................................................................................51 Sharing the Road with Slow Vehicles ....................................................................................................................52 Sharing the Road with Heavy Trucks.....................................................................................................................52 The “No-Zone”.............................................................................................................................................................52 Truck Safety DOs & DON’Ts (Chart)........................................................................................................................53 Sharing the Road with Animal Riders ...................................................................................................................53 Sharing the Road with Bicycles...............................................................................................................................53 Sharing the Road with Joggers...............................................................................................................................54 Children at Play ..........................................................................................................................................................54 Sharing the Road with Public Buses ......................................................................................................................54 Parking for the Mobility Impaired ..........................................................................................................................55 Drivers with Disabilities ............................................................................................................................................55 Notice on ADA Compliance and Grievances .......................................................................................................55 CHAPTER VII Driving On Interstates Route Numbering and Navigation ........................................................................................................................57 Planning Ahead ..........................................................................................................................................................57 Entering an Interstate ...............................................................................................................................................57 Exiting an Interstate ..................................................................................................................................................59 Exit Lanes .....................................................................................................................................................................59 Stopping on an Interstate ........................................................................................................................................59 Speeds on Interstates ................................................................................................................................................59 Adverse Conditions ....................................................................................................................................................59 U-Turns..........................................................................................................................................................................60 Construction Zones ...................................................................................................................................................60 CHAPTER VIII Defensive Driving Bad Driving Habits .....................................................................................................................................................61 Laziness ........................................................................................................................................................................61 Impatience ...................................................................................................................................................................61 Inattention ...................................................................................................................................................................61 Arrogance and Aggressiveness ...............................................................................................................................62 Concentration .............................................................................................................................................................62 Light Conditions .........................................................................................................................................................62 Rain................................................................................................................................................................................63 Flooding .......................................................................................................................................................................63 Snow and Sleet ...........................................................................................................................................................63 High Winds ..................................................................................................................................................................64 Fog and Smoke ...........................................................................................................................................................64 Road Conditions .........................................................................................................................................................64 Vehicle Conditions (State Inspection Law)...........................................................................................................64 Driver Conditions .......................................................................................................................................................65 Fatigue ..........................................................................................................................................................................65 Emotional States ........................................................................................................................................................65 Traffic Conditions .......................................................................................................................................................65 Traffic Situations.........................................................................................................................................................66 Safety Equipment.......................................................................................................................................................67 Risk Reduction for Infants and Toddlers ...............................................................................................................68 8 Simple Steps to Safe and Happy Driving ...........................................................................................................69 CHAPTER IX Emergency Situations What to Check Before Driving: ................................................................................................................................70 Blowouts.......................................................................................................................................................................70 Brake Failure ................................................................................................................................................................71 Overheating Engine ..................................................................................................................................................71 Skids ..............................................................................................................................................................................71 Stuck Gas Pedal ..........................................................................................................................................................71 Wheels Off the Road ..................................................................................................................................................71 Steering Fails ...............................................................................................................................................................72 Headlights Fail ............................................................................................................................................................72 Fire in Vehicle...............................................................................................................................................................72 Vehicle Approaching in Your Lane .........................................................................................................................72 Stalling on Railroad Tracks ......................................................................................................................................72 Oil Pressure Light Comes On ...................................................................................................................................72 Dead Battery ...............................................................................................................................................................72 Automobile Emergency Kit & First Aid Kit.............................................................................................................73 Emergency Preparedness (Chart) ...........................................................................................................................73 The Basic Emergency Kit..........................................................................................................................73 The Basic First Aid Kit ...............................................................................................................................73 First Aid .........................................................................................................................................................................73 Good Samaritan Law ................................................................................................................................................74 If You are Involved In A Crash ..................................................................................................................................74 West Virginia Courtesy Patrol..................................................................................................................................75 D E F I N I T I O N S Acceleration Lane: Extra lane on the side of a high-speed highway that permits you to enter the highway to pick up speed before merging with traffic in through lanes Antique Vehicle: Motor vehicle that is over 25 years old and is owned solely as a collector’s item for participation in club activities, tours, parades, and similar use, but not to be used for general transportation Authorized Emergency Vehicle: Fire, police, chartered rescue squad, ambulance, and other emergency vehicles Blind Spots: Areas on both sides of vehicles where you cannot see without turning your head Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): The amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. For drivers over the age of 21, it is against the law to drive if the BAC is 0.08% or higher. For drivers under the age of 21, it is against the law to drive if the BAC is 0.02% or higher Bus: Motor vehicle designed for carrying more than seven (7) passengers and used primarily in the transportation of persons for compensation Commercial Driver: Any person who drives a commercial motor vehicle for any purpose on public streets or highways Commercial Motor Vehicle: Any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more or designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or to transport hazardous materials in any weight class requiring the vehicle to be placarded Deceleration Lane: Traffic lane adjacent to regular traffic lanes that permits vehicles leaving the highway to reduce speed without obstructing through traffic Divided Highway: Highway with separate roadways for traffic proceeding in opposite directions, separated by an unpaved strip of land, a raised median, or other physical barrier Driver: Any person who drives, operates, or is in physical control of a motor vehicle, in any place open to the general public for purposes of vehicular traffic, or is required to hold a driver’s license Driver’s License: A permit or license issued by this state to a person that authorizes the person to drive a motor vehicle of a specific class or classes subject to any restriction or endorsement contained therein Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Driving any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances Farm Tractor: Motor vehicle designed and used primarily in agricultural situations for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry Following Distance: Space cushion between your vehicle and the vehicle directly ahead of you Graduated Driver’s License (GDL): A 3-phase graduated licensing program, for ages 15 to 18, that allows young drivers to develop their driving skills and self-confidence in a series of safe, measured steps. Each phase has its own requirements and restrictions Highway: Entire width between boundary lines maintained and open to the use of the public for the purpose of vehicular travel Implement of Husbandry: Vehicle that is designed for, or adapted to, agricultural purposes and used by the owner primarily in the conduct of agricultural operations Implied Consent Law: West Virginia state law provides that each licensed driver agrees to take a chemical test if charged with driving under the influence. Failure to submit to this test will result in suspension of the driving privilege for at least one (1) year. Interchange: System of interconnecting roadways in conjunction with one (1) or more grade separations, providing for the exchange of traffic between two (2) or more roadways on different levels Intersection: Area common to two (2) or more highways that meet at or near right angles, whether or not one highway crosses another. Low-Speed Vehicle: Low-speed vehicle means a four-wheeled motor vehicle specifically manufactured as a low-speed vehicle so designated on the manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO). Modified golf carts and ATVs do not meet the definition. Low-speed vehicles may only be operated on private roads, on public roads, and streets within the corporate limits of a municipality where the speed limit is not more than twenty-five (25) miles per hour Merging Traffic: Vehicles entering moving lanes of traffic from adjacent lanes on the left or right Moped: Motorcycle or motor-driven-type cycle that is equipped with two (2) or three (3) wheels, foot pedals to permit peddling, and an independent power source providing a maximum of two (2) horsepower. The maximum engine displacement is 50 cc (cubic centimeters) and the maximum speed is 30 mph Motorcycle: Motor vehicle, excluding a tractor, with a seat for the use of the rider, and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground. Motor-Driven Cycle: Motorcycles, including every motor scooter with a motor that does not exceed 250 cubic centimeters, excluding mopeds Motor Vehicle: A vehicle that is self-propelled but not operated upon rails Operator: A person who drives a motor vehicle, is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle, or is steering a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle, upon a highway Pedestrian: Any person traveling on foot Revocation: When a driver’s license and all privileges to drive a motor vehicle on public highways are terminated and shall not be renewed. Under certain circumstances, an application for a new driver’s license may be presented and acted upon by the DMV. Right-Of-Way: Privilege of the immediate use of the highway Roadway: Portion of highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the berm or shoulder School Bus: Motor vehicle owned by a public governmental agency or privately owned and operated for the transportation of children to and/or from school Suspension: When a driver’s license and all privileges to drive a motor vehicle on public highways are temporarily withdrawn. Wireless Communications Device: A handheld device used to access a wireless telephone service or a text messaging device 1 CHAPTER I DRIVER’S LICENSE INFORMATION Who Must Be Licensed to Drive? If you live in West Virginia and want to drive a motor vehicle on public roads, you must have a West Virginia driver’s license, unless you are expressly exempt. You must carry your driver’s license with you when you drive. Who is Exempt? • Any person operating a motor vehicle in the armed services of the United States in the performance of official duties • A nonresident who is at least 16 years old and has a valid license from another state or country (limited to 90 days in a calendar year) • A nonresident who is attending a West Virginia college or university and has a valid license from another state Who Can Be Denied a Driver’s License? • Any person who is a habitual user of alcoholic beverages or is addicted to the use of narcotic drugs • Any person whose driver’s license has been suspended or revoked by this state, any other state, or foreign jurisdiction until the expiration of the suspension or revocation period • Any person who the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles has good cause to believe would be hazardous to public safety or welfare when operating a motor vehicle • Any person who is under the age of 18 and not enrolled in, or graduated from, an approved educational institution Licensing Requirements In 2011, West Virginia adopted the federal licensing standards under the REAL ID Act of 2005. This secure driver’s license and identification (ID) card program meets the standards of the nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of all driver’s licenses and ID cards. All first-time driver’s license applicants will need to bring in documentation to satisfy proof of identity, proof of social security number, proof of legal name change documents (if your name has ever changed), and proof of WV residency to meet the new federal licensing standards. All of the acceptable required documents are outlined in detail on the following pages. All proof documents provided to DMV will be securely scanned and returned to you. In addition to WV’s enhancing the security on all of it’s driver’s licenses and ID cards, you have the option to choose a license or ID card that is certified as REAL ID compliant for “federal identification use”. These cards contain a gold star on the face of the card, indicating that the card meets full federal requirements for use at airports and other designated federal facilities across the country. Please take note that while the “for federal identification use” cards are applied for at all DMV locations, they arrive at the applicant’s address via USPS in approximately 10-15 business days. A temporary license is issued at the time the application is accepted at DMV for use during the 15 day production and shipping of this card. CHAPTER I