How to Get Your West Virginia Learner's Permit (DMV Guide)

To get a Level 1 Instruction Permit (Graduated Driver's License) in West Virginia, you must be at least 15 and apply in person at the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Applicants under 18 generally need a parent or guardian to sign, and many states also require enrollment in or completion of a driver-education course.

West Virginia's DMV knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving — including mountain and steep-grade driving — from the West Virginia Driver's Licensing Handbook. Teens follow a three-level graduated licensing system.

Bring original or certified documents (not photocopies) that establish:

• Proof of identity, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport, showing you are at least 15 years old
• Proof of your Social Security number (a signed Social Security card, or know your number and bring supporting proof)
• First proof of West Virginia residency, such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, or W-2 showing your physical address
• Second proof of West Virginia residency from a different source, such as a tax record, insurance card, or lease agreement
• Parental or legal guardian consent signed on Form DMV-DS-23P authorizing the permit for applicants under 18 (a certified marriage certificate may be used instead if married)
• A valid School Driver Eligibility Certificate (Form DE-J1) confirming school enrollment or completion, showing your physical address

In West Virginia, the knowledge test can be taken online (as well as in person). The knowledge test is a multiple-choice exam of at least 25 questions requiring a 76% score to pass, and it may be taken online from home through the Know To Drive portal using a computer with a webcam or completed in person at a DMV office.

The DMV charges $7.50 per test attempt for the permit. Amounts can change and sometimes include separate knowledge-test or service fees, so verify the current cost with the DMV before you visit.

West Virginia uses a three-stage Graduated Driver's License system for new drivers ages 15 to 17: the Level 1 instruction permit requires supervised driving and must be held for at least 180 days, the Level 2 intermediate license adds passenger and nighttime driving limits and must be held for at least one year, and the Level 3 full license removes those restrictions once the driver reaches age 17 with a clean record.