What's the Passing Score on the West Virginia CDL General Knowledge Test?
40 out of 50 — 80% — passes West Virginia's CDL General Knowledge test. The threshold is federal; the eligibility requirement around it is West Virginia's own.
A federal bar, a real barrier to entry beforehand
49 CFR Part 383 sets the CDL general knowledge test at 50 questions and 80% nationwide, with West Virginia's DMV administering that standard rather than writing its own.
What West Virginia does set on its own is who can even attempt the test: an applicant needs a Class E, Level 3 GDL, or Class D license, plus a full year of driving experience, before applying for a CLP.
One fee, three tests bundled together
The $25 testing fee covers the General Knowledge test along with the air brakes and combination-vehicle tests, so there's no separate charge for each one individually.
A first-time CDL applicant, and a first-time Passenger, School Bus, or Hazardous Materials endorsement applicant, still needs to complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) regardless of how the knowledge test goes.
The material that actually costs points
Air brake PSI thresholds and hours-of-service caps are memorization, not intuition — get the exact number wrong and the question is wrong, no partial credit for being close.
Cargo securement's 50-mile-then-150-mile recheck sequence is a common one to reverse under pressure.
A missed practice question is only useful if you read the full explanation — the correct letter alone teaches nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can West Virginia require a higher passing score than 80% for the CDL test?
No. 49 CFR Part 383 fixes the CDL general knowledge test at 50 questions and an 80% passing threshold nationwide — West Virginia's DMV administers that federal standard rather than setting its own.
Can anyone apply for a West Virginia CLP, regardless of driving history?
No — an applicant needs a Class E, Level 3 GDL, or Class D license, plus at least one year of driving experience, before applying.
What score should I aim for on practice tests?
Aim for 90% or higher consistently before your appointment. That buffer above the 80% minimum accounts for first-attempt nerves.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free West Virginia cdl practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-24