Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | June 9, 2025 | Car Accidents
Teen drivers face unique challenges on the road due to their inexperience. Unfortunately, this often leads to a higher risk of accidents. To address this concern, the state of West Virginia has implemented a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. This program is designed to help young drivers gain experience in a controlled and safe manner.
Parents should understand the importance of educating young drivers about the rules and regulations designed to keep them safe on the road. This article provides an overview of West Virginia’s Graduated Driver’s License program, explains its stages, and highlights why it’s essential for teen drivers to follow the restrictions in place.
What Is the West Virginia Graduated Driver’s License Program?
The West Virginia Graduated Driver’s License program is a series of laws, restrictions, and requirements that apply to drivers under the age of 18. The program is designed to allow young drivers to develop their skills and confidence in a safe, measured way.
It divides the licensing process into three phases, each with its own set of rules and restrictions. The goal is to reduce the risk of accidents by giving teen drivers the chance to gain experience while gradually increasing their driving privileges.
It’s important to note that these GDL restrictions apply only to drivers under 18. Once a driver turns 18, they are no longer required to observe these restrictions and can obtain a regular driver’s license.
Why the West Virginia GDL Program Matters for Teen Drivers
Teenagers are statistically more likely to be involved in a traffic accident due to a combination of inexperience, risky behavior, and underdeveloped judgment skills.
Many teen drivers overestimate their abilities behind the wheel. This makes them more prone to reckless driving and distractions like texting or speeding. The GDL program specifically targets these high-risk behaviors by placing restrictions on when and how young drivers can operate a vehicle.
In fact, traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death among teenagers. West Virginia’s GDL program is aimed at reducing these fatalities by allowing teens to gain experience in a more controlled setting.
By progressively easing restrictions as teens gain experience, the program seeks to address the primary risk factors that contribute to teen accidents.
The Three Stages of the West Virginia GDL Program
The West Virginia GDL system consists of three distinct stages:
- Instruction Permit (Level 1 License)
- Intermediate Driver’s License (Level 2 License)
- Full Driver’s License
Here’s a detailed look at each phase:
Instruction Permit (Level 1 License)
The first step toward earning a full driver’s license is obtaining an instruction permit. This permit is available to teens aged 15 and older.
However, this permit comes with several important restrictions:
- Supervision is required. The teen driver must always have a licensed adult who is at least 21 or older seated next to them.
- No driving alone. Teen drivers are prohibited from driving without a supervising adult.
- Nighttime driving restriction. Teens cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Passenger limits. Teens can only have two non-family passengers (other than the supervising adult) in the vehicle.
- Seat belt requirement. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt, without exception.
- No cell phones. Teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
To progress to the next phase, the teen driver must hold their instruction permit for at least six months without receiving any moving violations. If a violation occurs, the waiting period restarts. Multiple offenses can result in a 90-day suspension.
Intermediate Driver’s License (Level 2 License)
Once a teen driver reaches 16 years of age, they can apply for an intermediate driver’s license if they have passed the instruction permit phase.
Although this allows the teen to drive alone, there are still several restrictions in place.
- Nighttime driving restriction. Teen drivers with an intermediate license cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a licensed driver at least 21 years old unless driving to and from work, to a school or religious activity, or in an emergency to prevent bodily injury or death.
- Passenger limits. For the first six months, teens cannot drive with any non-family passengers under 20 years old. For the second six months, they cannot drive with more than one non-family passenger under 20.
- Seat belt requirement. All passengers must wear seat belts.
- No cell phones. Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
- Other restrictions. If the Level 2 driver is convicted of two moving violations or otherwise violates a license condition, their license could be revoked until they turn 18 and possibly longer.
After holding an intermediate license for at least 12 months without a conviction, the teen can apply for a full driver’s license.
Full Driver’s License
Once the teen has held an intermediate license for the required time and has remained conviction-free, they can apply for a full driver’s license. At this point, all restrictions are lifted. The teen driver has full driving privileges, including driving at night and with any number of passengers.
Penalties for Violating GDL Restrictions
West Virginia’s GDL program is strictly enforced, and violations of its restrictions can have serious consequences.
If a teen driver is caught violating any of the rules, they may face:
- License suspension. A suspension of driving privileges that may last several months.
- Reapplication. After a suspension, the driver may be required to start the licensing process all over again. This includes retaking the permit test and meeting all permit requirements.
- Mandatory driving course. Teen drivers may be required to attend a traffic safety course to continue their driving privileges.
Reach Out to Our Law Office to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, particularly one involving a teen driver, you need legal help. Contact Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review to get started. We can assist you with your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have questions about the West Virginia Graduated Driver’s License program or need legal advice after a car accident, contact our Charleston car accident lawyers today.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
