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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The West Virginia CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the West Virginia CDL Manual.
All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual WV general knowledge test!
To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1.
When backing your vehicle, it's not recommended to:
back and turn towards the driver's side.
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back as slow as possible.
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use the lowest reverse gear.
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back towards the right side.
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2.
To avoid becoming a distracted driver you should:
eat and drink while you drive.
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not turn off all communication devices.
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adjust all vehicle controls and mirrors while driving.
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not engage in complex conversations with others.
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3.
You should always be looking for hazards to have time to plan a way out of any emergency. This is part of being a:
good enough driver.
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defensive driver.
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modular driver.
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reasonable driver.
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4.
Tests have shown that trucks with a high center of gravity are more likely to tip over, therefore you should:
distribute the cargo so the majority of the weight is on the steering axle.
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put the lightest parts of the cargo under the heaviest parts.
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distribute the cargo as low as possible.
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All of the above.
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5.
In cool weather, as the temperature rises to the point where ice begins to melt:
traction will increase.
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it is safe to drive.
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the road will become more slippery.
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black will makes the road look wet.
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6.
If you are driving toward a traffic light that's been green for a long time, you should:
start slowing down and be ready to stop.
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maintain your current speed.
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brake as quickly as possible.
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increase your speed to get through the intersection before the traffic light changes to red.
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7.
If you are involved in a collision and not seriously hurt, you should:
do your best to care for the injured.
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notify the authorities.
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protect the area.
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All of the above.
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8.
If brakes fail on a long downgrade, you should:
use an escape ramp if it is available.
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set the parking brake.
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turn off the engine as soon as you.
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pump the brake pedal 3 times.
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9.
When a tire fails, you must:
get out and check all the tires after you have come to a stop.
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stay off the brake.
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hold the steering wheel firmly.
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All of the above.
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10.
Loads that are over-length, over-width and/or overweight:
may require special equipment such as “wide load” signs, flags and flashing lights.
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may require a police escort.
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require special transit permits.
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All of the above.
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Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Graduated Driver’s License program in West Virginia, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for an instruction permit. To obtain an intermediate license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held the permit for 6 months. At 17 years old, you become eligible for a class E license.
You have two options:
- You can take the test at a West Virginia DMV office by scheduling an appointment online and selecting a date and time.
- You can opt for the online test using a laptop equipped with a webcam. If you are under 18, you must be supervised by an adult over 18. Upon passing the test, you will receive a completion certificate valid for six months. To obtain your permit, you must bring it to a DMV office with the other required documents.
As a first-time applicant in West Virginia, you are required to bring the following documents:
- Proof of identity (if you have changed your legal name, provide documents to certify it).
- Proof of Social Security number.
- Two proofs of West Virginia residency.
- School Driver Eligibility Certificate (for minors).
Additionally, the DMV will provide you with the application, which must be signed by a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
The online DMV written test is available in English and Spanish (audio versions are also provided). If needed, you can request assistance from a sign language interpreter or translator.
The best way to prepare for the DMV written test is by reading the West Virginia Driver’s Handbook, which contains information about road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. After studying the manual, test your preparation with our free practice tests!
The West Virginia DMV written test comprises 25 questions, and you have 50 minutes to complete it. It is designed to evaluate your knowledge of general road rules, safe driving practices, and road signs. You should study the manual carefully to ensure your success on the first attempt.
To pass the West Virginia DMV written test, you are allowed up to 6 wrong answers. Keep in mind that there's a time limit, and any unanswered questions within that time frame will count as incorrect.
Restrictions for an instruction permit holder:
- A licensed driver aged 21 or over must be present in the front seat when driving.
- Driving is permitted only between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm.
- Only two non-family member passengers are allowed.
- Cell phone usage is prohibited.
Restrictions for an intermediate license holder:
- Driving without a supervising adult is allowed between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm. Between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, you cannot drive unless accompanied by a supervising adult or for specific reasons like employment, school, religious activities, or emergencies.
- During the first six months, no passengers under the age of 20 are allowed, except for siblings. During the second six months, only one non-family member passenger under 20 is permitted.
- Cell phone usage is prohibited.
After obtaining a driver license, these restrictions still apply:
- All occupants must wear seat belts.
- You cannot drive after consuming any amount of alcohol until you are 21 (zero alcohol tolerance).
For minor applicants, the permit expires on their 18th birthday, with an additional 30-day grace period beyond this date. For individuals over 18, the instruction permit is valid for a period of 180 days. If it expires, the DMV test must be retaken. In both cases, this permit is not renewable.
If you fail your DMV written test in West Virginia, you can retake it after a waiting period of 7 days. A retest fee is required. If you have failed your exam and need some extra help to improve your preparation, sign up for DMV Premium!