West Virginia driver license guide

Minimum age for a GDL Level 1 instruction permit

15 (Level 1 is for ages 15 to 17).Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 1 knowledge test fee

$7.50 per attempt.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental consent

Under 18: a parent, custodial single parent or legal guardian must sign the application before you can test (married applicants show a certified marriage certificate instead).Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 1 permit validity

Expires on your 18th birthday plus a 30-day grace period; it cannot be renewed.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 1 supervision

A licensed driver 21 or older must sit in the front seat.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 1 driving hours

Only between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 1 passenger limit

No more than two non-family passengers besides the supervising adult.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit at 18 or older

First-time drivers 18+ get a regular Class E instruction permit after passing vision and knowledge tests; a licensed driver 21+ must ride in front.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Adult permit validity

The permit page says 180 days, not renewable; you can take the road test after holding it at least 30 days. (The fee page lists 90 days and $7.50.)Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test wait for adults

At least 30 days after getting the regular instruction permit.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision screening

Everyone, new or renewing, must pass: 20/40 or better with both eyes, with or without glasses or contacts.Source: webapps.transportation.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test questions

At least 25 questions on traffic rules, regulations, signs and markings from the handbook; the test is timed and automated.Source: webapps.transportation.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Passing score

19 of 25 correct; unanswered questions when time runs out count as wrong.Source: webapps.transportation.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Audio knowledge test

An audio version with headphones is available for applicants with reading difficulties.Source: webapps.transportation.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents for first-time applicants

One proof of identity, one proof of Social Security number, two proofs of WV residency with your physical address, and any legal name change documents.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Residency proof rules

Two different WV residency documents; no P.O. boxes; recurring bills no more than 60 days old; not two from the same company.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

School requirement under 18

Applicants under 18 must be enrolled in or have graduated from an approved educational institution.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long to hold Level 1

At least 6 months, with no infractions in the 6 months before applying for Level 2.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving hours

50 hours, 10 of them at night, certified by a parent or guardian (or a Driver Education Card).Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 2 intermediate license

At least 16, Level 1 held 6 months, infraction-free for 6 months, 50-hour certification, and a road skills test ($7.50).Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 2 passenger limits

First 6 months: no non-family passengers under 20. Second 6 months: no more than one.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 2 night limit

10 p.m. to 5 a.m. only with a supervising adult, except for work, school or religious activities, or emergencies.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 2 violations

Two violations on a Level 2 license mean revocation until 18 and retesting as a first-time applicant.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level 3 full license (under 21)

At least 17, with 1 year on Level 2 and infraction-free for that year; valid until 21.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

Five years under 'Drive for Five': licenses expire in a year your age is divisible by five (the first cycle may be 3–7 years).Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$5.00 per year until your next age divisible by five (for example, $20 at age 21 to 25).Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Class E license fee

$5.00 per year; Level 3 is $2.50 per year at 17 and $5.00 per year at 18 until age 21.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Yes, with the PIN from your mailed renewal notice. Name, address or photo changes and REAL ID upgrades require an office visit.Source: apps.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewing a Not for Federal ID card in person

Bring your current card, the renewal form and one proof of physical address (more if your name or address changed).Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Expired more than 3 years

You must take the tests again as a first-time applicant.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

For Federal Identification (REAL ID) vs Not for Federal Identification

WV issues both. Since May 7, 2025, a 'Not for Federal Identification' card is not accepted for air travel or some federal buildings.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID extra fee

$10.00 on top of the license fee.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID Headstart

Online pre-enrollment lets you upload documents before booking your office appointment to upgrade.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Card delivery

A temporary license is issued at the office; the card is mailed in 30–45 days.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Deadline for new residents

Apply for a WV license within 30 days.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for license transfers

A valid, unexpired out-of-state license transfers without tests (vision screening still required). If it has expired, take all tests or provide a certified driving record.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Transfer requirements

Pass a vision screening, complete a brief alcohol awareness course and surrender your out-of-state license.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate license fee

$7.50.Source: dmv.wv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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