Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL)

View the West Virginia GDL Program Flyer.

Level 1 – Knowledge Test – Fee $7.50 per attempt

An instruction permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle in order to learn to drive.

Requirements:

• Take a knowledge test
• Be at least 15 years old and less than 18 years old

If you are under the age of 18, a parent, single parent having custody, or legal guardian must sign your application before you can be tested. Married applicants under the age of 18 are not required to have parental consent; however, you must present a copy of your certified marriage certificate. This permit is not renewable.

Expiration Date: 18th Birthday with 30 Day Grace Period

Restrictions for Level 1:

• Must have a licensed driver 21 or over in front seat
• May only drive between the hours of 5:00 am and 10:00 pm
• All occupants must use safety belts in accordance with state law
• Zero alcohol tolerance
• May only have two additional non-family member passengers in addition to supervising adult
• No cell phone usage/texting while operating a vehicle. You may be stopped by law enforcement as a primary offense.

Level 2 – Intermediate Driver's License – Fee $7.50 (road skill examination)

Requirements:

• Take a road skills test
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Held a Level I permit for six (6) months
• Must be infraction free for six (6) months immediately preceding date of application for Level II
• Must have 50 hour certification form completed, with 10 of the hours being at night, and certified by parent or legal guardian or Driver Education Card

Expiration Date: 18th Birthday with 30 Day Grace Period

**Parents and Caregivers — WV DMV has partnered with a national initiative called the Parent's Supervised Driving Program, which gives you the tools to help teach your teens to drive in an easy to understand and follow format.

Download the digital curriculum for supervised driving.

And, download the free app from your phone's App Store by searching RoadReady. The RoadReady app logs and manages hours spent behind the wheel so families can easily keep track before testing!

If you receive two violations on a Level II, your license will be revoked until your 18th birthday. Once you have turned 18, you will be required to pay a reinstatement fee; once processed, the revocation will be closed and the license will be cancelled. You will receive a re-test letter by mail from the division and will be prompted to go to your local DMV to begin the re-testing process as a first time applicant. Married applicants under the age of 18 are not required to have parental consent; however, you must present a copy of your certified marriage certificate.

Restrictions for Level 2:

• May not operate a motor vehicle during his or her first six months of Level II status with any (0) non-family member passengers under the age of 20. May not operate a motor vehicle with more than one (1) non-family member under the age of 20 as a passenger during the second six months of Level II
• May drive without supervising adult between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm
• Must be accompanied by a supervising adult driver between the hours of 10:00 pm and 5:00 am EXCEPT when the licensee is participating in or returning from:
  • Employment
  • A school sanctioned activity
  • A religious activity
  • An emergency situation requiring the licensee to operate a motor vehicle to prevent bodily injury or death of another
• All occupants must use safety belts in accordance with state law
• Zero alcohol tolerance
• No cell phone usage/texting while operating a vehicle. You may be stopped by law enforcement as a primary offense.

Level 3 – Full Class E License Fee – $5.00 for each year until 21st birthday

Requirements:

• Must have at least 1 year with Level II
• Must be infraction free for 1 year (excludes headlamp violation and improper backing violation)
• Must be at least 17 years of age

Expiration Date: 21st birthday with 30 day grace period

Restrictions for Level 3:

• Points will now be applied for any tickets received
• Zero alcohol tolerance
• All occupants must use safety belts in accordance with state law