WV DMV Permit Test key terms

The legal priority to proceed through an intersection or roadway space when other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians must wait. It is never taken by force; it is yielded or given, and drivers who fail to yield can be cited.

An intersection where all approaching traffic faces a stop sign. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived; if two arrive at the same time, the driver on the right goes first, and a driver turning left yields to oncoming traffic.

A downward-pointing red-and-white triangle meaning you must slow down and let cross traffic, pedestrians, or merging vehicles go before you enter or cross their path. Stop completely if necessary to avoid conflict.

An eight-sided red sign with white letters requiring a complete halt at the marked stop line or before the crosswalk. You must check for traffic and pedestrians before moving, and a rolling stop is a violation.

The gap you keep behind the vehicle ahead, measured in seconds. Under normal conditions the recommended minimum is three seconds; add more time in rain, snow, darkness, or when following large trucks or motorcycles.

A method for checking following distance: watch the car ahead pass a fixed object, then count seconds until you reach it. Two seconds is the minimum in ideal conditions, and three or more is safer.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle, which reduces your reaction time and is a leading cause of rear-end crashes. It is unsafe and can be cited as following too closely.

The distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it stops. It grows with speed and is much longer on wet, icy, or gravel surfaces, so you should slow down before curves and hills.

The maximum lawful speed for a road under good conditions, posted on white rectangular signs. Driving faster than the limit, or faster than conditions safely allow, is a violation even if you are under the posted number.

The principle that you must never drive faster than is reasonable and prudent for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Fog, rain, ice, traffic, and road construction may require speeds well below the maximum.

An area near a school where lower speed limits apply during posted hours or when children are present. Watch for flashing signals, crossing guards, and children stepping into the road unexpectedly.

A marked or unmarked path where pedestrians cross a roadway. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk is dangerous and generally illegal.

A circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise around a center island. Enter by yielding to vehicles already circulating, keep right of the island, and use your turn signal when exiting.

An acceleration lane that lets you build speed to join moving traffic on a highway. Signal, match the speed of traffic, and adjust your gap rather than stopping at the end of the lane.

A stretch of road where passing is permitted, typically marked by a broken yellow line on your side. Passing is prohibited on hills, curves, at intersections, and where signs or solid lines forbid it.

A section of road where overtaking another vehicle is illegal, marked by a solid yellow line on your side, a double solid yellow line, or a sign. It exists where sight distance or road design makes passing unsafe.

The pavement marking separating traffic moving in opposite directions. A broken yellow line allows passing when safe; a solid yellow line means no passing; double yellow lines mean neither direction may pass.

The light that announces your intention to turn or change lanes. Signal at least 100 feet before turning in normal traffic and cancel it after completing the maneuver so other drivers are not misled.

Moving from one travel lane to another. Check mirrors, signal, check your blind spot over your shoulder, and confirm the lane is clear before moving gradually, maintaining your speed.

The area beside and behind your vehicle that mirrors do not show. You must turn your head to check it before changing lanes, merging, or backing, because a vehicle can hide there unnoticed.

When tires ride on a thin layer of water and lose contact with the pavement, causing loss of steering and braking control. Ease off the accelerator without hard braking and slow down in heavy rain.

A place where tracks cross a road, marked by signs, pavement markings, or flashing lights and gates. Slow down, look both ways, never stop on the tracks, and never drive around lowered gates.

A white X-shaped sign with the words Railroad Crossing at a grade crossing. It means yield to trains; when combined with a stop line or stop sign, you must stop before proceeding.

The rules and habits that protect people on foot: yield at crosswalks, give room when passing, watch for children and people with disabilities, and never assume a pedestrian sees your vehicle.

A pattern of unsafe behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, weaving, and cutting off other drivers, often triggered by frustration. It escalates risk and can lead to road rage; stay calm and do not respond in kind.

An extreme, often violent reaction by a driver to a traffic dispute. If you encounter it, avoid eye contact, do not retaliate, and drive to a public place or police station if you feel threatened.

A restricted license issued after passing the knowledge test that lets a new driver practice under supervision. West Virginia applicants under 18 must meet age, school, and supervised driving requirements before advancing.

A staged system that moves new drivers from a learner permit to an intermediate license and then a full license, adding privileges as experience grows. Each stage carries restrictions on passengers and driving hours.

The stage after the learner permit that allows driving without a supervising adult but with limits, such as nighttime driving curfews and passenger restrictions. Violations can delay eligibility for a full license.

The written or computer-based exam on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving required before a learner permit is issued. It is usually paired with a vision screening.

A check that your eyesight meets the minimum standard for driving, required when applying for a permit or license. Applicants who fail may need corrective lenses or an eye care professional's evaluation.

Documentation showing your vehicle meets the state's minimum liability coverage requirements. Drivers must be able to show it when registering a vehicle or when requested by law enforcement.

The official record and certificate that identify a vehicle as legally registered for road use. It must be kept current, and driving an unregistered vehicle is a violation.

The numbered tag mounted on a vehicle that identifies it to authorities. It must be visible, properly attached, and kept free of obstruction; altered or missing plates can lead to a stop.

The requirement that drivers and passengers wear seat belts, and that children be secured in approved child safety seats. In West Virginia, officers may enforce seat belt use as a primary offense.

A specially designed restraint for infants and young children, chosen by age, height, and weight, and installed per the manufacturer's instructions. It should be replaced after a crash and never placed in front of an active airbag.

The padded support at the top of a seat that limits head movement in a rear-end crash, reducing neck injury. It should be adjusted so its top is at least level with the top of your ears.

A style of driving that anticipates hazards and assumes other drivers may make mistakes. It means scanning ahead, keeping space around your vehicle, and being ready to react instead of relying on others' caution.

The technique for regaining control when tires lose traction: ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go, and avoid slamming the brakes.