West Virginia Driver's License

Class E License

A Class E License is the most common type issued to West Virginia residents. It permits individuals to drive non-commercial vehicles, including passenger cars, small trucks, and SUVs. This license suits everyday drivers who refrain from engaging in commercial transportation.

Class D License

The Class D license is for operators of non-commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 8,001 and 26,000 pounds. This license includes larger trucks and vans that do not require a commercial driver's license. It requires a minimum of one year of driving experience.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) are necessary for operating larger vehicles, including buses and tractor-trailers. These licenses require at least two years of driving experience.

CDLs are divided into three classes, each with endorsements and restrictions based on the specific driving duties.

Class A permits the operation of combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of over 26,001 pounds. The towed vehicle should be over 10,000 pounds.

Class B allows the operation of a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class C is required for operating vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver). It is also necessary for drivers transporting hazardous materials.

Class F License

Individuals who wish to operate motorcycles need to get either a motorcycle instruction permit, a motorcycle endorsement (F Endorsement), or a Class F License, also known as a motorcycle-only driver's license.

Motorcycle Instruction Permit

The motorcycle instruction permit allows anyone 16 years old and above to ride a motorcycle during daylight. However, underaged drivers (below 18) must have a Level 2 GDL (Graduated Driver's License) before applying for a motorcycle instruction permit.

Drivers must keep the instruction permit for at least seven days before getting a higher motorcycle license, which is an F endorsement or Class F motorcycle-only license.

F Endorsement

The Class F endorsement applies to a licensee with a specific class of driver's license. Holders of a Class E or CDL can get a motorcycle endorsement, provided they pass the necessary tests and finish a rider course on driving motorcycles.

Motorcycle Only

Once a driver opts for a motorcycle-only license, they cannot drive other types of vehicles unless they apply again and take different tests to prove their driving skills. If an applicant gets a license for a 2-wheeled motorcycle, they can drive a 3-wheeled motorcycle but not the other way around.

Class G License

Individuals not meeting the minimum vision acuity requirements for a standard driver's license may still be eligible to drive under certain conditions. They can apply for a Class G license. This license allows them to maintain their independence and mobility.

Graduated Driver's License (GDL)

West Virginia's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is designed for drivers under 18. It involves several stages until the driver-applicant reaches 21. General restrictions apply while driving with any level of GDL, which include:

• A supervising licensed adult in the front passenger
• Adherence to the seat belt law
• No amount of alcohol in the holder's system
• No use of wireless communication devices except for emergency purposes only

Level 1 – Instruction Permit

At Level 1 GDL, applicants must be 15 to 18 years old. A parent or legal guardian must sign the application form DS-23P before the applicant takes knowledge and vision tests.

Applicants must hold the Level 1 GDL for 180 days before they can apply for Level 2. The Level 1 GDL expires on the holder's 18th birthday, with a 30-day grace period. During this period, the holders must adhere to specific limitations in addition to general restrictions, which include:

• Driving hours between 5 AM and 10 PM only
• Maximum of 2 non-family adult passengers in addition to the supervising adult

Level 2 – Intermediate Driver's License

Level 2 GDL is available to holders of Level 1 GDL aged 16 to 18. To get this license, applicants must complete all the requirements and adhere to the restrictions of Level 1.

In addition to the Level 1 requirements, applicants must obtain a parent or legal guardian certification. The certification or log sheet must show that the applicant completed at least 50 hours of driving, including 10 hours of night driving.

Applicants must also pass a road skill test. They can only take a maximum of three attempts.

Unlike Level 1, Level 2 GDL allows underaged drivers to drive between 5 AM and 10 PM without a supervising adult but not beyond 10 PM to 5 AM. However, exceptions to this rule apply, such as going home from an emergency case, valid employment, school-related events, and religious activities.

Level 3 - Full Class E

Level 3 is available once GDL holders turn 17. However, they can opt to apply for it until they reach 18. To get Level 3 GDL, they must hold a Level 2 GDL for at least one year without any violations or convictions. Moreover, drivers must complete all requirements. Once the license is obtained, holders are now subject to the point system.

Out-of-State Transfers GDL

Underaged applicants who don't have Level 2 GDL, equivalent or higher, from their home state and have moved to West Virginia must retake all tests as if they had never held a license. However, if they can provide a driving record from their previous state, their time spent completing the Level 1 GDL or equivalent can be credited.

Class E Non-GDL Instruction Permit

Applicants must be over 18 years old, and this is their first time getting a non-GDL instruction permit. They must pass a knowledge test and vision screening. These permits have a six-month validity. After 30 days, applicants can take a road skill test.

Residents with student or work visas can use their foreign license for a limited time, usually up to 90 days. Beyond this period, they must obtain a West Virginia driver's license, starting with the instruction permit.

Once all requirements and tests are passed, applicants can now apply for the regular Class E driver's license.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide several documents to prove identity, residency, and lawful presence in West Virginia. These typically include:

• Proof of Identity such as birth certificate, passport, or another form of government-issued identification
• Social Security Number or a W-2 form showing the number
• Proof of West Virginia Residency, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or other documents showing a West Virginia address
• Proof of Lawful Presence, such as a passport, visa, or Green Card

For underage applicants (15 to 18), a certificate of enrollment or any document as proof of academic progress is required when applying for the GDL program. If married under 18, applicants must submit a marriage certificate in place of parental consent.

Relevant Tests

All applicants, foreigners or residents, must pass the necessary tests to obtain a driver's license.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test consists of 25 questions on traffic laws, rules, and regulations found in the driver's licensing handbook. It is fully automated. To pass, applicants must get at least 19 correct answers. An audio version is also available to individuals with reading impairment. All versions have a time limit.

Examinees can opt for online knowledge tests subject to the provisions of the fraudulent license penalties in the code. Suspended or expired licenses of more than six months may require to repeat a knowledge test.

Vision Tests

The required vision acuity to pass is 20/40. If applicants fail or need corrective lenses to pass, their licenses may have a restriction code. A severe vision impairment may require specialist recommendations. Thus, applicants are advised to have an eye checkup before applying.

Road Skills Test

The road skills test is an applicant's practical driving exam. It can be taken after passing the first two tests. Applicants will demonstrate their ability to drive on public roads. If passed, they can proceed with their application. If they fail, applicants can retake it after one week.

Fees

There are fees associated with obtaining a driver's license. These fees vary depending on the type of license and the applicant's age. The fee for the knowledge and road skills test is $7.50 for every attempt and another $7.50 for the instruction permit.

Applicants need to pay an additional $10 fee if they opt for the Real ID. For more details on applicable fees, the WV DMV website publishes the most complete and current fee schedule.

Payment Methods

Paying driver's license fees is now more convenient than before. The accepted payment methods include:

• Cash
• Credit/Debit Cards
• Checks
• Money Orders

Renewal Process

Drivers can renew their licenses up to six months before the expiration date. They often received renewal notices by mail. Renewal of driver's license can be done in person or online.

In-Person

Drivers renewing their licenses must visit any WV DMV office. They must present their current license, one proof of residency, and the renewal application. If their address has changed since the last application, they will need to provide two proofs of residency with the current physical address. Proof such as a marriage certificate is required for a change in legal name.

Elderly drivers are required to provide proof of adequate vision on every renewal. If the license has expired for six months or more, licensees are considered first-time applicants and must undergo retests.

Online Renewal

The DMV has made it easier for drivers to renew their licenses online. When it's time to renew, drivers must visit the "Renew Your Driver's License or State ID" service page on the official website of the WV DMV. Once in the online system, fill in the necessary information.

Once submitted, applicants will receive a confirmation of the renewal. They will receive their new license by mail in 30 to 45 days.

Replacement/Duplicate Process

If a driver's license is lost or stolen, the driver must immediately report it to the DMV. Then, they can check through the website for eligibility to request a duplicate online. If they are eligible, they can proceed by providing the requirements.

• Identification proof
• Residency documents, two if their address has changed
• Documents of legal name change, if any

Sometimes, drivers are not qualified to request a duplicate license online. In this case, they must visit a WV DMV office in person. If a license is lost or stolen out-of-state, call the WV DMV when the online request is not available.