Obtaining an instruction permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in West Virginia. You are eligible to apply for an instruction permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of West Virginia who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

[edit] HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the West Virginia Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain parental consent. Both parents, surviving parent, single parent with custody or legal guardian must sign the application. (Not required if married but married applicants must present a marriage certificate).
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. The completed application form.
5. Acceptable proofs of identity and West Virginia residency as specified by the DMV. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
6. Your Social Security card.
7. School enrollment form (the form can be obtained your school and must be completed by the school principal).
8. A permit fee of $5.
9. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instruction permit, which is valid for 14 months or till your 18 birthday (whichever comes first). An instruction permit is not renewable.

When driving with an instruction permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older. This person must sit beside you. You are not permitted to drive between 11 pm and 5 am.

[edit] THE INTERMEDIATE DRIVER'S LICENSE

If you are under 18, you must wait at least six months after being issued your instruction permit, and provide a 30 hour certification form signed by a parent/guardian certifying that you have completed a minimum of 30 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving experience. Otherwise, you can submit a driver education card certifying you have completed a driver education course. Other requirements:

1. You should have a clean driving record in the last six months.
2. Parental consent and school enrollment form if you are under 18 years of age.
3. The fee of $5.

Once you pass the road test, you will be issued an intermediate driver's license which expires on your 18th birthday. The intermediate driver's license in West Virginia includes the following restrictions:

1. You are not permitted to drive without supervision of a licensed driver age 21 or older between 11 pm and 5 am.
2. You cannot carry more than three unrelated passengers under the age of 19 years.
3. All occupants must wear seatbelts.

[edit] THE FULL LICENSE

A full, unrestricted Class E license may be issued when you are at least 17 years old. An intermediate driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have held an intermediate driver's license for at least one year.
2. You have a clean driving record in the last one year.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of West Virginia, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.