West Virginia Driver License

You must obtain a West Virginia driver’s license if you want to drive a vehicle on West Virginia public highways. Whenever you drive, you must always have your license with you.

Your application for a driver’s license in West Virginia

It must contain at least one approved proof-of-identity document, proof of a Social Security number, and two proofs of residency for the state of West Virginia. West Virginia DMV accepts state-issued documents like birth certificates, passports, and permanent residence cards as proof-of-identity documents.

Additional documentation

Residents who have changed their names must provide additional documentation.

All the applicants should be at least 15  years old, complete a road skill test, vision test, and knowledge exam. The fee for a driver’s license in West Virginia is different depending on the driver’s current age and the type of license desired. West Virginia has a graded licensing system.  It means that the initial license a driver obtains will have numerous restrictions. After passing further exams you will get a subsequent license.

A Level 1 license is the initial type of license. Drivers between the ages of 15 and 18, who hold Level 1 licenses, can drive with a licensed driver in the car.

To obtain a Level I license, you need to be at least 15, and license 1 drivers can be on the road between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Level I license cannot consume alcohol in any quantity when they drive.

If you are under the age of 18, your application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. You don’t need Parents’ consent if you are married. However, you must show a copy of your certified marriage certificate. You will also need a valid school eligibility document.

The second license is a Level II license.

If you have had your Level 1 license for at least 6 months and have passed a road skills exam, some of the restrictions are eliminated.

And the final is Level III

The ultimate level of licensing, a Level III, will be issued when a driver has had a Level II license for at least a year with no violations. Furthermore, Level III drivers must be at least 17 years old.

Please note that West Virginia maintains the right to reject a driver’s license to certain persons.

Generally, they are the drivers who drove under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The same goes for unauthorized West Virginia citizens.

As we mentioned before, West Virginia requires to pass both a written and a driving test. It is efficient to practice written exams before arriving at the DMV to take the official test. West Virginia also provides a Driver’s Licensing Handbook to help you study.

What concerns a vision test, you must pass it to certify that a driver has acceptable eyesight for driving. On the road test day, you must have a vehicle with you, which is in a good condition.

All the types of instruction permits and driving licenses can be obtained at one of the Division of Motor Vehicles Regional Offices or any Division of Motor Vehicles Exam Center.

Note:

You don’t need a driver’s license if you are a military worker or a temporary resident.

West Virginia Driver License Requirements

All the applicants, who want to obtain a driver license in West Virginia must meet the following requirements:

• be at least 15 years old
• complete road skills test
• successful knowledge test
• vision test
• no driving violations

As for documentation, an applicant must provide at least one proof of identity, evidence of a Social Security number, and two proofs of residence for the state of West Virginia.

Foreign-born residents of West Virginia may also need several documents including:

• Naturalization Certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad Certificate of Citizenship
• Employment authorization
• Foreign passport accompanied by a Visa Permanent Resident Card issued by the United States

Driver License Renewal in West Virginia

West Virginians who need to renew heir licenses must have one proof of identity, one proof of Social Security number, two proofs of West Virginia residence documentation. Your license is generally valid for 5 years. However, your first driver’s license will be valid for three to seven years, depending on your age at the time of renewal.

All driver’s license renewal fees are calculated depending on the number of years you will hold a license until your age is divisible by five (25, 30, 35, 40, etc.), at a rate of $5.00 each year plus 50¢.

West Virginia Driver License Classes

• Class A/B/C: You can drive combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more. As well as GVWR or a GCWR less than 26,001 pounds and designed to transport 16 or more passengers (only Class C).
• Non-Commercial Class D to drive non-CDL Vehicles for Hire
• Class E to carry passengers
• To drive Motorcycles you need Class F
• Biopic Lens-Wearing Drivers need to have a Class G driver’s license.

Can I check my driver’s license status online?

Sure, you can. Just sign up for the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and use its online services to check if your driver’s license or driving privilege is valid, revoked, or suspended.

Can I drive in West Virginia with my out-of-state license?

If your out-of-state license is valid, you can transfer it to West Virginia. You just need to pass a vision test and complete an alcohol awareness course. If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license, the DMV will transfer it for a charge of $1.00 each year for the duration of your license’s validity.

A new West Virginia resident who does not have or whose out-of-state license has expired must get a certified driving record dated no more than 30 days from the date of the application.

What do I need to title my vehicle?

If you buy a car from a West Virginia dealer, the dealer must handle the documentation for you. If you have buy a car from an individual you just need a title signed over and a notarized bill of sale.

How can I obtain a West Virginia driving record?

You need to bring your driver’s license or ID card to any of West Virginia’s DMV Regional offices. Then you must fill out the application and pay the fee. You can do it online as well.