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  • 15Youngest age for the permitp. 9
  • 19 of 25Correct answers to pass the knowledge testp. 24
  • 180 daysConviction-free on the permit before Level 2p. 10
  • 50 hoursLogged practice hours (10 at night)p. 10

Step by step

  1. Gather your documents

    Bring original documents to a DMV regional office. They are scanned and handed back to you.

    • A certified birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or government vital records agency
    • Your Social Security number
    • Two proofs of your West Virginia address (no PO boxes)
    • Form DMV-DS-23P with a parent or legal guardian's consent

    (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 3–6, 9)

  2. Pass the vision screening and knowledge test

    You need 20/40 vision, and 19 of 25 correct answers on the timed knowledge test. There is a fee for each attempt. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 9–10, 24)

  3. Practice for 180 days

    Keep the permit at least 180 days in a row with no convictions, and log 50 hours behind the wheel (10 at night) or finish an approved driver's education course. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 10–11)

  4. Pass the road skills test

    At 16 or older, take the basic control skills and road test in an inspected, registered and insured car to move up to a Level 2 intermediate license. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 10, 25–31)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website before you go.

Rules while you have a Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit

  • Drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 9)
  • Drive only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 10)
  • Carry no more than two passengers outside your family, besides the supervising adult. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 10)
  • No phone or other wireless device while driving, except to call 9-1-1; no alcohol at all; everyone buckled up. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 10)
  • Two convictions revoke the permit for 90 days; each conviction restarts the six months. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 10–11)

If you don't pass

If you fail the knowledge or road skills test, you can't take it again for one week. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 26)

What comes next

On a Level 2 intermediate license you may drive alone from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., carry no unrelated passengers under 20 for six months (then one), and after 12 conviction-free months and age 17 you may apply for Level 3. (West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook, p. 10–12)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free West Virginia practice exam: 25 questions, 19 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook (Revised 07/2026), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page. A PDF viewer counts the cover too, so its page numbers run 10 higher.