CHARLESTON, WV — West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Everett Frazier is pleased to announce that over 80,000 knowledge tests have been taken online through DMV's secure online services portal since its implementation in February 2021. The online knowledge test saves customers time, and is a benefit for those who get test anxiety.
"We are thrilled to see so many customers take advantage of the online driver's license knowledge test. We recognize that some people simply don't do as well with test-taking, and being able to do it securely from the comfort and convenience of home is a real benefit," said Commissioner Frazier.
For customers to use the online services portal to take the knowledge test, they must have access to a computer with a camera, mouse, and keyboard. Go to the DMV website at dmv.wv.gov, and click on the Online Services Portal at the top of the page. From there, simply choose the "Drivers" column, and then the link to "Register now and immediately take your knowledge test online.” Notes and tips to assist customers in taking the online knowledge test may be found here before beginning: https://transportation.wv.gov/DMV/Drivers/Pages/What-You-Should-Know.aspx.
After customers pass the test, they will still need to come into a regional office to present their documents and have their picture taken, but the online testing process significantly cuts down the time needed in an office, and also often makes anxious test-takers feel more comfortable.
Several high schools across the state are also using the DMV's online services portal in their Driver's Education classes. Teachers are able to assist students with logging in, and then the students may take the online knowledge test at school, which is a benefit especially if students may not have access to a computer with keyboard, mouse, and camera built in at home. Test scores are good for 30 days after a passing score, which gives customers plenty of time to visit a regional office at their convenience. DMV recommends that you take advantage of their appointment scheduling system to make the process even easier and more efficient.
"It's exciting to see that our efforts to provide more convenience and options to our customers are really being utilized," said Commissioner Frazier. "We have a strong Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program that emphasizes safety and supervised driving to not only make our roads safer, but help new drivers feel more comfortable and confident behind the wheel."
In addition to the online knowledge testing option, over this past summer DMV introduced a partnership with the Parent's Supervised Driving Program, which provides guidebooks for new drivers, as well as an "app" for parents and caregivers to download to make training and monitoring new drivers easier. The RoadReady mobile app is available for iPhones at the App Store and for Android on Google Play.
"Safety on our roadways for all drivers is one of DMV's biggest priorities, and we are fortunate to have strong safety and enforcement programs and messaging through the Governor's Highway Safety Program," said Commissioner Frazier. "I also plan to continue exploring new and innovative technology to bring convenience to our customers--not just the drivers, but everyone who owns a vehicle, our commercial drivers, and our dealers, too. We've got some exciting opportunities on the horizon, so continue checking in with us!"
For more information on online knowledge testing, the Parent's Supervised Driving Program, or the RoadReady app, please visit the DMV website.