What You Need to Know About the West Virginia Graduated Driver’s License Program
Nearly all states in the nation have implemented a system that allows new driver’s extra time to develop the skills they need to be safe on the road when driving unsupervised. Exactly how the system is utilized varies by state. In West Virginia, you can begin the program at age 15 and finish by age 17 if you fulfill specific requirements.
Step 1
You can obtain a learner’s permit at age 15 if you pass a written knowledge test and an eye exam. While holding this permit for at least six months, you:
- must have a driving supervisor with you anytime you operate the vehicle. This supervisor must be over the age of 21 and hold a valid driver’s license, or be a certified driving instructor
- may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., but you do have to accumulate 10 hours of night driving practice, as well as 40 hours of day practice
- are forbidden from carrying more than two passengers in addition to your supervisor
Step 2
At age 16, after fulfilling the requirements of the permit, you can apply for your intermediate license by passing the road test. Though you won’t have to have a supervisor with you anymore, you are still bound by certain restrictions. These include:
- Not driving between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless you have a licensed adult over the age of 21 with you
- Not having any passengers under the age of 20 with you for the first six months of obtaining your restricted license, and then only carrying one passenger under 20-years-old unless they are family members
Be aware, that if you receive two moving violations, your license will be suspended until you turn age 18.
Step 3
At age 17, if you have not acquired any moving infractions for at least 12 months, you are eligible for unrestricted driving privileges.