In order to get the instruction permit and eventually the West Virginia drivers license, everyone regardless of age must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. Most people fail this test on their first try.

Apply for your instruction permit at a DMV location near you.

To be eligible for the WV instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Provide your Social Security card.
• Show your certified birth certificate.
• Provide two proofs of West Virginia physical residency. View acceptable documents.
• Submit a School Enrollment Form, which can be obtained from your school or if you are a home‑schooled student, from the Board of Education in the county in which you reside.
• Have the permission (in writing) of your parent or guardian indicated on the Level 1 application if you are under 18. Parental consent is not required for married applicants under the age of 18; however, you must present a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass a knowledge test.
• Pay the $5 fee for your instruction permit.

Once you have passed the knowledge test you will be issued an instruction permit which allows you to drive when accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older.

Level 1 (Instruction Permit)

If you are under 18, your Level 1 instruction permit will have the following additional restrictions :

• You may only drive between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• You may only have two passengers in addition to the supervising, licensed adult driver.
• You may not have any measurable amount of alcohol in your system while operating a motor vehicle.
• You must require all occupants to adhere to the safety belt law.
• You may not use of a cell phone while driving.
• You will need to remain conviction free for 6 months before you can move onto your level 2 license.

Once you have your West Virginia instruction permit, practice driving under supervision and in accordance with the restrictions of your permit.

If you are under 18, you will need to hold your instruction permit for a minimum of 180 days and to either: (a) complete a minimum of 30 hours supervised driving with a parent or guardian or (b) complete a drivers education course approved by the West Virginia Department of Education. Online drivers education courses do not qualify.
 
DriversEd.com can help make the supervised driving period less stressful. Our Behind-the-Wheel Training Guide teaches important concepts and guides parents step-by-step through the process of teaching their teen to drive. It also comes with a FREE Passenger Side Rear-View Mirror which allows you to see exactly what your teen sees when behind the wheel.

Schedule an appointment to take your driving test at your local DMV.

To be eligible for the West Virginia drivers license, you must:

1. Be at least 16 years old.
2. Show proof of birth date, legal presence and residency. View acceptable documents.
3. Have a minimum of 180 consecutive days of conviction free driving at Level 1 immediately preceding the date of your Level 2 application.
4. Have a parent or legal guardian certification (log sheet) of a minimum of 30 hours of in-car driving lessons or have completed a drivers education course approved by the West Virginia Department of Education.
5. Present a valid school enrollment form.
6. Show identification and residency documents.
7. Pass a road skills test (a maximum of three attempts to complete).

Once you pass your driving test, if you are 18 or older you will be issued a regular drivers license

Level 2 License (Intermediate License)
If you are under 18, you will be issued an intermediate license with the following restrictions:

• Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., you may only drive with a supervising, licensed adult driver who is 21 or older unless you are participating in, going to or returning from:

  1. Lawful employment
  2. A school-sanctioned activity
  3. A religious activity
  4. An emergency situation that requires the licensee to prevent bodily injury or the death of another
• Between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and11:00 p.m., you do not need to be accompanied by a driver who is 21 or older.
• You may only have three additional passengers, excluding family members, under the age of 19 at any time.
• You may not use of a cell phone while driving.
• You will need to remain conviction free for 12 months before you can move onto your level 3 license.
• If you surrender your Level 2 GDL for any reason, you must start over with a Level 1 permit.

Level 3 License (Non-GDL)
Once you have met the requirements to obtain your Level 3 license, it is your choice whether to apply for this license or to keep your Level 2 license and follow its restrictions until your turn 18.