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  • Updated for December 2024
  • Based on 2024 WV commercial driver's license manual

Free West Virginia CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2024

Welcome to our West Virginia General Knowledge test! This free West Virginia CDL permit practice test and others like it will help you prepare to pass the official General Knowledge written test. The practice test is based on the official West Virginia Commercial Driver’s Manual and up to date as of December, 2024, just like the official knowledge test. But unlike the official test, each of the 50 practice questions comes with a helpful hint and an explanation of the correct answer. This practice test contains questions on such topics as special road conditions, transporting cargo, shifting, braking, and emergency preparedness. Passing the official test (with a score of at least 80%) is just one of a series of requirements you must meet to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

There are three classes of CDLs. A Class A CDL allows you to operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more in which the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. To drive semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, this is the class of CDL you want. A Class B CDL allows you to operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or to tow a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds. This license is suitable for buses and straight trucks, including most dump trucks. A Class C CDL allows you to operate relatively smaller vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials or 16 or more occupants (including the driver). Decide which class of CDL you want to apply for, based on the types of vehicles you expect to be driving in your career.

Pass the official General Knowledge written test and submit to a medical examination to certify that you’re physically fit to operate commercial vehicles. Then you may apply for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), which will allow you to practice commercial driving under supervision.

A word about driving in West Virginia: West Virginia’s mountainous terrain can be challenging to drive in, especially during the winter. Mountain roads, even major roads like US-60 (the Midland Trail), typically have steep grades and hairpin curves (switchbacks) to follow the natural topography of the mountains. And mountain roads can be foggy. But if you study hard and practice intensively, it won’t be long before you’ll be traveling safely on those roads as a new commercial driver!

Test-taking tip: If “All of the above” is one of the answer choices, you can eliminate it if you can find any other answer choice that’s a wrong answer. Having eliminated two answer choices at once, you can now choose only between the remaining answer choices.

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WV commercial driver's license
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of our program is paramount. Learn more about our rigorous standards in our Commitment to Accuracy article.

What to expect on the actual WV DMV exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. What are the purposes of the Driver License Compact?
  2. What can you do at an accident scene to help avoid another accident?
  3. What is a common cause of tire fires?
  4. Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
  5. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
  6. To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for?
  7. Which of the following is a key steering component?
  8. Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?
  9. Total stopping distance equals
  10. For how long will you lose your CDL driving privileges if you are convicted of a second DUI offense in either a CMV or your private vehicle?
  11. How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
  12. To help you stay alert and safe while driving, you should
  13. Starting the engine and inspecting the cab involves each of the following tasks EXCEPT
  14. If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap?
  15. During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for
  16. How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?
  17. What is the gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
  18. Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial motor vehicle requires?
  19. Do empty trucks have the best braking?
  20. You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
  21. Why is it important to use a helper when backing?
  22. To prevent drowsiness on your trips, you should
  23. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  24. In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
  25. Letting the air out of hot tires
  26. When you start to drive down a steep downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed?
  27. How can you start moving without rolling backward?
  28. Always try to back toward the driver's side because
  29. Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
  30. What is the definition of a hazard?
  31. Which of the following is NOT something you should check during a trip?
  32. How often must you stop to check your cargo while on the road?
  33. Hazardous materials placards are
  34. Which of the following statements about retarders are correct?
  35. What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
  36. What will help a drunk sober up?
  37. The minimum tire tread depth for front tires is
  38. You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
  39. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, what should you do?
  40. Why should you cover your cargo?
  41. How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
  42. What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
  43. If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to brake to a stop?
  44. On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
  45. It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery?
  46. While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?
  47. Before transporting a sealed load, you must check
  48. The most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on is
  49. An antilock braking system (ABS) will
  50. On wet roads, you should reduce your speed by
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