Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the age requirements for obtaining a driver's license in North Carolina?
Students can obtain a driver's license at the age of 16, but must have a driving permit for at least 9-month. Young Adults/Adults at the age of 18+, may obtain their license; however, NCDMV will issue the Adult an Adult Learner's Permit allowing the Adult the opportunity to learn to drive before they are being issued a driver's license.
Who is considered a Teen from the perspective of NCDMV teen permit requirements?
Any student/individual between the age of 14-1/2 and less than 18 years of age.
Who is considered an Adult or Young Adult from the perspective of NCDMV adult permit requirements?
Any student/individual 18+ years of age.
Students can obtain a driver's license at the age of 16, but must have a driving permit for at least 9-month. Young Adults/Adults at the age of 18+, may obtain their license; however, NCDMV will issue the Adult an Adult Learner's Permit allowing the Adult the opportunity to learn to drive before they are being issued a driver's license.
Who is considered a Teen from the perspective of NCDMV teen permit requirements?
Any student/individual between the age of 14-1/2 and less than 18 years of age.
Who is considered an Adult or Young Adult from the perspective of NCDMV adult permit requirements?
Any student/individual 18+ years of age.
What are the requirements for Driver's Education in North Carolina?
To enroll in Driver's Education, you must be at least 14½ years old by the first day of class. Completion of the Driver's Education curriculum includes in-classroom and behind-the-wheel training. The in-classroom may be held in person or virtually life in person.
What to expect when I go to the NCDMV for my driving exam?
To get a driver's license in North Carolina, you can get non-owner car insurance from an insurance company:
The cost of non-owner car insurance in North Carolina varies based on factors such as your driving history and the amount of coverage you need.
To enroll in Driver's Education, you must be at least 14½ years old by the first day of class. Completion of the Driver's Education curriculum includes in-classroom and behind-the-wheel training. The in-classroom may be held in person or virtually life in person.
What to expect when I go to the NCDMV for my driving exam?
- Bring a road ready vehicle that meets NC DMV standard (having operatable seat belts, lights, turn signals, brake lights, horn, etc.)
- Proof of vehicle insurance and the appropriate NCDMV DL123 form filled out and completed by the insurance company/broker.
- The NC DMV Administrator administers several activities during the behind the wheel evaluation which include but are not limited too:
- Approaching intersections, stop signs, and traffic signals
- Roads sign observation
- Checking traffic by checking all mirrors in an outside of the car every 3-5 seconds.
- Quick stops
- Backing
- Stopping, starting and parking
- Turning
- Use of lanes including lane change and blind-spot check over shoulder
- Following another vehicle and maintaining appropriate distance
- Passing and being passed including bling-spot check
- Yielding right of way to pedestrians and vehicles
- Three Point Turnabout (aka K-turn)
To get a driver's license in North Carolina, you can get non-owner car insurance from an insurance company:
- Progressive: Offers non-owner car insurance policies that cover bodily injury, property damage, and more
- Direct Auto Insurance: Offers non-owner's policies
- The Hartford: Offers car insurance for people without a license
- Often borrow a car
- Frequently use a car-sharing or short-term rental service
- Rent a vehicle without an insurance policy
The cost of non-owner car insurance in North Carolina varies based on factors such as your driving history and the amount of coverage you need.
What documents are required for a student under 18 years of age to get a permit from the DMV in North Carolina?
A student will need their:
MyNCDMV App
Download the official app of North Carolina - myNCDMV - to renew your vehicle, pay vehicle property tax, order duplicate registration, or order personal/specialized plates---with the help of a friendly chatbot! This take the hassle out of getting the necessary certificates with a click of a button or two. Select order by mail or pick up in the office and get notified when it is ready. myNCDMV is offered as a convenience to residents of North Carolina.
apps.apple.com/us/app/myncdmv/id143408315
Road Ready App
Download the free mobile app to track your driving experience together and to keep safety tips top of mind. The latest addition to The Parent's Supervised Driving Program offers parents and teens an easy, educational and convenient way to log the state required supervised driving time with the click of a button at https://www.roadreadyapp.com/
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roadready/id699534935?ls=1
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.saferoadsalliance.roadready&pli=1
DRIVEitHOME App (an National Safety Council sponsored progam)
The National Safety Council is pleased to offer our new DriveitHOME app for parents of new teen drivers. Use the DriveitHOME app to get involved with your teen behind the wheel and get them the experience they need to stay safe.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nsc.driveithome&pcampaignid=web_share
Where can I find a copy of the NC DMV handbook?
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Documents/driver-handbook.pdf
Is there a Spanish version of the NC DMV handbook?
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Documents/driver-handbook-spanish.pdf
How to make a Level 1/Limited Learns Permit appointment at the DMV?
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-license-appointments/Pages/default.aspx
https://skiptheline.ncdot.gov/Webapp/Appointment/Index/a7ade79b-996d-4971-8766-97feb75254de
Do you offer defensives driving classes?
No we don't. However, B.R.A.K.E.S. in Concord NC does. Please visit their website to learn more about the program and if it meets your needs. Their current requirements are:
What are the age and driving requirements for attending the B.R.A.K.E.S. program?
SBTS-800/RIP Form (this is a 2 page form):
All students completing the Driver Education course in NC will need an SBTS 800 form. This is a restricted instruction permit that allows the student to perform the behind the wheel training with a Certified Driving Instructor ONLY. Students are not allowed to drive under the parent/guardian's supervision until they have a graduated tiered learner's permit from the DMV AFTER the driver education course has been completed in its entirety.
www.ncmcs.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_19566293/File/Driver%20Education/SBTS-800%20Restricted%20Instruction%20Permit%206-24.pdf
All the above is for information only and is subject to change without notice. We highly encourage you visit the NCDMV website and other noted websites, to ensure the above information is still current. We apologize for the inconvenience.
A student will need their:
- Original Birth Certificate
- Original Social Security Card
- K12 School Eligibility Certificate (from the student's High School) or High School Diploma (valid for 30-days from date issuance by K12 School)
- Driving School Completion Certificate(s)
MyNCDMV App
Download the official app of North Carolina - myNCDMV - to renew your vehicle, pay vehicle property tax, order duplicate registration, or order personal/specialized plates---with the help of a friendly chatbot! This take the hassle out of getting the necessary certificates with a click of a button or two. Select order by mail or pick up in the office and get notified when it is ready. myNCDMV is offered as a convenience to residents of North Carolina.
apps.apple.com/us/app/myncdmv/id143408315
Road Ready App
Download the free mobile app to track your driving experience together and to keep safety tips top of mind. The latest addition to The Parent's Supervised Driving Program offers parents and teens an easy, educational and convenient way to log the state required supervised driving time with the click of a button at https://www.roadreadyapp.com/
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roadready/id699534935?ls=1
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.saferoadsalliance.roadready&pli=1
DRIVEitHOME App (an National Safety Council sponsored progam)
The National Safety Council is pleased to offer our new DriveitHOME app for parents of new teen drivers. Use the DriveitHOME app to get involved with your teen behind the wheel and get them the experience they need to stay safe.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nsc.driveithome&pcampaignid=web_share
Where can I find a copy of the NC DMV handbook?
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Documents/driver-handbook.pdf
Is there a Spanish version of the NC DMV handbook?
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Documents/driver-handbook-spanish.pdf
How to make a Level 1/Limited Learns Permit appointment at the DMV?
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-license-appointments/Pages/default.aspx
https://skiptheline.ncdot.gov/Webapp/Appointment/Index/a7ade79b-996d-4971-8766-97feb75254de
Do you offer defensives driving classes?
No we don't. However, B.R.A.K.E.S. in Concord NC does. Please visit their website to learn more about the program and if it meets your needs. Their current requirements are:
What are the age and driving requirements for attending the B.R.A.K.E.S. program?
- Ages 16-20 (if attending North Carolina classes ONLY)
- Must present a valid permit or driver's license
- At least 30 hours of driving experience.
- At least 1 parent or legal guardian is required to attend the entire session with their teen/teens
- You will choose only (1) three hour session, one day.
SBTS-800/RIP Form (this is a 2 page form):
All students completing the Driver Education course in NC will need an SBTS 800 form. This is a restricted instruction permit that allows the student to perform the behind the wheel training with a Certified Driving Instructor ONLY. Students are not allowed to drive under the parent/guardian's supervision until they have a graduated tiered learner's permit from the DMV AFTER the driver education course has been completed in its entirety.
www.ncmcs.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_19566293/File/Driver%20Education/SBTS-800%20Restricted%20Instruction%20Permit%206-24.pdf
All the above is for information only and is subject to change without notice. We highly encourage you visit the NCDMV website and other noted websites, to ensure the above information is still current. We apologize for the inconvenience.
