How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in West Virginia?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in West Virginia. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in West Virginia?

West Virginia intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

West Virginia Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

West Virginia uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: No non-family passengers under 20 for first 6 months; 1 passenger under 20 after 6 months. Family members exempt.
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines and license suspension; clean record required for progression

West Virginia-Specific Information

West Virginia requires no accidents or citations during the 6-month permit holding period. Permit holders may not have more than 2 passengers total. Cell phone ban applies to all drivers under 18 with permit or intermediate license. Exceptions to curfew for work and emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in West Virginia gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in West Virginia at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, West Virginia restricts driving between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in West Virginia at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.