West Virginia learner’s permit requirements

Everything here comes from West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where West Virginia doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess.

Last checked September 22, 2026.

At a glance

Minimum age
15 years
To pass the knowledge test
19 of 25 correct (76%)
Fees
$12.50 total
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)
Where you take the test
Online or in person

The knowledge test and your permit

Test format
25 questionsSources 123
Passing score
19 of 25 correct (76%)Sources 123
Time limit
None published
Permit and test fees
$12.50 totalTeens pay $7.50 per knowledge-test attempt plus $5 for the Level One GDL instruction permit; applicants 18+ pay $7.50 for the test plus $7.50 for the instruction permit.Sources 123
Minimum age for a permit
15 yearsLevel 1 GDL instruction permit: at least 15 and under 18; written parental/guardian consent required. Motorcycle instruction permit: 16 (under 18 must first have met Level 2 or Class E requirements).Sources 31
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)Sources 31
Hold your permit
6 months minimumSources 31
Take it online
YesSources 123
If you fail
Each attempt costs $7.50no published waiting period between attempts found on DMV site or in handbook.Sources 123
Vision standard
20/40 or better using both eyes, with or without corrective lenses (handbook also states 'at least 20/40…vision in one (1) eye'; one-eyed applicants pass at 20/40 in that eye)Sources 31

From permit to full license

  • Level 1 instruction permit at 15 (drive only with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat, 5:00 am-10:00 pm, max two non-family passengers, zero alcohol, no wireless devices).
  • Level 2 intermediate license at 16 after holding Level 1 for 6 months (180 consecutive conviction-free days), a road skills test, and a parent-certified 50-hour log including 10 night hours (or driver education); first 6 months no non-family passengers under 20, then max one; no driving 10:00 pm-5:00 am unless supervised or excepted.
  • Level 3 full license at 17 after 12 months at Level 2 conviction-free.

Before you go

Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website: dmv.wv.gov.

Sources

  1. webapps.transportation.wv.gov: Drivers Licensing Handbook
  2. dmv.wv.gov: know drive online testing
  3. dmv.wv.gov: graduated drivers licensing gdl
  4. code.wvlegislature.gov: 17B 2 3a

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