How to Get Your West Virginia Driver's License (2026)

A step-by-step walkthrough of the West Virginia license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.

1. Make sure you're eligible

To apply for a West Virginia learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your West Virginia residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
• Proof of Social Security number
• Two proofs of West Virginia residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
• Parent/guardian signature if under 18
• Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)

2. Pass the West Virginia permit knowledge test

The West Virginia knowledge test has 25 questions; you must answer 19 correctly (76%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and West Virginia-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait 7 days before retaking it. You also have to pay the retest fee. Applicants under 18 get up to two attempts per fee paid. Applicants 18 or older get up to two attempts at the written test within 90 days of issuance.

The best prep path is to read the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV) driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free WV practice test and the full 25-question exam.

3. Get your learner permit

After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a West Virginia learner permit. Bring the documents above to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV) office and pay the permit application fee (currently $7).

• Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
• Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
• The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
• Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.

4. Complete your supervised practice hours

During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. West Virginia's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.

• Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
• Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
• Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
• Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
• Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.

5. Pass the road test and get your full West Virginia license

Schedule your West Virginia road test through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV). The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.

After passing, pay the license fee (currently $5 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.

The full West Virginia steps in order

As listed by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV):

1. Turn 15 years old (or 18 for the adult path).
2. Read the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook at transportation.wv.gov.
3. Take practice tests until you score 85% or higher.
4. Visit a WV DMV regional office or take the test online at dmv.wv.gov.
5. Bring proof of identity, West Virginia residency, Social Security number, and legal presence.
6. Pass the vision screening and the 25-question knowledge test.
7. Pay the $7.50 instruction permit fee.
8. Hold the Level 1 permit for at least 6 months with no traffic convictions.
9. Complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) and pass the road skills test for a Level 2 intermediate license.
10. Pay the $5 license fee.
11. After one year on Level 2 with a clean record (or at age 18) upgrade to a full Level 3 driver's license.

FAQ: Getting Your West Virginia License