Learn about the levels of North Carolina's Graduated Licensing process.


LEVEL 1: LIMITED LEARNER PERMIT - ONE YEAR

The Limited Learner Permit allows you to drive a vehicle while supervised.

Requirements

  • Completed an approved driver education course
  • Be 15 years old but less than 18 years old
  • Pass written test, sign test, and vision test
  • Driving Eligibility Certificate or high school diploma or equivalent

Restrictions

  • While driving, a supervising driver will accompany you
  • For the first six months, you may only drive from 5 AM until 9 PM with your supervising driver
  • For the second six months, you drive at any time with your supervising driver
  • You are not permitted to use a mobile telephone or other additional technology associated with a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle in public vehicular areas

LEVEL 2: LIMITED PROVISIONAL LICENSE - 6 MONTHS

The Limited Provisional License allows you to drive unsupervised from 5 AM until 9 PM, or when driving directly to or from work or any volunteer fire, rescue, or emergency medical service.

Requirements

  • Having kept a Limited Learner Permit for 9 months
  • No convictions of moving violations or seat belt/mobile phone infractions within the preceding six months
  • Be 16 years old but less than 18 years old
  • Pass a signs test, a vision test, and an on-the-road driving test with a DMV Examiner

Restrictions

  • You may only drive unsupervised from5 AM until 9 PM, and supervised anytime
  • You may drive unsupervised outside of 5 AM until 9 PM when driving directly to or from work or any volunteer fire, rescue, or emergency medical service
  • When driving unsupervised, there may be no more than one passenger under 21 years of age in the vehicle
  • You are not permitted to use a mobile telephone or other additional technology associated with a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle in public vehicular areas

LEVEL 3: FULL PROVISIONAL LICENSE - UNTIL YOU TURN 18

The Full Provisional License allows you to drive unsupervised at any time.

Requirements

  • Having kept a Limited Provisional License for six months
  • No convictions of moving violations or seat belt/mobile phone infractions within the preceding six months

Restrictions

  • You are not permitted to use a mobile telephone or other additional technology associated with a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle in public vehicular areas