What minimum following interval does the handbook specify when there is ice or snow?
Correct answer: At least six seconds.
The handbook calls for at least six seconds on ice or snow; difficult conditions may require even more room and lower speed.
Source: West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Revised 07/2026 — printed p 47 (physical PDF p 57), Following Distance — ice or snow. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A driver continues following too closely. A safe place to pull off is available. What is an appropriate way to end the conflict?
Correct answer: Pull over safely and let the driver pass.
The handbook's final tailgating response is to pull over, stop and let the vehicle pass. Do not turn the encounter into a contest.
Source: West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Revised 07/2026 — printed p 51 (physical PDF p 61), Tailgating. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
No different limit is established and conditions do not require a lower speed. What limit applies to an ordinary car in a West Virginia business or residence district?
Correct answer: 25 mph.
The statutory default for business and residence districts is 25 mph. A posted lawful alteration or a hazard can require a different or lower speed.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-6-1(a), (b)(2), and alteration clause. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
During school opening hours, children are going to school in a properly designated school zone on an ordinary street. What statutory speed limit applies?
Correct answer: 15 mph.
The school-zone limit is 15 mph during recess or while children go to or leave school during opening or closing hours. This is not the separate fenced controlled-access-highway exception.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-6-1(b)(1). Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
The only way to pass a slower car now would be to exceed the posted limit. What does the West Virginia handbook direct?
Correct answer: Do not make that pass; passing does not authorize speeding.
The handbook explicitly says exceeding the speed limit while passing is illegal. Wait for a safe, legal opportunity.
Source: West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Revised 07/2026 — printed p 66 (physical PDF p 76), Traffic Situations — When You Pass. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A car with hazard flashers is stopped beside a highway with four or more lanes, including at least two in your direction. The farther lane is safely available. What must you do?
Correct answer: Change to the nonadjacent lane with caution and reduce speed to a safe level.
The current move-over rule includes stationary vehicles displaying hazard lights, not only emergency vehicles. On the qualifying multilane highway, change away when safe and reduce speed.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-14-9a(a), (a)(1). Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Changing lanes away from a qualifying stationary warning-lit vehicle would be unsafe. What maximum passing speeds does the statute prescribe?
Correct answer: 15 mph on a nondivided road; 25 mph on a divided highway, slower if conditions require.
When a lane change is impossible or unsafe, the statute sets these maximums while requiring due caution and a safe speed for conditions.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-14-9a(a)(2). Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
An oncoming school bus stops to unload children on an ordinary two-way street with flashing red warning lights. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop before reaching the bus and wait until the bus moves, the driver signals you through, or the warning signals stop.
The stop requirement applies to traffic meeting or overtaking the bus from either direction. Do not substitute a visual guess about where a child will walk.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-12-7(a), first paragraph. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You are on a controlled-access highway. A loading school bus is on a different roadway and pedestrians are not permitted to cross your roadway. Does its warning signal require your car to stop?
Correct answer: No; this situation fits the specific statutory exception.
The exception requires the controlled-access setting and a bus on a different roadway or adjacent to the highway where pedestrians cannot cross. A generic divided-road label alone is not enough.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-12-7(a), second paragraph proviso. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
When lawfully overtaking a bicycle traveling in your direction, what minimum clearance and speed approach apply?
Correct answer: At least 3 feet at a careful, reduced speed.
Pass left with at least 3 feet of clearance, at a careful and reduced speed, and do not return right until safely clear.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-7-3(a)(2). Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You approach a horse and rider along the road. What does the handbook advise?
Correct answer: Use care and avoid sounding the horn near the horse.
Take precautions to avoid frightening the horse. A sudden horn blast can cause an unpredictable reaction and a crash.
Source: West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Revised 07/2026 — printed p 53 (physical PDF p 63), Sharing the Road with Animal Riders. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
Before opening the car door on the traffic side after parking, what should you do?
Correct answer: Check carefully for bicycles, motorcycles and other approaching traffic.
The handbook warns that approaching road users may not see an opening door soon enough. Look before opening it.
Source: West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Revised 07/2026 — printed p 45 (physical PDF p 55), Parking Maneuvers — leaving the vehicle. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
What dimming distances apply for an approaching vehicle and one you are following, when not overtaking?
Correct answer: 500 feet approaching and 200 feet following.
Current law requires avoiding high-beam glare within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and using a lower distribution within 200 feet behind another vehicle, except during overtaking.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-15-21(b)–(c). Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
It is daytime but raining on a highway. Must an ordinary car display its required headlights?
Correct answer: Yes; rain is an expressly listed condition requiring lights.
The law requires ordinary vehicle headlights from sunset to sunrise, during fog, smoke, rain or other unfavorable conditions, and when persons or vehicles cannot be clearly seen 500 feet ahead.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-15-2, first paragraph. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A railroad warning signal indicates an approaching train. How far from the nearest rail must you stop?
Correct answer: At least 15 feet and no more than 50 feet.
The statutory stop zone is 15–50 feet from the nearest rail. Remain stopped until crossing is safe and do not evade a gate.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-12-1(a). Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
You are traveling below the normal traffic speed on a multilane road and are neither passing nor preparing a left turn. Which lane should you generally use?
Correct answer: The available right-hand lane.
The slower-traffic rule directs drivers to the available right-hand lane or as close as practicable to the right edge, with stated passing and left-turn exceptions.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-7-1(b). Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
With no sign directing a different path, how should you approach and make an ordinary right turn?
Correct answer: As close as practicable to the right-hand curb or road edge.
Both the approach and turn should stay as close as practicable to the right edge. Check for vulnerable road users and any different posted turn path.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-8-2(a); §17C-8-5. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
May you coast an ordinary car down a long grade with the transmission in neutral?
Correct answer: No; coasting downhill in neutral is prohibited.
Keep a suitable gear engaged for control. The statute prohibits neutral coasting on a downgrade.
Source: Current West Virginia Code — §17C-14-8(a). Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
What does overdriving your headlights mean?
Correct answer: Driving too fast to stop within the road you can clearly see in the beams.
At night, speed must allow a stop within the illuminated distance. More powerful lamps do not remove the need to adjust speed.
Source: West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Revised 07/2026 — printed p 62 (physical PDF p 72), Light Conditions — overdriving headlights. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
A vehicle approaches in your lane. What does the handbook recommend instead of swerving into the lane it just left?
Correct answer: Move right, slow down and warn the other driver while keeping control.
The other driver may return to the proper lane. The handbook recommends moving right and reducing speed rather than creating a second head-on conflict.
Source: West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, Revised 07/2026 — printed p 72 (physical PDF p 82), Vehicle Approaching in Your Lane. Reviewed September 29, 2026. ↗
