West Virginia · DMV

How to get your CDL permit in West Virginia

In West Virginia you need at least a year of driving experience, then you pass your CDL knowledge tests at a DMV office to get a CLP. The permit lasts up to 1 year and can't be renewed.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DMV sources

Start the free West Virginia permit classroom Official West Virginia CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in West Virginia only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: Check with DMV
Permit valid for: Up to 1 year, not renewable
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid West Virginia Class E or D license with at least 1 year of driving experience, and be at least 18.
2Study the West Virginia CDL Manual for your class and endorsements.
3Fill out form DMV-CDL-1 and choose your commerce type. Have your examiner send your medical certificate if you need one.
4Bring your documents to a DMV office and pay the testing fee.
5Pass the vision test, the General Knowledge test, and any class or endorsement tests you need.
6Practice for at least 14 days with a CDL holder age 21 or older in the seat beside you.
7Before your skills test, finish Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
8Contact a certified third-party examiner to schedule your skills test.

What to bring

Your valid West Virginia Class E or D license
One proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card
One proof of Social Security number (card, W-2 or 1099)
Two proofs of West Virginia residency
Your completed application (DMV-CDL-1)

Medical card

You choose one of four commerce types on your application. Medical certificates must be sent electronically by your medical provider, and yours must be no more than 2 years old with at least 30 days left.

Fees

Skills test (third-party examiner)Paid to the examiner.	$100
Endorsement	$10 each
Missed skills testNo-show fee.	$50

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsements as needed

Testing in West Virginia

Knowledge tests are given in person at DMV offices, not online.
If you fail any part of the knowledge exam, wait 7 days before retesting.
A vision test is required.
Skills tests are given only by certified third-party examiners. HazMat can't be taken as an oral exam.

Study for these tests in the West Virginia classroom

Good to know in West Virginia

West Virginia requires 1 year of licensed driving before you can get a CLP, which is stricter than federal rules.
Your permit can't be renewed, so plan to finish training and testing within the year.
If your medical certificate expires, your CDL is downgraded after 10 days.
Before paying a CDL school, check that it is still listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. Thousands of providers were removed in 2025–2026.

Confirm with DMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The knowledge test fee: the DMV website lists $25, while the manual lists $32.50 for 3 attempts — confirm with DMV.
Which languages the knowledge tests are offered in.
West Virginia's current policy on non-domiciled permits and CDLs.
Whether you need an appointment for knowledge tests.
The exact vision standard.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam West Virginia gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with DMV before you apply.