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
