What to bring to the West Virginia DMV permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge test

• One proof of identity (certified U.S. birth certificate, passport, or DHS documents)
• Social Security number (card, W-2, paystub or 1099)
• Proof of legal name change if your name has ever changed
• Two proofs of WV residency (no PO boxes; recurring documents no more than 90 days old)
• Form DMV-DS-23P (parent/guardian consent for under 18; married applicants under 18 bring a certified marriage certificate instead)
• Level 1 and Level 2 (under 18): a certified birth certificate issued by a U.S. state/government vital records agency each time you apply and test

Fees

• Knowledge test: $7.50 per attempt
• Level 1 GDL permit: $5.00 permit fee per handbook fee chart (p.25); handbook p.20 bullet and DMV fees/GDL web pages list $7.50 (per attempt)
• Level 2 intermediate license / road skills exam: $5.00 license + $7.50 test (handbook chart); DMV web pages list $7.50 per attempt (road skills exam)
• Level 3 license: $2.50 per year from age 17, $5.00 per year from 18, until 21 (handbook chart and DMV fees page; DMV GDL page says $5.00 per year until 21)
• 18+ instruction permit: $7.50
• Class E license: $5.00 per year
• REAL ID (For Federal Identification) surcharge: +$10.00
• Duplicate license: $7.50

The vision test

20/40 or better using both eyes, with or without conventional corrective lenses, and no serious visual defect (one eye: 20/40 in that eye). Bioptic/telescopic lenses may not be used to meet the acuity standard. Below standard: DLAB-Form 2 from a vision specialist; possible Driver's License Advisory Board review.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• Vehicle with valid license plate and registration card, proof of insurance and valid WV inspection sticker
• Legally equipped vehicle (working lights, brakes, horn, wipers, driver window; tint not below 35%)
• Level 2: 50-hour log (10 at night) signed by parent/guardian or driver education card, plus certified birth certificate and Social Security number
• Arrive at the test center in a lawful manner

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it for at least Level 1: 6 months (180 consecutive days) conviction-free before Level 2; adults never licensed: 30 days before the road test before the road test.
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
• Licensed driver at least 21 in the front passenger seat
• Level 1: may only drive between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Level 1: no more than two additional non-family passengers besides the supervising adult
• Zero tolerance: no measurable alcohol
• All occupants must wear seat belts
• Under 18: no wireless communication device use while driving except to call 9-1-1
• Level 1: two convictions = permit revoked 90 days; any conviction restarts the 6-month conviction-free period
• Parental consent on form DMV-DS-23P (not required for married applicants with marriage certificate)

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the DMV says copies are accepted.