Question 1

How long is a West Virginia Regular Instruction Permit (18 and over) valid, and what happens if it expires?

Accepted Answer

Valid six months; both the vision and knowledge tests must be retaken if it expires — A Regular Instruction Permit is valid for six months; if it expires, both the vision and knowledge tests must be retaken, and a first-time applicant must hold it at least 30 days before the road skills test.

Question 2

What does a 15-year-old need to obtain a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit?

Accepted Answer

A vision screening, a knowledge test, and written parental/guardian consent on form DMV-DS-23P — A Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit is available at 15, requiring a vision screening, a knowledge test, and written parental/guardian consent (DMV-DS-23P) -- unless the applicant is married and under 18.

Question 3

How many non-family passengers can a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit holder carry, beyond the supervising adult?

Accepted Answer

No more than two — A Level 1 GDL holder may only drive 5 a.m.-10 p.m. with a licensed adult 21+ in the right front seat, and may carry no more than two additional non-family passengers beyond that adult.

Question 4

How much alcohol is a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit holder allowed to have in their system while driving?

Accepted Answer

None -- zero tolerance, no measurable amount at all — A Level 1 GDL holder has zero tolerance for alcohol -- no measurable amount is permitted -- and may not use a wireless device while driving except to contact 9-1-1; two convictions revoke the permit for 90 days.

Question 5

What happens if a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit is surrendered for any reason?

Accepted Answer

The holder must retest and maintain a fresh 180 consecutive conviction-free days, resubmitting all documentation — A Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit is nonrenewable -- if surrendered for any reason, the holder must retest and maintain the permit for a fresh 180 consecutive conviction-free days, resubmitting all identity and residency documentation.

Question 6

When does a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit expire, and is there any grace period?

Accepted Answer

On the holder's 18th birthday, with a 30-day grace period to complete the road skills exam — A Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit is issued up to the applicant's 18th birthday and expires on that birthday, though a 30-day grace period beyond it is allowed to complete the road skills examination.

Question 7

What supervised-driving documentation does a West Virginia Level 2 GDL Intermediate Driver's License require?

Accepted Answer

A parent/guardian-certified log of 50 hours behind the wheel (including 10 at night), or an approved driver's education course — A Level 2 GDL Intermediate Driver's License requires being at least 16, 180 consecutive conviction-free days at Level 1, a passed road skills test (up to 3 attempts), and either a 50-hour certified log (10 at night) or an approved driver's education course.

Question 8

When can a West Virginia Level 2 GDL Intermediate Driver's License holder drive unsupervised?

Accepted Answer

From 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., needing a supervising adult 21+ overnight except for work, school activities, religious activities, or emergencies — A Level 2 GDL holder may drive unsupervised from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., but needs a supervising licensed adult 21+ overnight -- except when going to/from work, a school-sanctioned activity, a religious activity, or an emergency.

Question 9

How does a West Virginia Level 2 GDL holder's passenger limit change between their first and second six months?

Accepted Answer

No non-family passengers under 20 in the first six months; up to one such passenger in the second six months — A Level 2 GDL holder may carry no non-family passengers under 20 during their first six months, and no more than one such passenger during their second six months.

Question 10

What happens after a West Virginia Level 2 GDL holder's second conviction for a moving violation?

Accepted Answer

Driving privileges are revoked until age 18, and a full retest is required — A Level 2 GDL holder must be conviction-free 12 months to reach Level 3; a first conviction requires a driver improvement program, and a second conviction revokes privileges until 18 with a full retest required.

Question 11

Is a West Virginia Level 3 GDL license mandatory once a driver qualifies for it?

Accepted Answer

No -- a qualifying driver may choose to apply for it, or simply keep following Level 2's restrictions until 18 — A Level 3 GDL license is optional once earned (17+, 12 conviction-free months at Level 2) -- the driver may apply for it or simply keep Level 2's restrictions until turning 18.

West Virginia: Minor & Provisional Licensing Questions

1. How long is a West Virginia Regular Instruction Permit (18 and over) valid, and what happens if it expires?

2. What does a 15-year-old need to obtain a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit?

3. How many non-family passengers can a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit holder carry, beyond the supervising adult?

4. How much alcohol is a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit holder allowed to have in their system while driving?

5. What happens if a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit is surrendered for any reason?

6. When does a West Virginia Level 1 GDL Instruction Permit expire, and is there any grace period?

7. What supervised-driving documentation does a West Virginia Level 2 GDL Intermediate Driver's License require?

8. When can a West Virginia Level 2 GDL Intermediate Driver's License holder drive unsupervised?

9. How does a West Virginia Level 2 GDL holder's passenger limit change between their first and second six months?

10. What happens after a West Virginia Level 2 GDL holder's second conviction for a moving violation?

11. Is a West Virginia Level 3 GDL license mandatory once a driver qualifies for it?

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