West Virginia

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If you have a Level 1 instruction permit:

• You must have a supervising driver at least 21 years old in the front seat at all times.
• You may only practice driving between 5 AM and 10 PM.
• You may only carry 2 additional passengers who are NOT family members.
• You may not use any kind of wireless communications device (like a cell phone) unless it's to call emergency services.

If you have a Level 2 intermediate license:

• You may not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM unless you're accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
  • Exceptions are only made if you're driving to/from school, work, or church, or because of an emergency situation.
• You may not use a cell phone or hands-free device while driving, unless it is to contact emergency services.
• For the first 6 months, you may not have any passengers under 20 years old unless they are immediate members of your family.
• For the next 6 months, you may not have more than 1 non-family passenger under 20 years old with you.
• You must remain violation-free for a full 12 months in order to be eligible for a Level 3 license.

Once you pass your road test, you'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary Level 2 intermediate license until your photo license arrives in the mail.

You may drive only when accompanied by a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat next to you.

No, your photo will be taken at the regional DMV office where you apply.

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

Once you pass your road test, the DMV agent will either provide your license on the spot, or give you a temporary paper license to use until your photo license arrives in the mail. Call your regional DMV office for specifics.

You can apply at any regional DMV office.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

To apply for your West Virginia driver's license when you're at least 18 years old, you'll need:

• Your instruction permit.
• Proof of registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Name change, if applicable.
  • West Virginia residency.
• Payment for the applicable licensing fee ($5 per year of issuance + $0.50 motor voter fee).
  • If you're getting a REAL ID-compliant license, there's an additional $10 fee.

Before applying, you'll need to make a road test appointment. At your appointment, provide:

• Your Level 1 instruction permit.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • West Virginia residency.
• A completed Application for a Driver's License or Identification Card (form DMV-DS-23P), signed by your parent/guardian to give their consent (unless you are married, in which case, bring a copy of your marriage certificate).
• Your School Driver Eligibility Certificate, obtained from your county school board.
• Your completed 50-Hour Certification Log (form DMV-10-GDL) signed by your parent/guardian, or your Driver Education Card if you opted to take a course instead.
• The registration and proof of insurance for your testing vehicle.
• Payment for the $7.50 testing fee.
  • If you'd like a REAL ID-compliant license, you'll pay an additional $10.

To apply for a WV Level 2 intermediate license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have earned your learner's permit and held it for at least 6 months.
• Complete at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, or a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

To apply for a license as an adult in West Virginia, you must:

• Pass the knowledge skills exam and earn an instruction permit.
• Practice with your permit for at least 30 days.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can take your road test once you are at least 16 years old and you have:

• Earned your learner's permit and held it for at least:
  • 6 months, if you're under 18 years old.
  • 30 days, if you're 18 or older.
• Completed behind-the-wheel practice hours, if you're under 18 years old.

You may be able to apply for a restricted license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on your personal circumstances and why your license was initially suspended. All applicants will have to attend a court hearing, where it will be determined whether or not your circumstances allow for a restricted license.

You can request an ORL at a court hearing for your particular offence. You'll then receive instructions on how to apply for your license.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to taking your road test. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The biggest tip is to study the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook! Everything you need to know to pass your skills exam is in the guide.

A licensed driver may bring you to your driving test.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with WV laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at regional offices and exam stations throughout the state.

For a minor/GDL permit or license:

• Knowledge test/Level 1 permit: $7.50
• Road test/Level 2 license: $7.50
• Level 3 license:
  • If you apply at 17 years old: $2.50 per year of issuance + $0.50 motor voter fee
  • If you apply at 18 years old: $5 per year of issuance + $0.50 motor voter fee
• REAL ID-compliant license: Additional $10

For an adult/standard permit or license:

• Permit: $7.50
• Class “E” license: $5 per year of issuance + $0.50 motor voter fee
• REAL ID-compliant license: Additional $10

The West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook is available online and at your regional DMV office.

You can get an intermediate driver's license once you're at least 16 years old and you've completed your required practice hours or a state-approved driver education course. Otherwise, you can get your license when you turn 18 years old.

• Knowledge test/Level 1 permit: $7.50
• Road test/Level 2 license: $7.50
• Level 3 license:
  • If you apply at 17 years old: $2.50 per year of issuance + $0.50 motor voter fee
  • If you apply at 18 years old: $5 per year of issuance + $0.50 motor voter fee
• REAL ID-compliant license: Additional $10

No, there is no drug test involved.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your application to give their consent. If you are over 18 years old, no one needs to accompany you for your permit exam.

Bring the following items to the DOL licensing center:

• Certified birth certificate as proof of your identity.
• Social Security card.
• School Driver Eligibility Certificate, obtained from your county school board.
• Completed Application for a Driver's License or Identification Card (form DMV-DS-23P), signed by your parent/guardian to give their consent (unless you are married).
• Payment for the $7.50 testing/permit fee.

You can apply for your permit once you're at least 15 years old.

To get your permit if you're under 18 years old:

• Make an appointment at a designated DMV exam center and bring your parent or guardian, unless you're married.
  • If you're married, bring a copy of your marriage certificate instead.
• Submit your:
  • Certified birth certificate as proof of your identity.
  • Social Security card.
  • School Driver Eligibility Certificate, obtained from your county school board.
  • Completed Application for a Driver's License or Identification Card (form DMV-DS-23P), signed by your parent/guardian to give their consent (unless you are married).
• Pass a vision screening.
• Pay the $7.50 testing fee.

To get your permit if you're 18 years old or older:

• Make an appointment at your regional DMV office.
• Provide a completed Application for a Driver's License or Identification Card (form DMV-DS-23P).
• Submit proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Name change, if your legal name has ever changed.
  • West Virginia residency.
• Pass a vision screening.
• Pass the written knowledge test.
• Pay the $7.50 permit and testing fee.

Some examples of potential questions include:

You must use your headlights:

1. At all times
2. Between sundown and sunrise
3. Only during poor weather

The maximum posted speed limit on open county highways is:

1. 55 MPH
2. 60 MPH
3. 65 MPH

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free West Virginia practice test.

No. To obtain a learner's permit, you must only pass knowledge and vision tests with the DMV.

The West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit and/or license application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a WV permit.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application and provide their consent. If you are 18 or older, no one needs to accompany you other than the supervising driver who drove you to the DMV office.

You can contact your regional DMV office by phone. You can contact the state Division of Motor Vehicles by phone or email.

You can apply once you're 15 years old.

If you hold a learner's permit of any type:

• You must have a supervising driver at least 21 years old in the front seat at all times.
• You may only practice driving between 5 AM and 10 PM.
• You may only carry 2 additional passengers who are NOT family members.
• You may not use any kind of wireless communications device (like a cell phone) unless it's to call emergency services.

If you hold a Level 2 intermediate license:

• You may not drive between 10 PM and 5 AM unless you're accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
  • Exceptions are only made if you're driving to/from school, work, or church, or because of an emergency situation.
• You may not use a cell phone or hands-free device while driving, unless it is to contact emergency services.
• For the first 6 months, you may not have any passengers under 20 years old unless they are immediate members of your family.
• For the next 6 months, you may not have more than 1 non-family passenger under 20 years old with you.

• You must have a supervising driver at least 21 years old in the front seat at all times.
• You may only practice driving between 5 AM and 10 PM.
• You may only carry 2 additional passengers who are NOT family members.
• You may not use any kind of wireless communications device (like a cell phone) unless it's to call emergency services.

You'll need a completed Application for a Driver's License or Identification Card (form DMV-DS-23P), which you can begin ahead of time online.

To get your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

Driver's Ed isn't required in West Virginia. You can opt to take a state-approved driver education course in lieu of completing the 50 hours of parent-led driving practice, though it may still be part of your course curriculum.

There are no prerequisites to obtaining your permit, other than being minimum age (15 years old) and being prepared to pass your knowledge test.

To apply for your WV instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Make an appointment at a designated DMV exam center.
• Pass the written knowledge exam.
• Submit:
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
      • If you're under 18 years old, this must be your birth certificate.
    • Social Security number.
    • West Virginia residency (if you're 18 or older).
  • The School Driver Eligibility Certificate obtained from your county school board, if you're under 18 years old.
  • A completed Application for a Driver's License or Identification Card (form DMV-DS-23P).
    • If you're under 18 years old, this must be signed by your parent/guardian to give their consent (unless you are married).
• Pass a vision screening.
• Pay the $7.50 testing/instruction permit fee.

No, you typically do not need to repeat your eye exam for license renewals.

You can renew by mail if your notice gives you the option. Generally, the DMV encourages you to renew online.

Most drivers can renew online, and the DMV highly encourages you to do so if you're eligible. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal.

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This includes:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the applicable renewal fee:

• Standard driver's license: $5 per year of issuance + $0.50 motor voter fee
• REAL ID driver's license: Additional $10

To renew by mail, you will need all documents listed on your renewal form, plus payment for your renewal fee.

You can renew your WV driver's license online, by mail, or in person. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in West Virginia expire every 5 years. You can renew it up to 6 months after its expiration date.

Standard license renewals cost $5 per year of issuance to renew, plus a $0.50 motor voter fee. If you're renewing a REAL ID-compliant license, you may need to pay the additional $10 fee that's required when you initially apply contact your regional DMV office for specifics.

Ask your examiner before your test whether you are allowed a supervising driver with you in the vehicle.

No, you must take your exam in person at a licensing center.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity plus payment for your $7.50 permit application fee. If you're under 18 years old, have your parent or guardian there to sign your application unless you are married, in which case you must submit your marriage license.

The West Virginia permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the West Virginia Driver's License Handbook, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Yes, appointments are required to take your permit test.

Use the scheduling portal to see if a DMV branch near you has any Saturday appointment openings.

Yes all new drivers, regardless of age, must obtain an instruction permit in West Virginia before being eligible for an unrestricted driver's license.

Make an appointment with your chosen testing and training location.

After passing your WV permit exam, the next steps differ by your age:

If you're under 18 years old, you'll need to:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months.
• Complete your 50 required practice hours, with at least 10 hours driven at night, or alternatively complete a state-approved driver education course.

Once the above requirements have been met, you can take your road skills exam for your intermediate license.

If you're over 18 years old, you'll need to hold your permit for at least 30 days and practice driving until you feel confident enough behind the wheel to take your road test.

You can take your knowledge test at any regional DMV office.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, you'll need to wait at least 1 week before you can test again. Your examiner will let you know your next steps. Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you're able to come back for a retest.

You'll need to wait at least 1 week before you can retake your WV road test.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you're simply visiting West Virginia, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a West Virginia driver's license within 30 days.

No, you must exchange your out-of-state permit for a West Virginia permit.

If you have an unrestricted out-of-state driver's license, you do not need to pass the road test if it's currently valid/unexpired. If it has expired, you must take both the knowledge and skills tests.

If you have a graduated/teen license from another state, you do not need to pass the road test if all of the following are true:

• Your out-of-state unrestricted driver's license is currently valid/unexpired.
• You've held your license for at least 6 months.
• You completed GDL requirements in your previous state that equal or exceed those required in West Virginia.

You must obtain a West Virginia license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

You must answer 19 of the 25 total questions on the exam correctly.

There are 25 questions on the test. You must answer 19 of them correctly to pass.

You can miss up to 6 questions.