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To obtain a CDL, you will be required to pass a vehicle inspection test. The vehicle inspection test, formerly known as pre-trip, is a skills test to see if you identify which features and equipment on the test vehicle should be inspected before driving. During the test, you will be asked to do an inspection of your vehicle. You will be expected to show your knowledge of the inspection process and you will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. During the CDL inspection test, DMV does not allow the use of testing aids, other than the vehicle inspection guide in the West Virginia CDL Manual. To prepare for the test, study the following sections of the CDL manual: Driving Safely and the Vehicle Inspection Test. If you do not pass the CDL inspection test, the other skills tests will be postponed.
1. During the pre-trip inspection, belts should:
checked for oil pressure.
checked for leaks.
not be inspected.
be checked for tightness and excessive wear.
2. To check the automatic transmission fluid:
the wheel nuts must be loose.
the engine may have to be running.
you should turn the engine off.
you must go down grades.
3. When checking tires as part of the pre-trip inspection, you should check for all of the following except:
tread separation.
minimum tread depth.
that all tires come from the same manufacturer.
cracked valve stems.
4. Which of the following is NOT a key part of the steering system?
Pitman arm
Leaf spring
Gear box
Tie rod
5. Which of the following must be inspected on every tire?
Battery.
Steering box.
Hub oil/grease seals and axle seals.
Brake chambers.
6. If the coolant container is not part of the pressurized system:
you can safely remove the cap and add coolant even when the engine is hot.
you should remove the container cap and wait until the system has cooled.
you should never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled.
None of the above.
7. When taking the road test, you will be evaluated on your lane usage. You should NOT:
finish a right turn in the right-most lane.
stop behind crosswalks.
complete a turn in the proper lane on a multiple lane road.
drive the vehicle over curbs.
8. When starting your vehicle, oil pressure should come up to normal:
in about two minutes.
within seconds.
in about a minute.
within 5 minutes of driving.
9. You should check that the _____ is solid, clear of objects, and securely bolted to the tractor frame.
kingpin
sliding pintle
catwalk
apron
10. When you inspect the front of your vehicle as part of the walk around inspection, you check all of the following EXCEPT:
the air pressure gauge.
the condition of your front axle.
the condition of the windshield.
the condition of the steering system.
 
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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!

WV CDL Inspection Test

Number of questions: 20
Correct answers to pass:16
Passing score:80%
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