20 questions from the West Virginia driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When performing a lane change, what specific action is required to check blind spots?
Answer: Look over your shoulder to perform a head check. The handbook instructs drivers to look over their shoulder, known as a head check, to verify blind spots during lane changes.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 40: “checking your blind spots by looking over your shoulder (head check).”
2. What is the mandatory minimum jail sentence for driving while your driver’s license is revoked on a DUI?
Answer: 30 days to six (6) months. The handbook states that the mandatory minimum jail sentence for this specific offense is between 30 days and six months.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 29: “The penalty for driving while your driver’s license is revoked on a DUI is a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days to six (6) months.”
3. Under West Virginia law, what is the consequence for a driver under the age of 21 who has any measurable alcohol in their system?
Answer: They lose their driver’s license. The handbook specifies a zero-tolerance policy where any detectable alcohol results in license loss for drivers under 21.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 31: “This means that if you are under the age of 21 and any amount of alcohol is found in your system, you will lose your driver’s license.”
4. When using the three-to-four second rule to determine following distance, how many seconds should you maintain if it is dark or raining?
Answer: Four seconds. The handbook specifies that the following distance should be increased to at least four seconds during dark or rainy conditions.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 57: “If it is dark or raining, the distance should be at least four seconds.”
5. How many points are deducted from a driver's record upon completing an approved eight-hour defensive driving class?
Answer: Three points. The handbook states that completing the specified defensive driving class results in a deduction of exactly three points.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 28: “You may have three (3) points deducted from your record by completing an approved eight (8) hour defensive driving class.”
6. What is the correct procedure if your oil pressure light comes on?
Answer: Get the vehicle off the road and immediately turn off the engine. The instructions specify getting off the road and turning off the engine immediately when the oil pressure light activates.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 82: “Oil Pressure Light Comes On Get the vehicle off the road and immediately turn off the engine.”
7. What is the recommended duration for a short nap to help reduce drowsiness while driving?
Answer: 10-20 minutes. The handbook specifies that a nap lasting between 10 and 20 minutes is sufficient to significantly improve alertness.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 33: “As little as 10-20 minutes of sleep can make a big difference.”
8. How should you handle a lane closure in a construction zone?
Answer: Move over to the open lane as soon as possible. The handbook advises moving to the open lane early when signs indicate a closure, rather than waiting until the last moment.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 70: “If a lane is closed, signs will be posted well in advance. You should move over to the open lane as soon as possible.”
9. When following another vehicle at night, within what distance should you dim your headlights?
Answer: Within 200 feet of the other vehicle. The handbook states that drivers must dim headlights within 200 feet when following another vehicle to prevent glare.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 72: “When following another vehicle, dim your headlights within 200 feet of the other vehicle.”
10. How should you position your front wheels when parking on a hill with a curb?
Answer: Turn wheels toward the curb. The instructions state that wheels should be turned toward the curb side to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 56: “If you park or stop on a grade, turn the front wheels to the curb side of the highway so the vehicle will not roll.”
11. According to the handbook, how often should you take a rest break during a long trip?
Answer: Every two hours. The handbook states that drivers should take a rest break at least every two hours during long trips.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 75: “If you are on a long trip, take a 10-minute rest break at least every two (2) hours.”
12. If you strike an unattended vehicle, what must you do if you are unable to locate the owner?
Answer: Leave a written notice containing your name, address, license plate number, insurance information, and circumstances of the crash. The handbook specifies that if the owner cannot be located, the driver must leave a detailed written notice at the scene.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 84: “If that is not possible, leave a written notice containing your name, address, license plate number motor vehicle insurance information, and circumstances of the crash.”
13. How far before a turn should a driver activate their turn signal according to the handbook?
Answer: At least 100 feet before planning to turn. The handbook specifies that drivers should signal at least 100 feet in advance to give other drivers time to react.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 53: “Signal at least 100 feet before you plan to turn.”
14. Why is it important to pay attention to guide signs well in advance of an exit?
Answer: To ensure you have enough time to change lanes and exit smoothly. Early attention to signs allows drivers to prepare for lane changes and avoid hazardous last-minute maneuvers.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 67: “This permits ample time to change lanes and exit smoothly.”
15. What should a driver do when starting a vehicle on snow or ice?
Answer: Keep engine speed low and accelerate slowly. The guide advises maintaining low engine speed and smooth acceleration to maintain control when starting on slippery surfaces.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 74: “When starting on snow or ice, keep your engine speed low. Accelerate slowly and smoothly.”
16. What action does the handbook recommend when driving east during sunrise or west during sunset?
Answer: Use the sun visor, wear sunglasses, reduce speed, and increase alertness. The handbook lists specific defensive actions including visor use, sunglasses, slowing down, and heightened alertness for these lighting conditions.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 72: “The proper use of the sun visor, wearing sunglasses, a reduction of speed, and an increase in your alertness would be defensive action.”
17. Where should you go if you need to change drivers or read a map while on an interstate?
Answer: Go to a rest area or exit the interstate. The handbook states that non-emergency stops for tasks like changing drivers or reading maps should occur in rest areas or after exiting, not on the shoulder or gore.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 69: “These activities should be done in a rest area or after exiting the interstate.”
18. If an applicant has vision in only one eye, what is the requirement to pass the vision screening?
Answer: The vision in that eye must be 20/40 or better. The handbook states that individuals with vision in only one eye can pass if that eye meets the same 20/40 standard required for two-eyed vision.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 34: “If you have only one (1) eye, you may be passed if the vision level with that eye is 20/40 or better.”
19. What is the recommended action if your vision is blocked while backing out of a parking space?
Answer: Move back cautiously while watching for pedestrians or vehicles. The handbook advises moving back cautiously and actively watching for hazards if the rear view mirror is insufficient.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 56: “If your vision is blocked, move back cautiously, watching for a pedestrian or vehicle that might suddenly appear.”
20. When driving on an interstate, in which lane should slower traffic generally remain?
Answer: The right-hand lane. The handbook states that slower vehicles belong in the right-hand lane to allow faster traffic to pass.
West Virginia driver handbook, page 67: “Slower traffic should drive in the right-hand lane, except when passing.”