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West Virginia driver handbook guide

West Virginia driver handbook guide.

Use this guide to navigate the 22 chapters in the handbook edition behind Roadwise’s West Virginia course. Read the source, look up a rule in the study app, or work through 53 companion lessons.

Read the handbook in Roadwise Open source PDF
Handbook chapters
22
Source PDF pages
90
Companion lessons
53
Licensing agency
DMV

A way through the handbook

Start with the application and licensing material that applies to your age and license type. Then work through the driving rules, signs, and safe-driving chapters. A rule is easier to remember when you can explain what it asks you to do in a real road situation.

For a quick refresher, use the chapter list below. For a deeper study session, follow a companion lesson and its checkpoint questions. The page numbers refer to this course’s source edition and may differ from the newest agency edition.

Chapter list

  1. Introduction Source p. 1
  2. Definitions Source p. 9
  3. Driver's License Information Source p. 11
  4. Graduated Driver's License Source p. 19
  5. Motorcycle Permits and Driver's License Fees Source p. 24
  6. Driver Responsibilities Source p. 26
  7. Point System and Revocations Source p. 28
  8. Driving Impaired or Under the Influence Source p. 31
  9. Examination Procedures and Requirements Source p. 34
  10. Road Skills Test Source p. 37
  11. Traffic Control Devices Source p. 44
  12. Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings Source p. 49
  13. Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road Source p. 52
  14. Parking and Following Distance Source p. 55
  15. Passing and Right-of-Way Source p. 58
  16. Sharing the Road Source p. 60
  17. Driving on Interstates Source p. 67
  18. Defensive Driving Source p. 71
  19. Safety Equipment Source p. 77
  20. Emergency Situations Source p. 80
  21. If You Are Involved in a Crash Source p. 84
  22. Litter and Vehicle Waste Source p. 87

What you will find in each chapter

Chapter 1 · source p. 1

Introduction

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Other Important Telephone Numbers (Area Code 304)
  • Where To Test Or Apply For A Driver’S License
  • Office Locations
  • Foreword
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 2 · source p. 9

Definitions

This chapter’s sections include:

  • DEFINITIONS
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 3 · source p. 11

Driver's License Information

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Who Must Be Licensed to Drive?
  • Who is Exempt?
  • Who Can Be Denied a Driver’s License?
  • Licensing Requirements
  • Chapter I
  • “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION” Card Requirements
  • “FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION” (REAL ID) Card Requirements
  • Acceptable Proof Of Identity Documents
  • Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
  • Acceptable Proof Of Social Security Number
  • Original Wage and Tax Statement (W-2)
  • 1099 form
  • Proof Documents Required to Obtain a Driver’s License
  • Certified marriage certificate
  • If you are age 50 or over
  • Acceptable Proof Of West Virginia Residency
  • National Driver Registry: Problem Driver Point System (PDPS)
  • First-Time Applicant
  • New Resident
  • In-State Change of Address
  • Duplicate Driver’s License
  • Expired Driver’s License
  • Driver’s License Color-Coding for Ages 15-17
  • Immigrants
  • Non-Immigrants
  • Refugees
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 4 · source p. 19

Graduated Driver's License

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Regular Instruction Permit - Ages 18 and Over
  • Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit
  • Level 2 GDL Intermediate Driver’s License
  • Levels 1 and 2 GDL Violations and Convictions
  • Level 3 License GDL
  • Driver’s License Restrictions
  • Drive for Five
  • U.S. Selective Service
  • Driver’s License and ID Card Designations
  • Diabetic, Deaf, or Hard of Hearing Designations
  • Organ Donor Designation
  • Veterans Designation
  • Carry Your Driver’s License
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 5 · source p. 24

Motorcycle Permits and Driver's License Fees

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Motorcycle Instruction Permit
  • Motorcycle Endorsement (F Endorsement)
  • Motorcycle-Only Driver’s License (Class F License)
  • Motorcycle Rider Training Courses
  • Driver’S License Fees
  • 18th Birthday
  • Until age 18
  • Until age 21
  • Motorcycle*
  • Instruction Permit
  • Driver’s License
  • Driver’s License For Federal Use Driver’S Licenses And Identification Cards
  • Standard Classes “E” & “F” Driver’S Licenses
  • Documents To Keep In Your Vehicle
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 6 · source p. 26

Driver Responsibilities

This chapter’s sections include:

  • School Attendance for Minors
  • How to Refer an Unsafe Driver
  • Telephone: (304) 926‑3961
  • Re-examination of Drivers
  • Crashes
  • Compulsory Insurance
  • Chapter Ii
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 7 · source p. 28

Point System and Revocations

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Point System
  • Driving in Other States
  • Failure to Comply with In-State Citations
  • Fraudulent Use of Driver’s Licenses
  • Mandatory Driver’s License Revocation
  • DMV Online Services
  • Offenses
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 8 · source p. 31

Driving Impaired or Under the Influence

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Driving Impaired Or Under The Influence
  • Under Age Drinking and Driving
  • Designated Driver
  • Knowing Your Limits
  • Other Drugs
  • Implied Consent and the Chemical Test
  • Penalties for Driving Under the Influence
  • Jail
  • How Does a DUI Affect Your Driving Privileges?
  • Drowsy Driving Is Impaired Driving
  • How to Prevent Drowsy Driving
  • Signs That Another Driver May Be Drowsy
  • Signs That You are Drowsy While Driving
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 9 · source p. 34

Examination Procedures and Requirements

This chapter’s sections include:

  • A Message From Your Examiners
  • Vision Screening
  • Knowledge Examination
  • DUI Awareness Cards
  • Vehicle Check
  • Illegal Equipment x YOU MUST DEMONSTRATE PROPER USE OF
  • x ADDITIONAL TEST VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS x THESE FEATURES MUST BE FULLY FUNCTIONAL
  • Your Driving Examination
  • Retest Information
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 10 · source p. 37

Road Skills Test

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test
  • Instructions
  • Scoring
  • Left Side or Right Side Parallel Parking
  • Forward Two-Point and Reverse Two-Point Turnabout
  • Three-Point Turnabout
  • Automatic Failures
  • Road Test
  • Turns
  • Intersections
  • Urban Area Driving
  • Lane Changes
  • Curves
  • Traffic Signs
  • General Driving
  • Road Skills Test Automatic Failures
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 11 · source p. 44

Traffic Control Devices

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Octagon
  • Triangle (upside down)
  • Pennant
  • Circle
  • Pentagon
  • Triangle (right side up)
  • Square & Rectangular Signs
  • Diamond & Warning Signs
  • Construction and Maintenance Signs
  • Channeling Devices
  • Flashing Arrow Panels
  • Flaggers
  • Construction and Maintenance Signs and Devices
  • Guide Signs
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 12 · source p. 49

Traffic Signals and Pavement Markings

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals
  • Traffic Lights
  • Intersection Flashers
  • Crosswalk Signals
  • Pavement Markings
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 13 · source p. 52

Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Basic Speed Law
  • Chapter Vi
  • Speed Limits
  • Driving Slowly
  • Driving Signals
  • Simple Safety Rule
  • Turning Maneuvers
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 14 · source p. 55

Parking and Following Distance

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Changing Direction
  • Backing Up
  • Parking Maneuvers
  • Prohibited Parking (§17C‑13‑3, W. Va. State Code)
  • Angle Parking (§17C‑13‑4, W. Va. State Code)
  • Parking on Hills
  • Metered Parking
  • Parallel Parking (§17C‑13‑4, W. Va. State Code)
  • Following Distance
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 15 · source p. 58

Passing and Right-of-Way

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Changing Lanes
  • Passing
  • DON’T RUSH. Stop and give time to those who
  • Right‑of‑Way
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 16 · source p. 60

Sharing the Road

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Sharing the Road with Pedestrians
  • School Bus Rules
  • Tailgating
  • Headlights and Their Use
  • Sharing the Road with Motorcycles
  • Sharing the Road with Slow Vehicles
  • Sharing the Road with Heavy Trucks The “No‑Zone”
  • Sharing the Road with Animal Riders
  • Sharing the Road with Bicycles
  • Safety DOs
  • Safety DON’Ts
  • Truck Safety
  • Sharing the Road with Joggers
  • Children at Play
  • Sharing the Road with Public Buses
  • Parking for the Mobility Impaired
  • Drivers with Disabilities
  • Notice on ADA Compliance and Grievances
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 17 · source p. 67

Driving on Interstates

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Driving On Interstates
  • Route Numbering and Navigation
  • Planning Ahead
  • Entering an Interstate
  • Exiting an Interstate
  • Exit Lanes
  • Stopping on an Interstate
  • Speeds on Interstates
  • Adverse Conditions
  • U‑Turns
  • Construction Zones
  • Simple Safety Rule
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 18 · source p. 71

Defensive Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Bad Driving Habits
  • Laziness
  • Impatience
  • Inattention
  • Arrogance and Aggressiveness
  • Concentration
  • Light Conditions
  • Rain
  • Flooding
  • Snow and Sleet
  • High Winds
  • Fog and Smoke
  • Road Conditions
  • Vehicle Conditions (State Inspection Law)
  • Driver Conditions
  • Fatigue
  • Emotional States
  • Traffic Conditions
  • Traffic Situations
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 19 · source p. 77

Safety Equipment

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Risk Reduction for Infants and Toddlers
  • Eight Simple Steps To Safe And Happy Driving
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 20 · source p. 80

Emergency Situations

This chapter’s sections include:

  • What to Check Before Driving
  • Blowouts
  • Brake Failure
  • Overheating Engine
  • Skids
  • Stuck Gas Pedal
  • Wheels Off the Road
  • Steering Fails
  • Headlights Fail
  • Fire in Vehicle
  • Vehicle Approaching in Your Lane
  • Stalling on Railroad Tracks
  • Oil Pressure Light Comes On
  • Dead Battery
  • Automobile Emergency Kit & First Aid Kit The Basic First Aid Kit
  • First Aid
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 21 · source p. 84

If You Are Involved in a Crash

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Good Samaritan Law
  • If You are Involved In A Crash
  • Important Crash Rule
  • What should I do if I need assistance?
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 22 · source p. 87

Litter and Vehicle Waste

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Project Overview
  • Your Vehicle Waste!
Open this handbook chapter

Turn the reading into a study routine

The West Virginia course groups the source material into 10 units. Each lesson includes handbook page references, examples, and a checkpoint in the study app.

Unit 1 · 8 lessons

Your License

Documents, GDL levels, permits and renewal

  1. Key terms the test uses
  2. Who needs a license, and applying for the first time
  3. Proof documents: identity, Social Security, name and residency
  4. REAL ID, renewal, duplicates and license colors
  5. Restrictions, designations, fees and papers to carry
  6. Level 1 GDL instruction permit (age 15+)
  7. Level 2 intermediate license and Level 3
  8. Adult permits, Class E, and motorcycle licensing

Unit 2 · 5 lessons

Driver Responsibilities

Insurance, phones, points, suspensions

  1. Insurance and reporting a crash
  2. Phones and other devices while driving
  3. The point system
  4. Suspension, revocation and out-of-state tickets
  5. School attendance, unsafe drivers and re-examination

Unit 3 · 4 lessons

Alcohol, Drugs, and Fatigue

BAC limits, implied consent, DUI penalties

  1. Alcohol, BAC limits and zero tolerance
  2. Implied consent and other drugs
  3. DUI penalties and the Interlock Program
  4. Drowsy driving

Unit 4 · 4 lessons

Testing for Your License

Knowledge exam, vision, vehicle check and road test

  1. The knowledge exam and vision screening
  2. Your test vehicle and illegal equipment
  3. Basic control skills test and scoring
  4. The road test: what the examiner scores

Unit 5 · 7 lessons

Signs, Signals, and Markings

Shapes, colors, lights and pavement lines

  1. Sign shapes you must know
  2. Regulatory signs: what you must and must not do
  3. Warning signs
  4. Work zone and guide signs
  5. Railroad crossings and traffic lights
  6. Lane-use and crosswalk signals
  7. Pavement markings

Unit 6 · 7 lessons

Rules of the Road

Speed, turning, parking, passing, right-of-way

  1. Speed limits and the basic speed law
  2. Signals, turns, turnarounds and backing
  3. Where you may not stop or park
  4. Angle, hill and parallel parking
  5. Following distance, lane changes and tailgaters
  6. Passing and being passed
  7. Right-of-way

Unit 7 · 5 lessons

Sharing the Road

Pedestrians, buses, cyclists, trucks and night driving

  1. Pedestrians and school buses
  2. Motorcycles and bicycles
  3. Sharing the road with trucks
  4. Headlights and driving at night
  5. Farm vehicles, riders, joggers, children and disabled drivers

Unit 8 · 3 lessons

Driving on Interstates

Entering, exiting, speed and work zones

  1. Interstate routes, entering and exiting
  2. Interstate speed, stopping and breakdowns
  3. U-turns and construction zones

Unit 9 · 6 lessons

Defensive Driving and Weather

Habits, hazards, conditions and safety equipment

  1. Defensive driving and bad habits
  2. Rain, flooding, snow, wind and fog
  3. Road, vehicle and driver conditions
  4. Traffic conditions and crash situations
  5. Seat belts, head restraints, ABS and air bags
  6. Child passengers and personal safety

Unit 10 · 4 lessons

Emergencies and Crashes

Vehicle failures, crash response, first aid

  1. Pre-drive checks, blowouts, brake failure and overheating
  2. Skids, stuck pedals, fires and other emergencies
  3. If you are in a crash
  4. Emergency kits, Courtesy Patrol and litter laws