West Virginia Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your West Virginia learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: West Virginia DMV — Driver's Licenses and ID Cards ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in West Virginia
- At 15+, pass the knowledge test and apply for the Level 1 instruction permit with parent or guardian consent if under 18
- Drive only with a licensed driver age 21+ in the front seat and only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Hold the Level 1 permit for 6 months
- Stay infraction-free for the 6 months before applying for Level 2 and complete 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night
- At 16+, pass the road skills test and apply for the Level 2 intermediate driver's license
West Virginia GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: Level 1 drivers must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat
- Permit hours: Level 1 drivers may only drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Permit passenger rule: Level 1 drivers may only have two additional non-family passengers besides the supervising adult
- Cell phone: No cell phone usage or texting while operating a vehicle
- Level 2 conduct: Level 2 applicants must be infraction-free for the six months immediately before applying
Documents you'll need
- Knowledge test
- Parent or legal guardian signature if under 18
- 50-hour certification form with 10 night hours, or Driver Education Card, for Level 2
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of West Virginia residency
The details
- Permit eligibility: Level 1 GDL instruction permit for drivers at least 15 and under 18
- Permit fee details: Level 1 knowledge test fee per attempt
- License fee: $7.5 — Level 2 road skills examination fee
- Permit validity: Level 1 expires on the driver's 18th birthday with a 30-day grace period
- Knowledge test: 25 questions; 76% to pass; 25-question knowledge test, 76% (19 correct) to pass.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in West Virginia?
You can get a learner's permit in West Virginia at 15. Level 1 GDL instruction permit for drivers at least 15 and under 18.
How much does a West Virginia permit cost?
The West Virginia permit fee is $7.5. Level 1 knowledge test fee per attempt.
How long do you have to hold your permit in West Virginia?
You must hold your West Virginia permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does West Virginia require?
West Virginia requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the West Virginia permit test?
Right here — take a free West Virginia practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DMV-format experience with a readiness score.
