West Virginia permit test: speed and following distance
The basic speed law, speed limits, driving slowly, following distance and tailgating. 20 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key speed and following distance rulesShow the rules
- The designated limit for business and residential areas is 25 mph. (p. 52, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Signal at least 100 feet before you plan to turn so other drivers have time to react. (p. 53, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- On ice or snow, stay at least six seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. (p. 57, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Following too closely causes most rear-end collisions; keep a space cushion ahead of your vehicle. (p. 57, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Park with the right-hand wheels parallel to and within 18 inches of the curb; about 6 inches is ideal. (p. 57, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- When it is dark or raining, keep at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead. (p. 57, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Even though fewer miles are driven at night, the fatal crash rate is three times greater than for day driving. (p. 61, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Use headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever fog, smoke, rain or other conditions keep you from seeing people and vehicles clearly at 500 feet. (p. 61, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Keep at least three to four seconds behind a motorcycle, and increase the distance at night and in bad weather. (p. 61, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Use low beams in fog; high beams reflect light back into your eyes. (p. 61, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed and following distance questions
1.A school zone includes the street next to school grounds. How far along that street from the grounds does it extend?
- A250 feet
- B125 feet
- C50 feet
- D500 feet
Show the answer
✓ B. 125 feet
A school zone covers school property and any abutting street for 125 feet from the grounds. The limit there is 15 mph while children are present.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 52
2.Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in a business or residential area?
- A35 mph
- B25 mph
- C15 mph
- D30 mph
Show the answer
✓ B. 25 mph
The designated limit for business and residential areas is 25 mph. School zones drop to 15 mph while children are present along the road.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 52
3.When may an ambulance exceed the posted speed limit?
- AOn emergency duty with its signals on
- BAny time it is out on the road
- CNever; it must obey every limit
- DOnly when driving on interstates
Show the answer
✓ A. On emergency duty with its signals on
Authorized emergency vehicles on emergency duty with their signal equipment operating may exceed the limit, as long as others are not endangered.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 52
4.It is dark and raining. What is the minimum following distance you should keep?
- A2 seconds
- B10 seconds
- C3 seconds
- D4 seconds
Show the answer
✓ D. 4 seconds
When it is dark or raining, keep at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 57