North Carolina

Yes. North Carolina follows a graduated driver's license (GDL) system, which allocates different driving responsibilities over a period of time.

If you're under 18 and driving on your limited learner's permit, you'll ONLY be able to drive when accompanied by:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A grandparent.
• An adult who has been approved of by a parent or legal guardian.

The driver must also be fully licensed for at least 5 years.

If you're under 18 and driving on your limited provisional license, you will NOT be able to drive:

• Between 9 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by one of the above approved passengers.
  • Does not apply in cases of emergency.
• With more than one passenger under age 21.
  • Members of your immediate household don't count.

Once you turn 17, you'll be eligible for your full provisional license, which has no restrictions.

After passing the North Carolina road test, you'll be eligible to receive your license.

While driving on your permit, you'll be able to drive with:

• A parent, legal guardian, or grandparent.
• A licensed driving instructor.
• A fully-licensed passenger who's approved by your parent or guardian and has had their license for at least 5 years.

You may not drive unless accompanied by one of the above.

Once you earn your North Carolina learner's permit, you will automatically be eligible to drive with your parents.

As long as you successfully pass the driving exams, sign the proper paperwork, and pay the fee, you'll be issued your license after applying.

You'll have to apply at a participating Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Most offices will process driver's license applications, but not all of them. Make sure to check online for the full list of licensing centers.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.
• Non-immigrant.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the North Carolina DMV.

The type of acceptable documents depend on whether you want a regular license or a REAL ID.

Regardless, you'll need to bring proof of your:

• Identification.
• North Carolina address.
• Social Security number.

To apply for your license when you're under 18 in North Carolina, you'll need:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • North Carolina residence.
• The Completion Certificate for your Driver's Education program.

OR

• Your high school diploma/GED.

The DMV will provide you additional paperwork to fill out. A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign these documents on your behalf.

To complete the process, you'll also need to pass all the tests and pay the appropriate fee.

To go from your provisional license to your full license in North Carolina, you must:

• Practice on your provisional license for at least 6 months.
• Have no motor vehicle convictions during your provisional license period.
• Log at least 12 hours of additional behind-the-wheel practice.
• Pass the NC road test.

To get your driver's license in NC if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Show proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • North Carolina residency.
  • Social Security number.
• Pay the driver's license fee.

If you're under 18 and using the state's graduated license system, you'll have to practice on your provisional license for at least 6 months before you can take the driving test.

If you're 18 or older and applying for a first-time license, there is no required waiting period.

If your license has been suspended or revoked in North Carolina, it may be possible to apply for a Hardship License, which will allow you to drive in limited circumstances.

To obtain a restricted license in North Carolina, you'll have to petition the county which issued the revocation.

This process involves:

• Requesting a hearing.
• Paying a hearing fee.
• Submitting proof of financial responsibility from your insurance carrier.
• Providing proof of need from your employer, school, or physician.

Additional requirements may apply.

Successfully petitioning the court for a hardship license is difficult in North Carolina. You should contact the DMV or your lawyer for further help.

No. You'll only need to pass the written exam once to move on.

First, you'll meet with an examiner, who will make sure you have the proper documentation and your vehicle meets the state's safety standards.

Once the test begins, the examiner will ask you to perform certain tasks, demonstrating your ability to control the vehicle. You may be judged on your ability to:

• Approach intersections, stop signs, and traffic signals safely.
• Stop quickly.
• Back up.
• Stop, start and park the car.
• Correctly use turn signals and the horn.
• Correctly use/change lanes.
• Follow other vehicles at a safe distance.
• Yield the right of way to pedestrians and other motorists, when applicable.
• Make a three-point turn.

You may also be judged on or asked to perform additional tasks.

You must arrive to your test with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old. If you don't, you will not be able to take the test.

Make sure the vehicle is clean, especially the seat the instructor will be using.

You must also have/bring the following:

• Your valid learner's permit.
• Valid vehicle registration.
• Proof of vehicle insurance.

You must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

The vehicle you take your North Carolina, NC road test must meet all state vehicle safety standards, including fully-functioning:

• Horn.
• Headlights, taillights, and brake lights.
• Turn signals.
• Seat belts.
• Tires.
• Windshield wipers.
• Brakes.
• Speedometer.
• Muffler.

The vehicle must also have valid and up-to-date:

• Registration.
• Insurance.
• Inspection sticker.

Take your road test at your closest participating Division of Motor Vehiclesoffice.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in North Carolina include:

• Learner's permit: $21.50.
• Limited Provisional License: $21.50.
• Regular Class A license: $5.50 per year.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to Division of Motor Vehiclesfor the most up-to-date information.

The North Carolina Driver's Manual is available online. You can also ask your local NC DMV office for a copy.

In North Carolina, you must be at least:

• 15 years old to apply for a permit.
• 15 Âœ years old to apply for a provisional license.
• 17 years old to apply for a full provisional license.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in North Carolina include:

• Learner's permit: $21.50.
• Limited Provisional License: $21.50.
• Regular Class A license: $5.50 per year.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to Division of Motor Vehiclesfor the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your North Carolina driving permit.

No. The North Carolina, NC written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian will have to sign paperwork on your behalf at this appointment.

To apply for your learner's permit in North Carolina, you'll need to bring in:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • North Carolina residence.
• The Completion Certificate for your Driver's Education program.

OR

• Your high school diploma/GED.

A parent or legal guardian will also have to sign paperwork on your behalf.

You can apply for your North Carolina learner's permit once you turn 15 years old.

Before you can apply for your NC learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass a state-approved Driver's Ed program.

Once that's done, schedule an appointment with your closest participating DMV office and:

• Bring:
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Social Security number.
    • North Carolina residence.
  • The Completion Certificate for your Driver's Education program.
• Pass the:
  • Vision test.
  • Written driving test (if not completed in your Driver's Ed course.)
• Pay the learner's permit fee.

Your parent or guardian will also have to be with you to sign paperwork on your behalf.

Once the paperwork is filed, tests passed, and fee paid, you'll be issued your learner's permit.

The North Carolina written driver's exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. General topics include:

• North Carolina traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the NC Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes.

Before you can apply for your permit, you'll have to successfully complete a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

Reading the North Carolina Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your NC driver's license.

No. A physical exam is not required for a North Carolina driver's license.

You must arrive to the appointment with a parent or legal guardian.

You can contact the North Carolina, NC Division of Motor Vehiclesby:

• Email.
• Phone.
• Regular mail.

Details can be found on the NC Division of Motor Vehicles' website.

You can apply for your learner's permit in North Carolina once you turn 15.

If you're under 18 and driving on your limited learner's permit, you'll ONLY be able to drive when accompanied by:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A grandparent.
• An adult who has been approved of by a parent or legal guardian.

The driver must also be fully licensed for at least 5 years.

If you're under 18 and driving on your limited provisional license, you will NOT be able to drive:

• Between 9 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by one of the above approved passengers.
  • Does not apply in cases of emergency.
• With more than one passenger under age 21.
  • Members of your immediate household don't count.

Once you turn 17, you'll be eligible for your unrestricted driver's license.

If you're applying for a first-time license in North Carolina and you're 18 or older, you will have to drive with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old until you complete the process.

If you're under 18 and driving on your limited learner's permit, you'll ONLY be able to drive when accompanied by:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A grandparent.
• An adult who has been approved of by a parent or legal guardian.

The driver must also be fully licensed for at least 5 years.

If you're under 18 and driving on your limited provisional license, you will NOT be able to drive:

• Between 9 a.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by one of the above approved passengers.
  • Does not apply in cases of emergency.
• With more than one passenger under age 21.
  • Members of your immediate household don't count.

To earn your permit in North Carolina, you (and your parent or guardian) will need to fill out an official application, which will be given to you by the DMV.

To get your North Carolina driver's license, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

If you're under 18 and applying for a first-time license in North Carolina, you'll have to pass a state-approved Driver's Ed course before you can apply for your permit.

Before you're eligible to apply for a North Carolina learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Successfully pass a state-approved Driver's Ed course, if under 18.

At your permit appointment, you'll also need to:

• Pass the state's written exam.
• Pass an eye exam.

Before you're eligible to apply for a North Carolina provisional license, you must:

• Be at least 15 Âœ years old.
• Practice for at least 6 months on your permit.
• Log at least 60 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
• Show proof of liability insurance coverage.
• Pass the NC driving exam.

No. North Carolina does not require eye exams when renewing a license.

Yes. North Carolina allows residents to renew their license once in their lifetime if they're living outside the state for at least 30 continuous days.

Military personnel may renew their license by mail up to two times, and back-to-back.

Licenses renewed by mail will only be valid for 60 days. The NC DMV has more information.

Yes. North Carolina allows residents to renew their license online.

To renew your license in North Carolina, you'll need to bring in:

• Your current NC license.
• The appropriate fee.

If you're renewing a license that has been lost or stolen, you'll also need to bring proof of your:

• Identity.
• Social Security number.

You can renew your North Carolina driver's license:

• In-person.
• Online.

The NC DMV's site has more information on these options.

You can renew your North Carolina up to:

• 6 month before the expiration date.
• 2 years after the expiration date, if renewing online.

NC license renewals cost $5.50 per year the license is valid.

Fees are subject to change. You should check with the North Carolina DMV before renewing your license for the most up-to-date information.

No. When you take the test, it will only be you and the examiner in the car.

However, you'll have to arrive to the test a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

The NC written knowledge exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 5 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!

You can take the North Carolina written test as many times as needed in order to pass.

However, if you fail, you'll have to wait at least 7 calendar days before you can take the test again. Save yourself the time and hassle by studying with a free practice test!

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • North Carolina residence.
• The Completion Certificate for your Driver's Education program, if under 18.
• The appropriate fee.

A parent or legal guardian will also have to be present to sign paperwork on your behalf.

The North Carolina written driver's exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. Major topics include:

• North Carolina traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the NC Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes. You can schedule your appointment online.

Some NC DMV locations are open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehiclesoffice.

If you have special needs or language preferences other than English, you can arrange alternate formats with the NC DMV.

Make sure the North Carolina, NC Division of Motor Vehicle sis aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

You can schedule your driving exam online.

After you pass the permit test, you'll be issued your instructional permit. You must practice on this permit for at least 6 months before you can move on to your provisional license.

You can take the test in person at any participating DMV office.

If you failed your NC road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

If you failed your North Carolina driving skills test, you'll have to wait at least 7 calendar days before you can try again.

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you will have to wait at least 7 calendar days before retesting.

Save yourself the time by taking a free practice test to help you pass the first time!

If you don't pass your written test in NC, you'll have to wait at least 7 calendar days before you can take another shot.

Practicing with a free practice test can help you pass on the first try!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to North Carolina, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

If you do plan on relocating to North Carolina permanently, you have 60 days after establishing residency to transfer your license.

Yes. North Carolina recognizes out-of-state learner's permits.

No. As long as your license is valid and in good standing, the North Carolina road and written tests are waived when transferring your license.

If you're moving to North Carolina, you have 60 days from establishing residency to transfer your out-of-state license.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the NC Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

The North Carolina written exam consists of 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 25 total questions on the NC permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

North Carolina auto insurance minimum requirements include:

• Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident.