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Do I need a WV drivers permit before applying for a West Virginia drivers license? West Virginia
WV Drivers Permit and Drivers License Requirements
Yes. You must obtain an instruction permit before you can apply for a drivers license, no matter how old you are. The kind of permit you have to get, however, depends on your age.Younger Than 18
If you’re younger than 18, you must go through the state’s Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) program.
That means you’ll need to get a:
- Level I instruction permit once you’re at least 15 years old. This permit is good until you turn 18, but you have to hold it for only six months, and until you turn 16, before you can apply for your Level II (see below).
- Level II intermediate drivers license once you’re at least 16 years old and have held the Level I permit for six months. However, note that before you can get a Level II license, you also must show either a Driver Education Card (drivers ed isn’t required in WV but you can still take it) or a completed 50-Hour Certification (DMV Form 10-GDL) signed by your parents or legal guardians stating you’ve completed the required 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving time, with 10 of those hours being at night.
18 and Older
Even if you’re 18, if you’ve never held a drivers license before you still have to obtain a driving permit before you can get your full license. West Virginia calls this permit the Class E instruction permit, and it requires the same documents, fees, and testing as a Level I instruction permit.
Because you’ve never held a license before, chances are you’re not that familiar with the state’s road rules. To increase your chances of passing the written test on the first try, download a copy of the Driver Licensing Handbook from the WV DMV website to study. You should also consider taking a practice permit test or two. West Virginia provides one on its DMV site.
The Class E instruction permit is valid for 90 days and can be renewed once (you’ll have to pass the vision and written tests again); however, you only have to hold it for 30 days before applying for your full drivers license.
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