West Virginia (WV) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In the State of West Virginia, car crashes are not all that common, but when a car crash does occur, the driver will likely be a male between the ages of 16-20. In 2006, 36 young West Virginians died in car crashes – only 7 were female. Although West Virginia has some of the lowest teen car crash fatality rates in the nation, the state still works hard to enforce the laws of its Graduated Driver Licensing program and it continually makes changes to it in order to keep up with the times.

West Virginia’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program was established in 1999, and since then, it has been updated to increase restrictions on passengers, curfews, and cell phone use. Continue reading to learn more about West Virginia’s Graduated Driver Licensing program and how to get started.

West Virginia Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

West Virginia’s Graduated Driver Licensing program has three levels of licensing:

1.    Instruction Permit
2.    Intermediate Phase
3.    Full License (Washington DC driver license)
 
To obtain a learner permit, you must:

•    Be at least 15 years of age
•    Pass a vision screening
•    Pass a knowledge exam
•    Provide current school driver eligibility certificate
•    Provide proof of West Virginia residency (2 forms of proof)
•    Provide certified birth certificate or U.S. passport
•    Provide a social security card
•    Parental consent (parent must sign the application
•    Pay the $5 fee

In addition, you must provide proof of enrollment in school or a GED program. During the learner permit phase (minimum 6 months), you must complete 50 hours of behind the wheel driving practice, including 10 at night. Once you have satisfied all requirements of the learner permit phase, you may apply for an intermediate license. To obtain your intermediate license, you must:

•    Be at least 16 years of age
•    Have held the learner’s permit for at least 6 months
•    Provide a signed certification (log sheet) confirming that you have satisfied the 50-hour behind-the-wheel practice requirement
•    Pass a road skills test
•    Pass a vision screening
•    Provide all of the documentation listed under the learner permit section (above)

Once you have satisfied all of the requirements under the intermediate license phase, you have the option to apply for a full license or keep the intermediate license and follow its restrictions until you turn 18. To be eligible for a full license, you must have completed 12 months of conviction-free driving under the intermediate license. You must be at least 17 years of age and have successfully completed all requirements. You will have to provide all required identification again (see list above) and you will also have to pass a vision, written, and road test.

West Virginia Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

Learner License Restrictions
You may only drive with a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older. In addition:

•    You may only drive between the hours of 5:00 am and 10:00 pm
•    You may only have two (2) additional passengers in addition to the supervising, licensed adult driver
•    You must require all occupants to adhere to the safety belt law

Intermediate License Restrictions
You may drive without a supervising, licensed adult driver who is age 21 or older between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. You must drive with a supervising, licensed adult driver who is age 21 or older between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The exceptions to this rule are when the licensee is participating in, going to or returning from:

•    Work (must provide proof of lawful employment)
•    A school-sanctioned activity
•    A religious activity
•    An emergency situation

In addition, intermediate license holders may not operate a motor vehicle during his or her first six months with any non-family member passengers under the age of 20 or with more than one non-family member under the age of 20 as a passenger during the second six months. You must require all occupants to adhere to the safety belt law.

Full License Restrictions
Full licenses are unrestricted. You must still follow the rules of the road. If you break any West Virginia driving law, you risk losing your license, vehicle impoundment, and fines.

If you violate any of the conditions of West Virginia's Graduated Driver Licensing program, your driving privileges may be suspended or revoked. If you receive a conviction during the instruction or intermediate phase, the 6-month waiting period will start over again. Criminal penalties for violating GDL restrictions are: $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second offense, and $75 for a third offense.

West Virginia Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of West Virginia, it is still legal for adults to use cell phones while driving. Permit and intermediate license holders, however, are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. If you violate West Virginia’s cell phone you’re your license may be suspended or revoked. Fines start $25. 

West Virginia Teen DUI Laws

In the state of West Virginia, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a West Virginia teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, your driving privileges may be suspended for 90 days, depending on the circumstances. If you are involved in an accident, you risk jail time, probation, and license suspension for a minimum of 6 months. Fines start at $100, up to $1,000 or more. 

West Virginia Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

Whether you are an adult or a teen, in the state of West Virginia you must carry minimum auto liability insurance coverage in the amount of 20/40/10. These figures are equal to $20,000 for one injury or death per accident, $40,000 for two injuries or death per accident, and $10,000 for property damages (20/40/10).
Because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher during a teen’s first year behind the wheel, West Virginia auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits. If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year. The average increase is around $2,171 a year.

TIP: West Virginia is a Tort state. Under a Tort system, if you are involved in an accident, someone must be found to be the cause or fault of the accident. The person deemed at fault is responsible for all damages. Damages are usually handled through the at-fault person's insurance company. Because of this, most West Virginia auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher coverages than the state minimums. Currently, the state of West Virginia also recommends carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) in the minimum amounts of $20,000/$40,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage.