Behind-the-Wheel Training in West Virginia
West Virginia Driver's Training
If you are a teenager applying for your first driver's license in West Virginia, you'll need to complete supervised behind-the-wheel driving practice while you have your learner's permit. This is a requirement of the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program.
Your supervised driving practice will help you develop real driving experience and build the skills necessary to pass your West Virginia DMV road test. Additionally, you'll be better prepared to begin driving by yourself in all types of traffic conditions.
Your licensed supervisor will get you on the right path towards your unrestricted driver's license by helping you practice good driving habits and teaching you how to react in a variety of driving situations.
On this page you'll learn about the WVDOT behind-the-wheel requirements and how to apply for your first driver's license.
WV Behind-the-Wheel Requirements
If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need to complete the West Virginia DMV GDL program requirements, which include 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed adult.
You can begin your behind-the-wheel requirements when you are at least 15 years old by applying for your instruction permit.
For more information about how to obtain your permit and begin the GDL program, please visit our Driver’s Permits in West Virginia page.
While professional driver's training during a driver's education course is not required to obtain your driver's license in West Virginia, completing a course can provide you will valuable driving skills and experience. If you want to enroll in a Driver's Ed course:
- Contact the West Virginia DMV.
- Talk to your local school district.
- Look up local driver's education/driver's training providers in your phone book or on the internet.
Behind-the-Wheel Practice in West Virginia
Your West Virginia DMV learner's permit will allow you to drive ONLY:
- While supervised by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.
- Between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Before moving on to the next steps of the GDL program, you will need to complete at least 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice with at least 10 hours completed at night.
You'll need to keep track of your driving practice using the 50-Hour Certification Log for Driver’s License Applicants Under Age 18 (Form DMV-10-GDL).
Your parent/legal guardian will need to sign the form and you must present it to the West Virginia DMV to obtain your provisional driver's license.
Next Steps - Getting Your Intermediate License
You will be able to take your road test and obtain your intermediate driver's license once you:
- Are at least 16 years old.
- Have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months.
- You must have had no traffic violations within in the past 6 months.
- Have completed your behind-the-wheel training and submitted your signed 50-Hour Certification Log for Driver’s License Applicants Under Age 18 (Form DMV-10-GDL).
Once you have satisfied the requirements above, you can contact your local West Virginia DOT office to schedule your driving test.
For more information about the next steps you'll need to take and any additional documents you may need to submit to the West Virginia DMV, please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in West Virginia page.