West Virginia Driver’s License Requirements
To get a driver’s license in West Virginia, you’ll need valid ID and proof of residence, and you must pass a written exam, vision test, and road test.
Written by Sara Brody
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
To get your West Virginia driver’s license, you must be at least 17 years old and able to provide valid identification and proof of address. The process to receive a license usually involves a vision test, a knowledge exam, and your final road test—although some steps may be skipped in certain circumstances.
Getting a driver’s license is an important milestone, but the process differs based on each individual’s circumstances, including where you live.
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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in West Virginia?
You must be at least 17 years old to get a West Virginia driver’s license. To prepare for your trip to the DMV, gather the following documents:
- Proof of identity (1): a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship, or valid alien registration receipt card (such as a green card)
- Social Security number (1): your Social Security card, original W-2 form (no photocopies), or 1099 form
- Proof of legal name change (1, if relevant to your situation): court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or birth certificate that reflects your legal name change
- Proof of residential address (2): a mortgage statement, lease agreement, bank statement, West Virginia voter registration card, car insurance card, W-2 form, or utility bill, among other viable documents
What are the requirements for young drivers?
Young drivers in West Virginia may acquire their Learner’s Permit at age 15, which allows them to take their knowledge test and practice driving between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. in the company of a licensed driver over the age of 21.
At age 16, young drivers may take their road skills test to earn an Intermediate License, which allows them to drive with restrictions. Once a driver has held their Intermediate License for at least a year with no infractions, they become eligible at age 17 for a Full Class E License.
Parental consent is required for minors to obtain a Learner’s Permit. Additionally, a parent or legal guardian must attest that the young driver has practiced driving for at least 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, before they are eligible to take their road skills test.
To learn more about rules and restrictions for young drivers in West Virginia, check out
this DMV brochure
about the Graduated Driver’s Licensing program. What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?
If you have a valid, non-expired, out-of-state license, you are eligible to transfer the license by providing either your current valid license or a current certified driving record from the previous state.
However, if your out-of-state license is expired, you are required to take all examination tests—including vision, written, and road skills examinations—before applying for a West Virginia driver’s license.
How to get a driver’s license in West Virginia
For new drivers: obtain a regular Class E Instruction Permit
Teenagers in West Virginia are subject to the state’s graduated licensing process, which means their first license carries restrictions that are removed as they progress through their education and pass tests.
If you are an adult driver seeking your first license, you must apply to obtain a Class E Instruction Permit, which will be granted after you pass a vision screening and knowledge test.
With a Class E Instruction Permit, you may operate a motor vehicle in the company of a licensed driver over 21 years of age. After at least 30 days, you must pass the vision screening again and then may take your road skills test.
Vision test
Vision tests are required as part of the driver’s license application process for obvious reasons: in order to drive, you have to be able to see the road!
West Virginia drivers must demonstrate vision acuity of 20/40 in both eyes in order to obtain a license. If your vision is less than that, you must submit a vision report form, completed by an optometrist, for the DMV to review. Failure to pass the vision screening can result in restrictions on your license or the denial of your license altogether.
Knowledge test
This written portion of your driving test consists of 25 multiple choice questions on West Virginia’s traffic laws, road safety practices, and road signs.
Prepare for your written exam by reviewing the
notes and tips
provided on the DMV website. You can also study with practice tests
available online. The fee to take the knowledge test is $7.50 per attempt. In order to pass your Knowledge Test, you must get 19 out of 25 questions correct, or 76%.
Road skills test
The last step to getting a driver’s license in West Virginia is taking your road skills test, which can be scheduled at your local DMV. You’ll need to make this appointment in advance (no walk-ins!) and have a licensed driver accompany you to the test. It’s also important to ensure that your vehicle meets all state requirements, detailed below:
- Current registration and insurance
- Unobstructed windshield
- At least half a tank of gas
- Properly inflated tires
- Properly working doors
- Properly working lights
On the day of your exam, it’s recommended that you arrive at the DMV at least 15 minutes early. Your examiner will begin with a safety check that requires you to show working lights, turn signals, hand signals, and horn, followed by the driving portion of the test. Some particular maneuvers to prepare for include:
- Reverse 2-point parking, which involves driving past the parking space and then back into the space
- Observing right-of-way by allowing pedestrians to cross, pulling over and stopping for emergency vehicles, and not entering an intersection where you’ll interfere with traffic
- Stopping quickly and safely while driving at 20 mph
- Backing up at a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed while turning your head and looking over your right shoulder to the rear, without the use of a backup camera
- Signaling and turning, which may seem basic but is important and worth practicing
- Passing safely by taking care to always look ahead and behind
- Following other cars at a safe distance
Your instructor will also watch carefully to see that you obey all traffic signals and signs and that you check your mirrors in addition to turning and looking.
If you pass your road skills test, you will receive a temporary license from the DMV at that time. You’ll receive your official, laminated license later by mail.
How to save money on car insurance in West Virginia
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
What do I need for a West Virginia driver’s license?
To get your driver’s license in West Virginia, you’ll need proof of identity, a Social Security number or equivalent documentation, and at least two documents proving residency in West Virginia. If you have legally changed your name, you must also provide documentation of the name change.
How much does it cost to get a West Virginia driver’s license?
Driver’s license fees in West Virginia depend on your age and the number of years your license will be valid before you have to renew. For drivers over 18, a driver’s license will likely cost between $15.50 and $35.50. For young drivers, a Level 1 or 2 graduated license costs $7.50, while a Level 3 graduated license costs up to $10.50.
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