How to Get Your Driver's License in West Virginia
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is how to get your driver's license in West Virginia. West Virginia uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 17.
GDL Stages in West Virginia
Learner's Permit
Requirements
- Pass written knowledge test
- Pass vision screening
- Parental consent if under 18
Restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
Intermediate License (Level 2)
Requirements
- Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
- Pass road skills test
Restrictions
- No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- No more than 1 non-family passenger under 19 for first 6 months
Full Unrestricted License (Level 3)
Requirements
- Hold Level 2 license for at least 12 months
- Clean driving record
Restricted License Rules
- No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the Level 2 phase.
- Only 1 non-family passenger under 19 is allowed for the first 6 months. After 6 months, passenger limits ease.
How restrictions lift: Passenger limits ease after 6 months. All restrictions lift after 12 months at Level 2 or at age 18.
Road Test Overview
What Is Tested
- Vehicle control
- Turning and lane changes
- Parking
- Obeying traffic signals and signs
- Speed management
- Yielding right of way
Adult Licensing Pathway
If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to the graduated licensing levels and can apply for a full license directly.
West Virginia-Specific Information
West Virginia uses a three-level graduated licensing system and starts its nighttime curfew at 10 p.m., which is earlier than most neighboring states. The state also ties license privileges to school attendance, revoking permits for students who drop out or have excessive absences.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 17 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in West Virginia.
West Virginia uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Intermediate License (Level 2), Full Unrestricted License (Level 3).
- No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the Level 2 phase.
- Only 1 non-family passenger under 19 is allowed for the first 6 months. After 6 months, passenger limits ease.
Adults age 18 and older in West Virginia can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to the graduated licensing levels and can apply for a full license directly.
Need your permit first?
Start with the learner's permit before your full license.
West Virginia learner's permit guideCheck drivers ed requirements
Find out if drivers ed is required in West Virginia.
West Virginia drivers ed requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website for the most current information.