Learn how to get your NC learner's permit or driver's license and schedule your driving test in North Carolina with this step-by-step guide. Discover what to expect, things you need, and how to get behind the wheel faster.
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North Carolina boasts barrier-island beaches, charming cities and mountain ranges. You can reach them all if you learn to drive and get a North Carolina driver license. Follow this full step-by-step guide to get, renew or transfer your driver license without any hassle in The Tar Heel State.
Pro tip: To take on North Carolina's mountain drives and coastal highways, having polished driving skills is essential. Our tutorials on manual driving and effective parallel parking are key to driving success. Get comfortable with parking in reverse and perfecting three-point turns. Proper mirror adjustment is a safety necessity. For further skill enhancement, our Online Driving Simulator is available, and international drivers should review North Carolina's international driver's license guidelines.
It is the most common driver license that allows you to operate personal cars and small trucks. It includes all noncommercial single vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds; and towing a vehicle which has a combined GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds. Read the NC Driver Handbook or take a free NC DMV practice test.
These licenses allow you to operate bigger vehicles that are exempt from CDL requirements. Class A is for driving a combination of vehicles when the towed unit has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more. Class B is used for driving a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
These are commercial driver licenses (CDL) that allow you to operate any combination of vehicles with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVRW of the vehicle towed is more than 10,000 pounds (Class A); any vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or towing a vehicle with GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds (Class B); any single vehicle that transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or is placarded for transportation of hazardous materials (Class C). Read the NC CDL Manual or take a free NC CDL practice test.
It is a motorcycle endorsement that allows you to operate motorcycles on public roads. You must possess a valid North Carolina driver license of any class to apply for a motorcycle endorsement. Read the NC Motorcyclists' Handbook or take a free NC motorcycle practice test.
To apply for your first driver license in North Carolina, you must gather documentation and pass a vision, knowledge, traffic signs and driving skill test. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age.
Apply for Level 1 Limited Learner Permit Apply for Level 2 Limited Provisional License Apply for Level 3 Full Provisional License Apply for Adult (Unrestricted) Driver LicenseGetting a limited learner permit is the first step of NC Graduated Licensing Program for teenagers of 15 and above years of age. The permit allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver who's been licensed for at least 5 years and who will be seating next to you at all times. During the first 6 months you may practice only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
You may enroll as soon as you turn 14 ½ years of age. The course must consist of a classroom portion (30 hours) and a driving portion (6 hours of behind the wheel practice). At the end of the course, you will get a Driver’s Education Certificate.
Your school will issue you the certificate if you are enrolled in school and making progress towards a high school diploma or GED.
You may find a convenient location using this map. You may get an appointment by contacting your local office.
You should be able to identify regulatory signs and warning signs by color and shape and explain what they mean.
You must meet vision standards for driving in North Carolina. Your license will show if you need corrective lenses.
The test has 25 multiple-choice questions about North Carolina traffic laws and safe driving practices. If you fail the test, you may retake it on a later date. Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Written Test and practice with free NC DMV practice tests before you go.
You will be completing it during the next 12 months (at least 60 hours of driving). You may get it at the DMV.
Note that you will lose your driving privileges if you drop out of school. You will lose your license for 12 months or until you receive a Driving Eligibility Certificate or high school diploma, if you are suspended from school or assigned to an alternative education setting for 10 consecutive days as a result of disciplinary action.
It is the second step of NC Graduated Licensing Program for teenagers of 16- 17 years of age. It allows you to drive unsupervised but only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. unless you drive for work, or volunteer fire, rescue or emergency medical service. While driving unsupervised, you may not have more than one passenger under 21 years of age unless they are part of your immediate family.
You must complete at least 60 hours of driving, but no more than 10 hours per week will count towards these 60 hours. Make sure that you include at least 10 hours of night time driving. Your supervisor (parent/guardian, grandparent or another person approved by your parent/guardian who has been licensed for at least 5 years) must sign your log.
You may get an appointment to take the test by calling the DMV office of your choice or wait in line at a DMV office. Make sure you bring
The test checks your ability to perform some driving patterns and drive safely. Read about the road test procedure and requirements here. If you fail, you will retake it on a later date.
Your permanent level 2 license will arrive by mail. You will hold it for at least 6 months before applying for your full provisional driver license (level 3).
Note that you will lose your driving privileges if you drop out of school. You will lose your license for 12 months or until you receive a Driving Eligibility Certificate or high school diploma, if you are suspended from school or assigned to an alternative education setting for 10 consecutive days as a result of disciplinary action.
Note that you will lose your driving privileges if you drop out of school. You will lose your license for 12 months or until you receive a Driving Eligibility Certificate or high school diploma, if you are suspended from school or assigned to an alternative education setting for 10 consecutive days as a result of disciplinary action.
If you have never been licensed in the US, you may apply for the adult driver license at the age of 18. You will be required to take vision, road sign recognition, knowledge and driving tests. You may first get a learner permit if you need one.
If you have never been licensed, start with step 1.
If you hold a learner permit, start with step 7.
You may find a convenient location using this map. You may get an appointment by contacting your local office.
You must bring proof of the following:
Here is the list of documents that are recognized by the NC DMV. Check it before you go. These documents will allow you to get a Real ID compliant license.
You should be able to identify regulatory and warning signs by color and shape and explain what they mean.
You must meet vision standards for driving in North Carolina. Your license will show if you need corrective lenses.
The test has 25 multiple-choice questions about North Carolina traffic laws and safe driving practices. If you fail the test, you may retake it on a later date. Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Written Test and practice with free NC DMV practice tests before you go.
You may need a permit if you need to practice supervised driving before taking the driving test. You may drive only supervised by a licensed driver seated beside you. The permit fee is $21.50.
You may do it on the same day with vision and knowledge tests, or you may get an appointment to take the test by calling the DMV office of your choice or wait in line at a DMV office. Make sure you bring
The test checks your ability to perform some driving patterns and drive safely. Read about the road test procedure and requirements here. If you fail, you will retake it on a later date.
The test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions that cover NC traffic laws and safe-driving practices. To pass the test, you will have to answer at least 20 of the questions correctly and get the 80% passing score. You may have a look at the official sample test.
How to prepare for the test?Study NC Driver Handbook as all questions are based on the information provided there. Then prepare with the help of our free practice tests available here. When you feel comfortable with your score, you are ready! You can also download our free DMV Genie app to study on the go. Get it on the App Store or on Google Play.
What common errors must I avoid when taking the NC knowledge test?The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the handbook. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the handbook first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.
Can I use the handbook when taking the actual test? No, it’s considered cheating. Moreover, you mustn’t use your phone or other wireless devices. Can I take the test in another language?Yes. Additionally to English and Spanish, the test is also offered in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese.
