Minimum Driving Age
West Virginia employs a Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) system comprising three levels:
- Level 1 (Instruction Permit):
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Requirements: Pass vision and knowledge tests, obtain parental consent, and provide a valid School Driver Eligibility Certificate .
- Minimum Age: 15 years
- Level 2 (Intermediate License):
- Minimum Age: 16 years
- Requirements: Hold a Level 1 permit for at least 6 months, complete 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), pass a road skills test, and have no traffic violations for 6 months .
- Minimum Age: 16 years
- Level 3 (Full License):
- Minimum Age: 17 years
- Requirements: Hold a Level 2 license for at least 1 year without violations
- Minimum Age: 17 years
Instruction Permit Rules
- Supervision: Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat at all times
- Driving Hours: Driving is permitted only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Passenger Restrictions: No more than two non-family passengers under 21 years old
License Types
- Instruction Permit (Level 1): Allows supervised driving with a licensed adult aged 21 or older
- Intermediate License (Level 2): Permits unsupervised driving with certain restrictions for drivers under 18
- Full License (Level 3): Grants full driving privileges without restrictions
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Required for operating commercial vehicles; applicants must meet specific age and testing requirements.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Required for operating motorcycles; applicants must pass a motorcycle knowledge test and skills test.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a permit or license in West Virginia, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity and Date of Birth: Such as a birth certificate or valid passport.
- Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card or approved document.
- Proof of West Virginia Residency and Current Address: Two documents, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or school transcripts.
- Parental Consent: Required if under 18; parent or guardian must accompany the applicant or provide a notarized signature on the application.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Children under 8 years old and under 4 feet 9 inches tall: Must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat.
- Children under 8 years old and at least 4 feet 9 inches tall: May use a seatbelt.
- Seatbelt Use: All front-seat occupants and rear-seat passengers under 18 are required to wear seatbelts.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Handheld Device Use: Prohibited for all drivers while operating a motor vehicle
- Hands-Free Use: Permitted for drivers aged 18 and over
- Novice Drivers (under 18 with Level 1 or 2 licenses): Prohibited from any cell phone use, including hands-free devices
DUI Laws
- Legal BAC Limits:
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- Under 21: 0.02%
- 21 and over: 0.08%
- First Offense Penalties:
- Fine: $100–$500
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months
- License Suspension: 6 months
- Fine: $100–$500
- Aggravated DUI (BAC ≥ 0.15%) Penalties:
- Fine: $200–$1,000
- Jail Time: 2 days to 6 months
- License Revocation: 1 year
- Fine: $200–$1,000
Speed Limits
- Business or Residential Districts: 25 mph
- Open Country Highways: 55 mph
- Interstates: Up to 70 mph
Reckless Driving Laws
- Definition: Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- First Offense Penalties:
- Jail Time: 5 to 90 days
- Fine: $25–$500
- Jail Time: 5 to 90 days
- Second or Subsequent Offense Penalties:
- Jail Time: 10 days to 6 months
- Fine: $50–$1,000
- Jail Time: 10 days to 6 months
Points System
- Point Accumulation:
- Points are assigned for traffic violations based on severity.
- Points are assigned for traffic violations based on severity.
- Consequences:
- Accumulating 6 points results in a warning letter.
- Continued violations can lead to license suspension.
- Accumulating 6 points results in a warning letter.
Insurance Requirements
- Minimum Liability Coverage:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $25,000 per accident
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal:
- Driver’s licenses are typically valid for 5 years
- Driver’s licenses are typically valid for 5 years
- Vision Test:
- Required at each renewal
- Required at each renewal
- Written/Driving Test:
- May be required if there are medical concerns or after certain violations
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