West Virginia Online Driver Education and West Virginia Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your West Virginia Learner’s Permit or first West Virginia driver’s license. West Virginia has a Graduated Driver License Program for West Virginia teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first West Virginia driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The West Virginia Learner’s Permit or West Virginia Instruction Permit
When you turn 15, you can apply for a West Virginia Instruction Permit. In order to apply, you’ll need:
- A certified birth certificate or valid U.S. Passport
- Social Security Card
- Proof of West Virginia physical address
- Your parent/guardian must sign your application
- West Virginia Instruction Permit fee of $5
Once you’re ready, make an appointment, then head on down to your local West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle Office (DMV) with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a written knowledge test. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your West Virginia Instruction Permit, which is valid until your 18th birthday.
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or a licensed driver who is over 21. Also, you can only drive between the hours of 5AM and 10PM, and with 2 non-family member passengers (in addition to the supervising adult). Of course, all passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your West Virginia Learner’s Permit with you at all times. Finally, no cell phones while driving--talking or text!
Once you’ve held your West Virginia Instruction Permit for 6 months have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the West Virginia Graduated License Program, the West Virginia Intermediate Driver’s License.
The West Virginia Intermediate Driver License or West Virginia Provisional License
You can apply for your West Virginia Intermediate Driver’s License once you’ve held your West Virginia Instruction Permit for 6 months in good standing. However, you’ll need to make sure you meet these requirements:
- Hold a West Virginia Instruction Permit for 6 months
- Be at least 16 years old
- Complete 50 hours of driving practice
- 10 of these hours must be at night
- Your parent/guardian must certify your completed hours
- No West Virginia traffic violations for 6 months preceding application
Then, make an appointment and head on down to your local West Virginia DMV Office again. Remember to bring your identification documents, your parent/guardian, the $5 fee, and your West Virginia Instruction Permit. Now you’ll have to take the dreaded West Virginia road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your West Virginia Intermediate Driver’s License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
West Virginia Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are still a few restrictions you’ll have to keep in mind now that you have your West Virginia Intermediate Driver’s License:
- All passengers and the driver must wear seat belts
- For the first 6 months, no passengers under 20 (unless family)
- For the second 6 months, no more than 1 passenger under 20 (unless family)
- No driving between the hours of 10PM and 5AM unless going to/from employment, a school or religious activity, or for an emergency situation
- No cell phone /texting while driving
If you receive two West Virginia moving violations, your West Virginia Intermediate Driver License will be suspended until you turn 18. However, once you turn 18 and have had your West Virginia Intermediate Driver License for 1 year, you can apply for your West Virginia Full Class E License, and these restrictions will be removed. Freedom!
West Virginia Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your West Virginia Provisional Driver license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because West Virginia drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $20,000 bodily injury for one person
- $40,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without West Virginia mandatory liability insurance, your West Virginia Learner Permit or West Virginia Intermediate Driver’s License could be suspended.
West Virginia Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a West Virginia teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the West Virginia drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, West Virginia has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a West Virginia DUI or West Virginia DWI, your West Virginia Learner Permit or West Virginia Driver’s License will be suspended.
In general, upon your first conviction of a West Virginia DUI of .08, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Jail up to 6 months
- Fine $100 to $500
- West Virginia License Suspension 15 days
For a DUI with a blood alcohol content of .15 or above
- Jail from 2 days to 6 months
- Fine $100 to $1,000
- West Virginia License Suspension 45 days
And, if you’re carrying a minor under 16 in your vehicle:
- Jail from 2 days to 12 months
- Fine $200 to $1,000
- Ignition Interlock installation possible
And of course, further West Virginia DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and West Virginia license suspension or even West Virginia license revocation.
Currently, West Virginia teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, even with hands-free devices!
West Virginia Online Driver Education
West Virginia teen drivers can find more information about approved West Virginia online driver education on the West Virginia Transportation website.
