West Virginia graduated driver licence stages

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the three West Virginia GDL levels and the minimum age for each.
• You can explain how long you must hold each level before moving up.
• You can describe the supervision, time-of-day and passenger limits at Levels 1 and 2.
• You can explain what happens if you are convicted of a traffic offense while on a GDL.
• You can describe the separate permit route for new drivers aged 18 or older.

What you need to know and understand

• Level 1 instruction permit: from age 15, after the vision screening and knowledge test.
• Level 2 intermediate license: from 16, after 180 days conviction-free on Level 1 and a road skills test.
• Level 3 license: from 17, after 12 months conviction-free on Level 2. Moving to Level 3 is optional.
• Level 1 and Level 2 drivers may only drive alone or supervised within set hours, and passenger numbers are limited.
• Drivers under 18 may not use any wireless device while driving, except to call 911.
• Zero tolerance for alcohol applies at every level, and everyone in the vehicle must be buckled up.

The three levels side by side

• Level 1 (age 15 to 18): a licensed driver aged 21 or older must sit in the front passenger seat at all times. Driving is allowed only from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. You may carry no more than two non-family passengers besides your supervisor. The permit runs until your 18th birthday plus a 30-day grace period and cannot be renewed.
• Level 2 (age 16 or older): you may drive alone from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. you need a licensed driver aged 21 or older with you, unless you are traveling to or from work, a school-sanctioned activity or a religious activity, or driving in an emergency to prevent injury or death. For the first six months you may carry no non-family passengers under 20, then no more than one for the next six months.
• Level 3 (age 17 or older): the GDL time and passenger limits end, but points now go on your record for any tickets. This license expires on your 21st birthday plus a 30-day grace period.

How convictions affect your progress

West Virginia cares more about your conviction-free time than your age. On Level 1, each conviction restarts your six-month clock, and two convictions mean your permit is revoked for 90 days before you reapply and retest.

On Level 2, each conviction restarts the 12-month clock. After a first conviction you must complete a driver improvement program or stay at Level 2 until you turn 18. A second moving violation revokes your license until 18, and you then retest as a first-time applicant. The DMV says headlamp and improper backing violations do not count against the Level 3 conviction-free year.

If you are 18 or older

New drivers aged 18 or older who have never held a Level 2 or comparable license get a regular Class E instruction permit instead of a GDL permit. A licensed driver aged 21 or older must sit beside you. The permit is valid for 180 days and cannot be renewed, and you can take the road skills test after holding it for at least 30 days.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a birthday moves you up a level. You also need the conviction-free time and, for Level 2, the road test and practice log.
• Carrying friends on a new Level 2 license. In the first six months no non-family passengers under 20 are allowed.
• Thinking a minor ticket does not matter. Any conviction restarts your conviction-free clock.
• Using a hands-free phone as a teen. Under 18, all wireless device use is banned except calling 911.

Test yourself: West Virginia graduated driver licence stages

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• West Virginia Permit Practice Test
• West Virginia Permit Test
• Learning to Drive in West Virginia