Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in West Virginia

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in West Virginia?


The minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in West Virginia is 15 ½ years old.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in West Virginia?


In West Virginia, the graduated driver licensing (GDL) program is designed to help new drivers gain experience and reduce their risk of being involved in a crash. The GDL program consists of the following age-specific restrictions:

1. Learner’s Permit (Age 15): A Learner’s Permit holder must be supervised by an adult 21 years old or older, at all times, when operating a motor vehicle.

2. Intermediate License (Age 16): A driver must have held their Learner’s Permit for at least 6 months, and must be free of any moving violations in the most recent 6 month period. Intermediate license holders are subject to certain restrictions, such as a nighttime driving curfew (11 pm-5 am) and a passenger restriction (no more than one passenger under 21 years old).

3. Full Privilege Driver’s License (Age 18): A driver must have held their Intermediate License for at least 12 months and must be free of any moving violations in the most recent 12 month period.

3. How does the GDL program in West Virginia define a supervised driving period?


In West Virginia, the GDL program defines a supervised driving period as a period in which a teen driver is required to log a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night, with a licensed driver over the age of 21, or a parent/guardian.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in West Virginia?


In West Virginia, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive between 11 pm and 5 am unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or unless driving for an employment purpose, school-related activities or medical-related activities. There are also some additional restrictions on nighttime driving for provisional license holders; they may not drive with more than one unrelated passenger in the car who is under the age of 20, and they cannot drive between 1 am and 5 am.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in West Virginia?


Yes, there are some common exceptions to the GDL program in West Virginia. Teen drivers under the age of 18 who have completed a driver’s education program or who have been issued a restricted license by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles can be exempt from all or part of the GDL. Additionally, teens who have received their license prior to reaching the age of 18 and have not been convicted of any moving violations within three years prior to their 18th birthday can also be exempt from the GDL program.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in West Virginia?


In West Virginia, provisional license applicants must complete at least 45 hours of supervised driving. This includes 10 hours of nighttime driving and 5 hours of inclement weather driving.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in West Virginia?


A driver with a provisional license in West Virginia must follow certain restrictions, such as:
• Drivers with a provisional license must obey a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or are traveling to and from employment or school-related activities.
• Drivers with a provisional license must have no more than one passenger under the age of 18 in the car, unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Drivers with a provisional license must complete a total of 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, before obtaining full driving privileges.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in West Virginia?


In West Virginia, drivers with a provisional license are not allowed to carry any passengers except for a parent, guardian, or driving instructor.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in West Virginia?


In West Virginia, drivers must be at least 17 years old and have held a valid provisional license for at least 6 months before they can apply for an unrestricted license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in West Virginia?


Yes, drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult when driving in West Virginia. The adult must be at least 21 years old.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in West Virginia?


Yes, there are restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in West Virginia. Drivers under 18 years old are prohibited from using hand-held electronic communications devices while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free devices can be used if the driver is 18 or older.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in West Virginia?


No, drivers with provisional licenses in West Virginia are not allowed to drive on highways.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in West Virginia?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses in West Virginia are subject to certain restrictions. The driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and must have a valid license for at least three years. Only one passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. They are also not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in West Virginia?


In order to receive a driver’s license in West Virginia, you must be at least 16 years old and complete a driver education program approved by the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Before you can take the driving test, you must also pass a written examination covering driving laws and regulations. The driving test will assess your knowledge of the rules of the road, your ability to control your vehicle, how well you avoid hazardous situations, and your overall driving skills. You must also provide proof of identity, residency, and insurance, and pay any required fees.

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in West Virginia?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses are required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in West Virginia.

16. Does the GDL program in West Virginia require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


No, the GDL program in West Virginia does not require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in West Virginia?


There are currently no special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in West Virginia. However, West Virginia does provide completion certificates for completion of an approved driver’s education program. The certificates can be used to qualify for insurance discounts and/or premium reductions.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in West Virginia?


Yes, there are certain exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in West Virginia. Exceptions include:

• Driving to and from school, work, or religious activities if there is no other transportation available.
• Driving during a medical emergency.
• Driving for purposes of agricultural production.
• Driving for certain specified public service activities.
• Driving to and from military induction and discharge sites.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in West Virginia?


Yes, drivers in West Virginia are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations once they reach the age of 18.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in West Virginia?


The penalties for violating the GDL program rules in West Virginia vary depending on the type of offense. The most common penalties include fines, points, license suspension or revocation, or community service.

Fines: Fines for violating the GDL program can range from $25 to $200.

Points: Depending on the type of violation, the DMV may assign 1 to 6 points to a driver’s record.

License Suspension or Revocation: If a driver accumulates 6 points in a 12 month period, their driver’s license may be suspended or revoked. A driver whose license is suspended will have to complete a remedial course before reinstating their license.

Community Service: A driver may be required to complete community service as part of their punishment for violating the GDL program rules.