Jon Mani | July 30, 2026 | Car Accidents
Before you become a licensed driver in West Virginia, you must go through a series of knowledge and skills tests to learn how to responsibly operate a vehicle and follow the rules of the road.
Whether you are getting your learner’s permit at the age of 15 or attempting to get your first license as an adult, being familiar with the licensing process can help you avoid delays and get your license on your first try.
Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about becoming a licensed driver in West Virginia.
Understanding West Virginia’s Graduated Driver’s License System
Like many other states today, West Virginia uses a graduated driver’s license system. This type of system allows new drivers to slowly take on more responsibility behind the wheel. New drivers are given the chance to learn new skills and “graduate” to the next level of license.
In West Virginia, the three main stages of the license system are:
- Level 1 – Instruction Permit
- Level 2 – Intermediate License
- Level 3 – Full License
You must meet certain criteria at each level before moving on to the next. Here is what you need to know about obtaining each level of license.
How Do I Get a Level 1 Instruction Permit?
The first step to getting your driver’s license in West Virginia is to obtain your Level 1 instruction permit. You may obtain your Level 1 instruction permit at 15 years old. To get your permit, you will need to:
- Provide verification of your identity and age
- Pass a knowledge test
- Pass a vision screening
- Obtain parental consent if you are under 18
West Virginia also places some restrictions on drivers with a Level 1 instruction permit. While holding a Level 1 instruction permit, you must:
- Have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old seated in the front passenger seat at all times
- Generally drive only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Not carry more than two non-family passengers in addition to the supervising driver
Once you have held your permit for at least six months without any traffic violations and completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience, including at least 10 hours at night, you may apply for a Level 2 intermediate license.
Moving to a Level 2 Intermediate License
Once you turn 16, you may apply for your Level 2 intermediate license as long as you have held your permit for at least 6 months without any traffic violations and have obtained the required number of driving experience hours. To get your intermediate license, you must:
- Pass a road skills test
- Have no traffic violations in the prior 6 months
West Virginia also places some restrictions on drivers with an intermediate license. While holding an intermediate license, you may not:
- Drive without a supervising adult between the hours of 10:00 pm and 5:00 am
- Drive with any non-family member under the age of 20 for the first six months
- Drive with more than one non-family member under the age of 20 for the second six months
- Use a handheld device while driving
Once you hold an intermediate license for one year without any traffic violations, you may graduate to a full license.
Graduating to a Level 3 Full License
Graduating to a full license requires having your intermediate license for at least a year. During that time, you may not have received any traffic violations. Once you get a full license, driving time restrictions and passenger restrictions are removed.
However, the use of handheld devices is still prohibited even after you get a full license.
Getting a License When You Are Over 18
If you are over 18 and have never gotten a license, the process is a little different. There is no graduated system for those over 18. However, you must still:
- Pass a knowledge test and vision screening
- Obtain a Class E instruction permit
- Hold the permit for at least 30 days
- Pass a road skills test
- Provide verification of your age and identity
While the graduated license requirements do not apply, adults must still demonstrate their competency with driving knowledge as well as skills on the road before being awarded a license.
Contact Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Charleston Car Accident Attorney
Even if you follow all the rules, you might still find yourself involved in a car accident that was someone else’s fault. When that happens, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help protect your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact the experienced team at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for help today. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Charleston car accident lawyers who is ready to help you get the justice you deserve.
We proudly serve clients throughout Franklin County from our Columbus, OH, office and throughout Kanawha County from our Charleston, WV, office.
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Columbus, OH Office
20 E Broad St Suite 1000, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 587-8423
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 39.96270905583009, -82.99956356191063
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
10 Hale St Suite 501, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 720-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.348382927211865, -81.635109451865
About the Author
Jon Mani is a founding partner and personal injury attorney at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers. With over 20 years of experience representing injured individuals in West Virginia and Ohio, Jon focuses on complex cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, nursing home abuse, catastrophic injuries, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. He is known for his strategic, hands-on approach to litigation and has held leadership roles within the legal community, including serving as President of the West Virginia Association for Justice. Click here to see some of the firm’s most notable case results.
Locations: Charleston, WV, and Columbus, OH
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