How many practice hours do you need in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.
West Virginia learner permit requirements
- Minimum permit age: 15
- Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night (what counts as night driving)
- Permit hold period: 6 months
- License eligibility age: 16
- How hours are certified: 50-hour driving log certified by a parent, guardian, or licensed adult 21+. DriveMint fills in the DMV-10-GDL 50-Hour Log from your logged drives (see every state form).
West Virginia requires 50 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 at night during the Level 1 instruction permit stage, unless the teen completes an approved driver's education course instead.
When can you drive with a permit in West Virginia?
West Virginia permit holders can drive only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., even with a licensed adult beside them. The Level 2 license keeps the 10 p.m. line but lets you drive later with an adult 21+ or for work, school, church, or an emergency.
With a licensed driver 21+ as the only other front-seat occupant. Up to two more passengers unless they're family.
Not allowed, even with a supervisor.
Alone. No passengers under 20 except family for 6 months, then one.
With a licensed driver 21+, or to or from work, a school-sanctioned activity, a religious event, or an emergency.
Alone.
Alone. Available at 17 after 12 conviction-free months at Level 2.
- The 10 night hours have to be driven between sunset and 10 p.m., since the permit doesn't allow driving later.
- An approved driver's education course can take the place of the 50 logged hours.
- Drivers under 18 can't use a phone while driving at any level, even hands-free, except to call 911.
In December, sunset in West Virginia comes around 5 p.m., leaving about five hours of darkness for practice before the permit's 10 p.m. cutoff.
Checked against W. Va. Code §17B-2-3a in October 2026. Limits after the road test are under restrictions for new drivers.
Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the West Virginia DMV before applying.
West Virginia's graduated licensing stages
Drive 5 a.m.–10 p.m. with a licensed adult 21+; log 50 hours (10 at night) or take driver's ed; hold 6 months.
Night and passenger limits apply.
Issued after 12 clean months at Level 2.
Driving restrictions for new West Virginia drivers
Level 1 permit holders can drive only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., even with a supervisor. Level 2 intermediate license holders can't drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver 21+ is with them, or they're driving to or from work, a school-sanctioned activity, a religious event, or an emergency.
Level 1 permit holders may carry no more than two passengers besides the supervisor, unless they're family. At Level 2, no passengers under 20 other than family for the first 6 months, then no more than one for the next 6 months.
Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone at all while driving, including hands-free.
Log every West Virginia practice hour automatically
DriveMint tracks each supervised drive, separates day and night hours, and generates a PDF you can print or show at the DMV. Prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook falling apart in the glove box.
New to DriveMint? Watch the one-minute video guides, from setup to a signed log.
West Virginia driving practice FAQs
How many driving hours do you need in West Virginia?+
West Virginia requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.
What time can you drive with a permit in West Virginia?+
A West Virginia Level 1 instruction permit allows driving only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., with a licensed driver 21 or older (or a driving instructor) as the only other person in the front seat. The law lists no exceptions to those hours. With a Level 2 intermediate license you can drive alone from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. you need a licensed driver 21 or older with you unless you're driving to or from work, a school-sanctioned activity, a religious event, or an emergency. The limit ends with the Level 3 full license, available at 17 after 12 months at Level 2 without a conviction.
How many hours does West Virginia require?+
50 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 at night, completed during the Level 1 instruction permit stage. An approved driver's education course can be completed instead of the 50 hours.
When can a West Virginia teen get a full license?+
At 17, after 12 months at Level 2 without a moving violation.
Requirements in other states
Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.