West Virginia CDL Combination Test (WV) 2026

5 out of 5 (40 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
If you're gearing up for the CDL combination endorsement in WV, our West Virginia CDL combination test is just what you need to feel confident and prepared. This WV learners practice test is designed to help you get comfortable with the types of questions you'll face on the actual DMV test. Covering critical topics such as coupling and uncoupling procedures, pre-trip inspections, and the intricacies of air brake systems, this combination CDL test is tailored to ensure you have the knowledge and skills necessary to operate combination vehicles safely. The WV DMV practice test features 20 carefully selected multiple-choice questions, all crafted to reflect the content and format of the real permit test. You'll need to correctly answer at least 16 of these questions to pass. The permit practice test digs deep into essential safety topics, such as the increased stopping distances required for combination vehicles due to their greater weight and the unique handling characteristics of these larger, more complex rigs. Understanding these nuances is crucial not just for passing the test but for ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. One of the standout benefits of our West Virginia CDL combination practice test is that you can take it as many times as you need. Repetition is key to mastering the material, and each attempt will help reinforce your understanding of the concepts. The questions on this WV learners practice test are based on the official WV drivers manual, the same resource that forms the foundation of the real DMV test. By repeatedly taking this learners permit practice test, you'll be reinforcing the same information that will appear on your actual test day. This West Virginia combination CDL practice test is your best tool for getting the permit you need to drive combination vehicles with confidence. By familiarizing yourself with the test format and content, you'll walk into the DMV with the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
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Sample West Virginia Combination Test Questions

Question 1

During a coupling inspection, the fifth-wheel jaws are around the kingpin, but the locking lever is not in the locked position. What must you do?

  1. A Release the trailer brakes and begin driving slowly
  2. B Secure only the safety latch and continue
  3. C Correct the coupling problem before driving
  4. D Move the sliding fifth wheel to balance the load

Correct answer: C – Correct the coupling problem before driving

The fifth-wheel locking lever must be in its locked position, with the safety latch properly placed, before the combination is driven. West Virginia's manual directs the driver not to operate the unit if the coupling is incorrect. The connection must be inspected and corrected before departure.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers,” Step 13, “Inspect Coupling”

Question 2

Which valve helps reduce air-brake application lag by quickly sending trailer-tank air to the trailer brakes?

  1. A Quick-release valve
  2. B Relay valve
  3. C Front-wheel limiting valve
  4. D Tractor protection valve

Correct answer: B – Relay valve

The service air line is connected to relay valves on the trailer. Service-line pressure tells the relay valves how much air pressure to send from the trailer tanks to the brakes. Using air stored near the trailer brakes allows them to apply more quickly than they would if application air had to travel directly from the tractor.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.2.4, “Trailer Air-lines”, West Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.2.6, “Trailer Air Tanks”

Question 3

After coupling a tractor and semitrailer, how should the landing gear be positioned before driving?

  1. A One-quarter raised, with the crank secured
  2. B Halfway raised, with the crank secured
  3. C Raised only until it clears the pavement
  4. D Fully raised, with the crank secured

Correct answer: D – Fully raised, with the crank secured

Raise the landing gear completely before driving and secure the crank handle. Landing gear left only partly raised can catch on railroad tracks or other objects and be damaged. The walk-around inspection should also confirm that the gear is fully raised, undamaged, and securely assembled.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers,” Step 15, “Raise Front Trailer Supports (Landing Gear)”, West Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.5.1, “Additional Things to Check during a Walk-around Inspection”

Question 4

What does off-tracking describe when a combination vehicle turns?

  1. A The tractor leaves the roadway while the trailer stays in its lane
  2. B The trailer begins moving in the opposite direction
  3. C The rear wheels follow a different path from the front wheels
  4. D The vehicle travels on an unpaved road

Correct answer: C – The rear wheels follow a different path from the front wheels

Off-tracking occurs because the rear wheels follow a different path from the front wheels while turning. The West Virginia manual also refers to this effect as “cheating.” Longer vehicles off-track more, and the rear wheels of a trailer generally track farther inward than the tractor's rear wheels.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.1.6, “Turn Wide”

Question 5

If a trailer is too high for correct fifth-wheel coupling, what should you do?

  1. A Raise the trailer farther
  2. B Back under it at a higher speed
  3. C Approach the trailer at an angle
  4. D Lower the trailer to the proper coupling height

Correct answer: D – Lower the trailer to the proper coupling height

Lower the trailer until it is positioned so the tractor will raise it slightly while backing underneath. If the trailer is too high, the fifth wheel may not couple correctly. If it is too low, the tractor can strike and damage the trailer nose, so the height must be adjusted before completing the connection.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.4.1, “Coupling Tractor-Semitrailers,” Step 6, “Check Trailer Height”

Question 6

Which procedure correctly tests the trailer emergency brakes?

  1. A Charge the trailer system, verify the trailer rolls, pull out the trailer air-supply control, and tug gently against the brakes
  2. B Move forward slowly and apply only the trailer hand valve
  3. C Fan the foot brake until the low-air warning activates
  4. D Check the trailer's ABS lamp without moving the vehicle

Correct answer: A – Charge the trailer system, verify the trailer rolls, pull out the trailer air-supply control, and tug gently against the brakes

First charge the trailer air system and confirm that the trailer rolls freely. Stop, pull out the trailer air-supply control or place it in the emergency position, then pull gently against the trailer. The resistance verifies that the trailer emergency brakes have applied; using the hand valve while moving slowly is the test for the trailer service brakes.

Source: West Virginia Commercial Driver’s License Manual — § 6.5.2, “Combination Vehicle Brake Check”