Rules and
Resources

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

LEVEL 1: LEARNER PERMIT - 9 MONTHS

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

• High school students who are successfully completing their academic requirements are issued a Driving Eligibility Certificate by their school or if a student is homeschooled the Driving Eligibility Certificate would be issued by the N.C. Department of Administration

Restrictions

• Supervised driving restricted to 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the first six months; thereafter, a supervising driver is still required.​
• Use of mobile devices prohibited
• While driving, a supervising driver will accompany you.

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 (This change was effective Jan. 1, 2024.)
• No convictions of moving violations, seat belt or mobile phone infractions within the preceding six months
• Be 16 to 17 years old
• Completed and logged at least 60 hours of driving (driving log must be printed)
• Pass an on-the-road driving test with a DMV Examiner
  • Provide your own vehicle. Must present valid vehicle registration card and the vehicle must pass pre-trip inspection.
  • Provide printed proof of liability insurance coverage in the name of the teen driver from a provider licensed to do business in North Carolina (images on a mobile device will not be accepted)

Restrictions

• 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

• Be 16 to 17 years old
• Maintained a limited provisional license for at least six months
• Have no convictions of motor vehicle moving violations or seat belt/mobile telephone infractions within the last six months
• Completed and logged at least 12 hours of driving
• Use of mobile devices prohibited

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.
• Be 16 to 17 years old
• Maintained a limited provisional license for at least six months
• Have no convictions of motor vehicle moving violations or seat belt/mobile telephone infractions within the last six months
• Completed and logged at least 12 hours of driving
• Use of mobile devices prohibited