Getting Your West Virginia Learner’s Permit: A Complete Guide

All new drivers in West Virginia are required to go through the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program. The first step of the GDL requires new drivers to obtain and hold a learner’s permit for a period of time, which depends on your age, before being allowed to take the road test to progress to an intermediate or full driver’s license.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your West Virginia Learner’s Permit.

What is a Learner’s Permit?

A learner’s permit, or instruction permit, allows you to drive under the supervision of a licensed driver 21 or older in the passenger seat. In West Virginia, the requirements & process will vary depending on your age:

• If you are between 15 and 17 years old, you need to hold the permit for at least six months with no violations before you can take the road test. In addition, you need to log at least 50 hours of driving, with 10 of them being at night.
• If you’re 18 or older and have never held a license before, you can apply for a different type of learner’s permit. This permit will be valid for 90 days and can be renewed only once, though if you’re ready, you can take the driving test after 30 days to get your driver’s license.

Now that you know what a permit is, let’s talk about how you apply and what the requirements are.

How to Get a Learner’s Permit in West Virginia

To get your driver’s permit, you can go to any DMV or driver licensing office and apply. You’ll need to bring the following:

• Your social security card
• Proof of identity document, such as a birth certificate
• Two West Virginia residency proofs
• A Driver’s Eligibility Certificate from your school
• Money to pay a fee
• Written permission from a parent or legal guardian

Pass the Knowledge Test

You’ll be required to take and pass a written knowledge test and a vision test at the DMV. If you’d like to study up for the tests, you can either read the West Virginia driver handbook or use an online study resource. There is also an option to take the written test online rather than at a licensing office.

The written test is one of the hardest parts of getting your West Virginia driver’s permit with over a 50% fail-rate nation-wide, so we strongly recommend that you study with a proper study resource. That’s where Zutobi comes in – we make studying for your test easy with our summarized driver’s handbook, up-to-date online practice tests, and gamified learning experience. There’s a reason 95% of our students pass on their 1st try.

West Virginia Permit Restrictions

Here are some permit restrictions that you should take note of when you start driving:

• You are only allowed to drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
• A maximum of two passengers (besides your supervisor) who are not family members are allowed in the car.
• Everyone in the car must be wearing their safety belts.
• You are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving.
• Absolutely no alcohol is allowed.
• You are only allowed to drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about getting your driver’s permit in West Virginia. If you need any help studying for your upcoming knowledge or driving exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study resource with a summarized handbook, West Virginia practice tests, and a gamified learning experience.