How to Get Your North Carolina Permit License

Get your Level 1 Limited Learner Permit

Available at 15. Requires completing a driver education course (or instruction at a licensed commercial driver training school), passing the written test, and providing a driving eligibility certificate or high school diploma.

• Driver education completion certificate
• Driving eligibility certificate or diploma

Log 60 hours of supervised driving

At least 10 hours must be at night, and no more than 10 hours per week count toward the total.

Hold Level 1 at least 9 months

You also need no moving violations or seatbelt/phone violations in the 6 months before moving up.

Move to a Level 2 Limited Provisional License

Available at 16. You can drive unsupervised from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with no more than one passenger under 21 unless they're immediate family or a supervising driver is present.

Hold Level 2 at least 9 months

Complete 12 more hours of supervised driving during this period, including 6 at night.

Move to a Level 3 Full Provisional License

Driving-hour and passenger restrictions ease further at this level.

Upgrade to a regular license at 18

Eligible drivers can upgrade a Level 2 or 3 provisional license directly to a regular Class C license online once they turn 18.

Apply in person at a driver license office

No learner's permit is required first at this age — you can apply directly for a full license. Getting a permit first is optional if you want more practice time.

Provide required documents

One document proving identity and date of birth, a Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number, one document verifying your North Carolina address, and proof of liability insurance.

• Proof of identity and date of birth
• Social Security number proof
• Proof of NC address
• Proof of liability insurance

Pass the vision, road sign recognition, knowledge, and driving tests

The written knowledge test requires at least 80% (20 of 25) correct to pass, alongside a separate road sign identification check.

Receive your license

You'll get a Temporary Driving Certificate to use until your permanent license arrives by mail. Licenses for ages 18-65 are valid for 8 years.