by Jim Thompson | Last Updated: September 6, 2023

To get a driver license in West Virginia, you will have to satisfy the requirements established by the West Virginia Department of Transportation. Unlike other states, the graduated driver licensing program in West Virginia does not require that you complete a drivers ed course. However, taking such a course will help reinforce the knowledge and skills that you will need to complete the other requirements.

Drivers Ed West Virginia

The graduated driver licensing program (GDL) of West Virginia applies to all first-time drivers under the age of 18. You can begin the program at age 15 by applying for a learner permit.

To get a learner permit, you will be required to pass a written driving knowledge test. You can prepare for this exam in one (or more) of the following ways:

• Study the West Virginia driver handbook
• Take a driver education course
• Take a permit practice test

A permit practice test is an easy way to find out if you have what it takes to pass the DOT test. Built from questions from past DOT exams, you will be able to take your test with confidence as you will know exactly what to expect.

On the other hand, you may choose to prepare by taking a driver education course. You may complete drivers ed at a private driver training school or by enrolling in an online driver education course.

Another advantage to taking drivers ed West Virginia is that it will replace the 50 our practice driving requirement of the GDL.

What to Expect from Driver Education West Virginia

A West Virginia driver education course will supply you with valuable information that you can apply whenever you get behind the wheel. The topics covered in a driver education course will include:

• Basic vehicle operation
• Driving safely in hazardous conditions
• Handling emergency situations
• Sharing the road with other drivers
• Knowledge, skills and attitudes that will help you to become a safe and responsible driver

Once you earn your learner permit, you can take what you learned from your class out onto the road. With a learner permit, you can practice drive if you are accompanied by a licensed driver that is a minimum of 21 years old. This supervised driving must occur between 5 AM and 10 PM, and you may not use a cell phone while driving.

Next Stop – Your West Virginia Intermediate License

To obtain a WV intermediate driver license will require you to pass a road skills tests. Before you can schedule this test you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 16 years old
• You must have had your learners permit for at least six months
• You must have committed no traffic violations in the past six months

If you have not completed a drivers ed course, you must document at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a Form DMV-10-GDL.

After you have completed these steps and passed the road skills tests at your local DOT office, you’ll be ready to hit the road with your brand-new West Virginia intermediate license.

For full details about the West Virginia graduated driver licensing process, please visit the West Virginia DMV drivers license website.