West Virginia Driving Laws: A Complete Guide

Minimum Driving Age

West Virginia employs a Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) system comprising three levels:

• Level 1 (Instruction Permit):
  
  
  • Minimum Age: 15 years
    
    
  • Requirements: Pass vision and knowledge tests, obtain parental consent, and provide a valid School Driver Eligibility Certificate .
    
    
• Level 2 (Intermediate License):
  
  
  • Minimum Age: 16 years
    
    
  • Requirements: Hold a Level 1 permit for at least 6 months, complete 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), pass a road skills test, and have no traffic violations for 6 months .
    
    
• Level 3 (Full License):
  
  
  • Minimum Age: 17 years
    
    
  • Requirements: Hold a Level 2 license for at least 1 year without violations

Instruction Permit Rules

• Supervision: Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat at all times
  
  
• Driving Hours: Driving is permitted only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
  
  
• Passenger Restrictions: No more than two non-family passengers under 21 years old

License Types

• Instruction Permit (Level 1): Allows supervised driving with a licensed adult aged 21 or older
  
  
• Intermediate License (Level 2): Permits unsupervised driving with certain restrictions for drivers under 18
  
  
• Full License (Level 3): Grants full driving privileges without restrictions
  
  
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles; applicants must meet specific age and testing requirements.
  
  
• Motorcycle Endorsement: Required for operating motorcycles; applicants must pass a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test.

Required Documents for Driving

To apply for a permit or license in West Virginia, applicants must provide:

• Proof of Identity and Date of Birth: Such as a birth certificate or valid passport.
  
  
• Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card or approved document.
  
  
• Proof of West Virginia Residency and Current Address: Two documents, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or school transcripts.
  
  
• Parental Consent: Required if under 18; parent or guardian must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized signature on the application.

Acceptable Proof Documents

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws

• Children under 8 years old and under 4 feet 9 inches tall: Must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat.
  
  
• Children under 8 years old and at least 4 feet 9 inches tall: May use a seatbelt.
  
  
• Seatbelt Use: All front-seat occupants and rear-seat passengers under 18 are required to wear seatbelts.

Child Passenger Safety