Going to the DMV

Take the following items with you when going to the DMV to get your learner’s permit.

  1. Driver’s Education Certificate

  2. Driver Eligibility Certificate

  3. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate

  4. Your social security card

  5. Proof of residence

  6. $25.50

  7. A parent or legal guardian must sign for you.

Once at the DMV

  1. You will take a written test - 25 questions. You must get 20 or more correct.

  2. You will get your eyes checked again - also take an oral test on 12 road signs.

  3. You will then get your picture taken for your limited learner’s permit.

  4. You will fall under the graduated licensing law.

Graduated Licensing

Driving Logs Required

Beginning January 1, 2012, driving logs are required for teen drivers due to legislation passed by the General Assembly to increase behind-the-wheel experience for young drivers.

The first driving log requires new drivers to log 60 hours behind the wheel under the supervision of a parent or designated experienced driver, including 10 hours at night. No more than 10 hours per week may count toward the total driving time. The teen driver must turn in the signed log to the DMV when applying for a Level 2 limited provisional driver's license.

The second log requires Level 2 licensed drivers to log an additional 12 hours of driving, including six hours of nighttime driving. The log must be signed and submitted to the DMV upon application for a Level 3 full provisional driver's license.

Blank driving logs will be given to new drivers by DMV driver license examiners when they apply for Level I or Level II permits or licenses. Both logs are also posted on the DMV website.

Level One Learner Permit

If you are at least 15 years of age and have completed an approved driver's education course, you may apply for a Level One Limited Learner Permit to operate vehicles requiring a Class C license:

  • Drivers must be at least 15, but less than 18, years old and reside in NC.

  • Drivers must pass written, sign, and vision tests.

  • During the first six months, a Level One permit authorizes you to drive between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. while accompanied by your supervising driver.

  • Six months after Level One issuance, drivers are eligible to drive any time with their supervising driver.

  • Before graduating to Level Two, drivers must keep this permit for at least 9 months and have no moving violations or seat belt infractions within the preceding six months.

Level Two Limited Provisional License

  • Drivers must be at least 16, but less than 18, years old.

  • The driver must present a certificate showing he/she has passed an approved driver's education course before he/she can take the driver's license test.

  • Drivers may drive without supervision from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and at any time when driving directly to or from work, any volunteer fire, rescue, or EMS.

  • Before going to Level Three, the driver must keep this license for at least six months and have no moving violations or seat belt infractions within the preceding six months.

  • May have only one passenger other than immediate family. Passenger must sit in the front seat and wear a seatbelt.

Level Three Full Provisional License

  • Unsupervised driving is allowed at any time.

  • A Level 3 driver is subject to all other conditions of a provisional license.

**For all three levels, you are not permitted to use a mobile telephone or other additional technology associated with a mobile telephone while operating a mobile vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area.