Get your first driver's license in West Virginia

Online or in person

No, you finish in person · At least two visitsThe handbook says the vision and knowledge tests are given by driver examiners at DMV designated locations. The DMV's Know To Drive page, however, offers an online written test that it calls part of the driver's license application process; its certificate is not permission to drive, and you must still go to a DMV location for processing. That page does not say which applicants may use it, so ask the DMV whether it applies to a first permit. The instruction permit after the vision and knowledge tests, then the road skills test after at least 30 days. Appointments can be scheduled at most regional offices.

Cost

$7.50 permit + $5.00 per year Class E licenseThe handbook's fee table also lists a $7.50 test fee per attempt for the instruction permit and the Class E license; the DMV fee page lists no test fee. A REAL ID costs $10 more.

You leave with

Class E instruction permit, then a Class E license

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity
     Level 1 applicants must show a certified birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or government vital records agency each time they apply and test.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Certified birth certificate
   • Social Security number
     Level 1 applicants must show a Social Security card signed by them. Your name must match Social Security records.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2 form (Can also count as a residency proof.)
   • Proof of West Virginia residency · 2 different documents
     No P.O. boxes. Recurring documents such as utility bills may be no more than 90 days old. For applicants under 18, the School Driver Eligibility Certificate can count as both proofs if it shows a physical address.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • WV utility bill (Not more than 90 days old; not a termination notice.)
     • Residential rental or lease agreement
     • WV bank statement
     • Pay stub from a WV employer showing a physical address
     • WV voter's registration card
     • WV auto insurance card
     • WV DMV Affidavit of WV Residency
   • Road test vehicle · all that apply
     The driver-side window must work. Regional Office staff will not give the skills test in a vehicle under a safety recall.
     Show accepted documents

     • Valid license plate and registration card
     • Proof of valid insurance
     • Valid state inspection sticker

2. Study the Driver's Licensing Handbook

   The knowledge test covers the handbook. No phones or other electronic devices are allowed in the exam room.

   Driver's Licensing Handbook (PDF) ↗

3. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our West Virginia Permit Practice Test: 25 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the West Virginia practice test

4. Pass the vision screening and knowledge test

   Complete the application and show your documents as a first-time applicant, then take the vision screening and knowledge test.

   Regular instruction permit ↗

5. Drive on your instruction permit

   Drive only with a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat. Hold the permit at least 30 days before the road skills test. If it expires, you must pass the vision screening and knowledge test again.

   Regular instruction permit ↗

6. Pass the road skills test

   Arrive lawfully in a vehicle that meets the test requirements. The test may include parallel parking and turnabouts. Skills tests may be postponed in bad weather, so call 1-800-642-9066 to check testing times.

   Regional offices and exam centers ↗

7. Get your Class E license

   After you pass the road skills test, the Class E license is $5.00 per year.