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West Virginia General Knowledge Test

You'll need to master mountain driving on I-64 and US 19 before hauling coal or logs out of the hollows.

140

Questions

80%

To Pass

Minutes

140 questions · 60 min time limit · 80% to pass

Opens in a practice window — choose your mode inside.

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026

All questions sourced from the official West Virginia CDL handbook and FMCSA regulations.

About the West Virginia General Knowledge Test

West Virginia’s twisty two-lanes, steep mountain grades, and heavy coal truck traffic demand more than basic driving skills. The General Knowledge Test is your first step to earning a CDL in the Mountain State. You’ll prove you understand vehicle inspections, basic air brakes, and safe driving in our unique conditions.

Our roads — like I-77 through the New River Gorge and US 33 over the Alleghenies — see fog, ice, and sudden snow squalls. Coal trucks share the pavement with tourists heading to Seneca Rocks. This test covers the rules you’ll use every shift: weight limits, load securement, and how to avoid rollovers on tight mountain curves.

The WV DMV bases all questions on the current West Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual. You’ll answer 50 multiple-choice questions and need 80% to pass. We’ve built this practice test to match the real thing — same format, same topics, no surprises.

Passing the General Knowledge Test lets you move on to the skills test. Don’t waste time studying generic material. Use this practice test that’s built for West Virginia drivers.

West Virginia's commercial driving is defined by the Appalachian Mountains. I-64, I-77, and I-79 cross the state through steep grades, tight curves, and narrow mountain corridors. The West Virginia Turnpike (I-77) is one of the most challenging commercial driving routes in the eastern United States. Our general knowledge practice test mirrors the official West Virginia DMV CDL written exam.

The West Virginia Turnpike features sustained steep grades, sharp curves, and multiple tunnels. The West Virginia Department of Transportation operates runaway truck ramps on the steepest descents. Coal hauling is a major industry, with heavy truck traffic on rural mountain roads. The exam tests grade descent, engine braking, runaway-ramp awareness, and load securement directly.

Topics Covered

✓Vehicle inspection — mandatory for all CDL drivers in WV. You’ll check brakes, lights, tires, and coupling devices before every trip over mountain passes.

✓Basic air brakes — most heavy trucks in West Virginia use air brakes. Know the components, slack adjusters, and how to test for air loss before descending a grade.

✓Safe driving techniques — downhill braking, managing speed on curves, and handling the fog that settles in the Monongahela Valley.

✓Cargo handling — secure loads of coal, timber, or construction equipment. WV has specific rules for tiedowns and wood products.

✓Accident procedures — what to do after a crash on a narrow two-lane road with limited shoulders. Know your reporting duties.

✓Alcohol and drug laws — CDL drivers face stricter limits. Losing your license on a coal haul can cost you your job.

Study Tips

Use the official West Virginia CDL manual — you can download it from the DMV website or pick up a copy at any regional office. Focus Chapter 2 (Driving Safely) and Chapter 5 (Air Brakes). Those sections cover most of the test questions.

Take this practice test at least three times. Review the questions you miss and read the manual explanations. In West Virginia, you’ll also face a pre-trip inspection test later — start memorizing the inspection steps now. Practice saying them out loud.

West Virginia Specific Information

You’ll take the General Knowledge Test at one of the WV DMV’s regional offices — locations in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Beckley, Parkersburg, and others. Most offices require an appointment. Book online at transportation.wv.gov or call your local office. Walk-ins may be accepted but expect longer waits.
Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (like a utility bill), and your current West Virginia driver’s license. The knowledge test fee is $30. If you fail, you can retake it the same day for an additional fee. The skills test costs $50 and requires a separate appointment.
Don’t forget: West Virginia has a 21-year-old minimum age for interstate CDL hauling. If you’re 18 you can drive intrastate only. Make sure you have the right medical card and self‑certification before the test.
The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles requires a knowledge test for all CDL classes; the general knowledge exam is the foundation for every commercial license.
The West Virginia Turnpike (I-77) has sustained steep grades, sharp curves, and tunnels — low-gear descents and engine braking are essential.
Runaway truck ramps exist on multiple mountain descents; knowing how and when to use them is tested.
Coal hauling is a major industry — heavy truck traffic on rural mountain roads requires load securement and weight management.
Winter weather brings snow and ice to mountain routes; the exam tests chain awareness and cold-weather driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ELDT before taking the WV General Knowledge Test?

No. You can take the knowledge test before completing Entry-Level Driver Training. But you’ll need the ELDT certificate before you take the skills test.

How many questions are on the WV CDL General Knowledge Test?

You’ll answer 50 questions. You need 40 correct to pass — that’s the 80% score.

Can I take the test at any WV DMV office?

Most regional offices offer CDL testing, but not all. Check the DMV website for the nearest testing location. Appointments are strongly recommended.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test in West Virginia?

You can retake it the same day. You’ll pay another testing fee. The DMV recommends reviewing your weak spots before trying again.

Is the test available in other languages?

WV offers the CDL knowledge test in Spanish, but you’ll need to request it when making your appointment. The manual is also available in Spanish.

Reviewed by Jack Mahana, CDL Instructor (13+ years)

Last verified: August 2026 · FMCSA-compliant content