West Virginia permit test: vehicle equipment
Illegal equipment and vehicle conditions under the state inspection law. 10 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember7 key vehicle equipment rulesShow the rules
- The test vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker and proof of insurance before it can be used for the road skills test. (p. 35, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- A broken or cracked windshield is on the handbook's list of illegal equipment, along with holes in the body and broken lenses. (p. 35, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Applicants must know where all safety equipment is and how to use it; failing to locate and demonstrate any of it is an automatic failure. (p. 35, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Windows tinted to let through less than 35 percent of light are illegal equipment. (p. 35, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- Having more than one spotlight is illegal equipment, so a car may have at most one. (p. 35, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- On ice or packed snow, always apply the brakes gently and smoothly, and release them at the first hint of slipping. (p. 74, Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026) (opens the handbook))
- A sticker showing the month and year of your next inspection goes on the windshield, and it is against the law to remove it. (p. 74, 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 vehicle equipment questions
1.How far may a load stick out past the fenders on the RIGHT side of a passenger car?
- A18 inches
- B12 inches
- CNot at all
- D6 inches
Show the answer
✓ D. 6 inches
A load may not extend beyond the fender line on the left side, or more than 6 inches past the fender line on the right side.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 35
2.Which of these is illegal equipment on a passenger car?
- AA working horn
- BSeat belts in every seat
- CTwo backup lights
- DA cracked windshield
Show the answer
✓ D. A cracked windshield
A broken or cracked windshield is on the handbook's list of illegal equipment, along with holes in the body and broken lenses.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 35
3.Which lights are illegal on a private passenger car in West Virginia?
- ARed or blue flashing lights
- BOne spotlight
- CTwo fender lights
- DTwo backup lights
Show the answer
✓ A. Red or blue flashing lights
Only authorized emergency vehicles may have red or blue flashing warning lights.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 35
4.Your car passed the state inspection. What may you NOT do with the new windshield sticker?
- AShow it to an officer
- BCheck its expiration month
- CRemove it
- DLeave it in place
Show the answer
✓ C. Remove it
A sticker showing the month and year of your next inspection goes on the windshield, and it is against the law to remove it.
Source: Driver's Licensing Handbook - State of West Virginia (Revised 07/2026), page 74