Last Updated 9th of July, 2010

How do I apply for a WV drivers license if I am younger than 18? West Virginia

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The West Virginia Graduated Driving License Program

West Virginia is one of the many states that requires its teen drivers to work their way through a system of permits and restrictions before obtaining a full drivers license.

The WV Graduated Driving License (GDL) program requires teens to obtain an instruction permit and an intermediate license before receiving a full Class E drivers license.

Level I Instruction Permit


You become eligible for this learners permit at 15 years old. The application process is pretty straightforward. Just visit your local DMV with:

  • All the usual required documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of your physical WV address – check the WV DMV website for a complete list) as well as a Driver’s Eligibility Certificate, which you must get from your high school.
  • The Drivers License Application (DMV Form DS23P). You can actually get one of these at the DMV, but it’ll help save you some time if you download and print it from the DMV website and complete what you can at home.
  • The $5 drivers permit fee.
  • A parent or guardian, who must sign the application at the DMV.
Once you hand everything to the DMV clerk, you’ll undergo a vision exam and a written license test. Prepare for this test by studying the state’s driver license handbook and taking a permit practice test or two (the DMV website provides practice test questions for free).

Pass those and you’ll have your picture taken and receive your Level I instruction permit.

Level II Intermediate License


You can apply for this license once you’ve:

  • Held your permit for six infraction-free months and are 16 years old.
  • Completed 50 hours of supervised driver training (10 at night) with a licensed parent or guardian. WV doesn’t require teens to take drivers education, though drivers ed is an option and available at most high schools.
Make another trip to the DMV with all the same documents as before, as well as your completed 50-Hour Certification form (or your drivers education card, which can stand in the place of the 50 hours), $5 intermediate license fee, and a properly insured vehicle to take your driving test.

If you pass, you’ll receive your intermediate license, which expires when you turn 18.

Level III Class E Drivers License


You can get this drivers license once you’ve held your intermediate license for one infraction-free year and are at least 17 years old.

Just go back to the DMV with all the same paperwork (and a parent or guardian if you haven’t turned 18 yet) and the applicable fee (if you’re 17 it’s $10.50; if you’re 18, it’s $8.50, and receive your drivers license.

This license will expire when you turn 21.

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