North Carolina Driver’s License Guide 2024

Table Of Content

Have you recently moved to North Carolina? Have you had a driver's license before? Well, you must get an NC driver's license immediately to drive here legally.

We’re here to make the license process easy for you. Here’s a complete guide for getting your license in North Carolina to help you get behind the wheel faster!

How Do I Get a North Carolina Driver’s License?

The North Carolina DMV oversees the issuance of driver's permits. Individuals must follow the NC Graduated Licensing Program for their license. This starts with applying for a learner's permit and completing a driver's education. The program has three stages:

1. Get a learner's permit. This permit lets you practice supervised driving.

2. Apply for a provisional license. This license allows you to drive unsupervised but with certain restrictions.

3. Get an adult driver's license. You can enjoy complete driving privileges with this license.

Different Driver's License Classes in North Carolina

Driver's licenses are categorized into various classes in North Carolina. Each type comes with its privileges and requirements.

Class C

This is the standard driver's license class for operating non-commercial vehicles like cars and small trucks. It allows you to drive a vehicle with a GVWR under 26,001 pounds and tow a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.

Class A and B (Regular)

These classes allow you to operate commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and buses. Class A allows you to drive a combination of vehicles, the towed unit of which shouldn’t have a GVWR higher than 10,000 pounds. Class B allows you to drive vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds and above.

Class A and B (Commercial)

These are commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) required for operating various commercial vehicles. Class A offers permission to drive combination vehicles, including tractor-trailers. Class B allows the operation of single vehicles with a GVWR of over 26,000 pounds or towing a vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds or less.

Class C

Class C permits driving vehicles transporting 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.

Class M

Class M allows you to operate motorcycles. A valid North Carolina driver’s license is required for a motorcycle endorsement.

How to Apply for Your North Carolina License

Applying for your NC license involves passing a vision, knowledge, and driving test. It also requires you to collect certain documentation and present it at the DMV.

Here’s the license you can get depending on your age:

• If you’re a first-timer between 15 and 17, apply for your Level One Limited Learner’s Permit.

• If you’re a limited learner’s permit holder between 16 and 17, apply for your Level Two Limited Provisional License.

• If you’re a limited provisional license holder between 16 and 17, apply for your Level Three Full Provisional License.

• If you’re an 18+ first-timer, apply for your Unrestricted (Adult) Driver License.

How to Apply for Your NC Limited Learner’s Permit

Getting a limited learner’s permit is the first step in the North Carolina Graduated Driver’s License Program. It allows those who are 15 and above to drive supervised under the guidance of a licensed driver with at least five years of experience. With a learner’s permit, you can practice driving only between 5 am and 9 pm for the first six months.

Here are the steps you need to follow to get started on your North Carolina license journey.

Complete a Driver's ED Course

If you go to school, whether public or private, take a driver’s education course. You can enroll as early as at the age of 14 ½. The course must entail 30 hours of classroom lessons and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel practice. You will receive your North Carolina Driver Education Certificate upon the completion of the course.

Get a High School Driver’s Eligibility Certificate

If you’re enrolled in a school and completing your GED or high school diploma, your school will easily issue you the aforementioned certificate.

Go to a Local DMV Office

You must visit the local DMV office to apply for your license. You can contact the DMV to schedule an appointment.

Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)
• Social Security number
• Birth certificate
• Documentation of legal presence in the US
• Proof of residency in North Carolina (two proofs)
• Liability insurance
• Change of name (if necessary)

Pass the Road Sign Test

You will first have to clear a road sign test. This will examine your knowledge and ability to identify warning and regulatory signs by shape and color.

Pass Your Vision Test

You must have a 20/40 acuity of both eyes. This is with or without spectacles or corrective lenses.

Pass Your Written Knowledge Exam

You must pass your NC written test to get your learner’s license. The test features 25 MCQs pertaining to the state’s traffic laws and driving practices. If you fail the exam, you can retake it at a later date. You must study the North Carolina Driver’s Manual thoroughly to pass the test. Once you’re well-versed in the guide, take a practice test here to test your preparation level.

Pay for the License

You must pay the license fee of $21.50. You can make the payment at a DMV office by cash, check, or credit.

Get Your Driving Log

You must receive a driving log at the DMV. Make sure to complete it within the next twelve months and fill it out with at least 60 hours of driving.

Get Driving!

Great! Now you’re ready to drive. Remember that you can only retain your driving privileges till you’re in school. You can lose your license for almost a year or until you receive your eligibility certificate or diploma if you’re suspended from school. This applies only if the suspension is ten consecutive days due to a disciplinary action.

How to Apply for Your NC Limited Provisional License

Getting a provisional license is the second step in the North Carolina Graduated Driver’s License Program. It allows those between 16 and 17 years to drive unsupervised but only between 5 am and 9 pm. Exceptions for timings include work responsibilities or rescue or emergency medical services. When driving unsupervised, you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 years old in the car. However, there are exceptions if the passengers are part of your immediate family.

Here are the steps you need to follow to get started on your North Carolina provisional license.

Keep Your Learner’s Permit for a Year

You must hold your learner’s license for at least 12 months to be eligible for a provisional license. The last six months of this period must be free of violations, including seatbelt and cellphone infractions.

Complete Your Driving Log

You will need to have completed at least 60 hours of driving practice, with no more than 10 hours per week. You must also log 10 hours of nighttime driving. Also, make sure to get this log signed by your parent, grandparent, guardian, or a parent- or grandparent-approved individual who’s licensed for at least five years.

Go to a Local DMV Office or Get a Road Test Appointment

You must visit the local DMV office to apply for your license or get an appointment by contacting the office. Make sure to bring the following during your visit:

• Your completed driver’s log
• Your limited learner’s permit
• Proof of liability insurance coverage
• A registered vehicle
• Your parent or guardian

Pass the Road Test

You will first need to clear a road test. This will examine your ability to perform certain driving patterns and drive safely. You can take the test at a later date if you fail.

Pay for the License

You must pay the license fee of $21.50. You can make the payment at a DMV office by cash, check, card, or money order.

Get Driving!

Once you’ve completed the above process, you’ll receive a temporary 60-day driving certificate. You will be mailed your permanent license no more than a few days later. Remember, you will have to hold your level 2 provisional license for at least 6 months before you can apply for your full provisional license.

Note: Dropping out of school will result in the revocation of your driving privileges. If you are suspended or reassigned to an alternative educational setting for a period of ten consecutive days due to disciplinary reasons, your license will be suspended for a year or until you obtain a high school diploma or Driving Eligibility Certificate.

How to Apply for Your NC Provisional License

Getting a level 3 provisional license is the third step in the North Carolina Graduated Driver’s License Program. It allows those between 16 and 17 years to drive unsupervised. With this license, all time restrictions and the number of passengers you can carry are removed. However, you still cannot use your phone while driving unless there’s an emergency.

Here are the steps you need to follow to get started on your North Carolina provisional license.

Keep Your Limited Provisional License

You must hold your limited provisional license for at least six months. The last six months of this period must be free of violations, including seatbelt and cellphone infractions.

Complete Your Driving Log

You will need to have completed at least 12 hours of driving practice. You must also log 6 hours of nighttime driving. Also, make sure to get this log signed by your parent, grandparent, guardian, or a parent- or grandparent-approved individual who’s licensed for at least five years.

Go to a Local DMV Office

You must visit the local DMV office to apply for your license or get an appointment by contacting the office.

Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along for your REAL ID when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)
• Social Security number
• Birth certificate
• Documentation of legal presence in the US
• Proof of residency in North Carolina (two proofs)
• Liability insurance

Pay for the License

You must pay the license fee of $5.50. You can make the payment at a DMV office by cash, check, card, or money order.

Get Your Temporary License

Once you’ve completed the above process, you’ll receive a temporary 60-day driving certificate. You will be mailed your permanent provisional license in 20 days.

Note: Dropping out of school will result in the revocation of your driving privileges. If you are suspended or reassigned to an alternative educational setting for a period of ten consecutive days due to disciplinary reasons, your license will be suspended for a year or until you obtain a high school diploma or Driving Eligibility Certificate.

How to Apply for Your NC Adult Driver’s License

If you're 18 and haven't previously held a U.S. driver's license, you're eligible to apply for one. You'll need to pass tests for vision, road sign recognition, general knowledge, and driving skills. Optionally, you can obtain a learner's permit to practice driving before taking the tests.

Begin at step 1 if you're a new applicant without any prior license.

If you already have a learner's permit, proceed directly to step 7.

Here are the steps you need to follow for your North Carolina permanent driver’s license.

Go to a Local DMV Office

You must visit the local DMV office to apply for your license. You can contact the DMV to schedule an appointment.

Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• ID card (or any other document with your complete name and date of birth)
• Social Security number
• Birth certificate
• Documentation of legal presence in the US
• Proof of residency in North Carolina (two proofs)
• Liability insurance
• Change of name (if necessary)

Pass the Road Sign Test

You will first have to clear a road sign test. This will examine your knowledge and ability to identify warning and regulatory signs by shape and color.

Pass Your Vision Test

You must have a 20/40 acuity of both eyes. This is with or without spectacles or corrective lenses.

Pass Your Written Knowledge Exam

You must pass your NC written test to get your learner’s license. The test features 25 MCQs pertaining to the state’s traffic laws and driving practices. If you fail the exam, you can retake it at a later date. You must study the North Carolina Driver’s Manual thoroughly to pass the test. Once you’re well-versed in the guide, take an Ohio practice test here to test your preparation level.

Get Your Learner’s Permit

You’ll need a permit to practice driving supervised before taking your driver’s test. With this license, you can only drive while a licensed driver is seated beside you. A learner’s permit will cost you $21.50.

Pass the Road Test

You will need to clear a road test, which you can take on the same day as your vision and knowledge exams. Book your appointment by calling the local DMV. Bring your:

• A safe and registered vehicle
• ID card
• Proof of liability insurance coverage
• Your learner’s permit

Pay for the License

You must pay the license fee of $5.50. You can make the payment at a DMV office by cash, check, money order, or card.

Get Driving!

Once you’ve completed the above process, you’ll receive a temporary 60-day driving certificate. You will be mailed your permanent driver’s license in 20 days.

How to Pass the North Carolina Knowledge Test

The NC driver’s license process must be done in person. Therefore, you must visit a DMV office. You will have to take your knowledge exam the same day. Scheduling an appointment is preferable before your visit.

What to Expect in the Exam

The NC knowledge exam consists of 25 MCQs that test your knowledge about:

• Traffic laws
• Safe driving laws
• Rules of the road

You must answer at least 20 questions correctly or get an 80% score to pass the test.

How to Prepare for the Knowledge Exam

Unfortunately, many drivers are unable to pass the knowledge test. This is either due to a lack of preparation or not following the right order when prepping for the exam. The first and most important step for passing your test is thoroughly studying the North Carolina Driver’s Manual. Once done, utilize the free NC driving permit practice tests offered here. Remember everything you’ve studied in the manual, and keep trying the permit tests until you’re well-versed in all things driving!

Replacing or Renewing Your North Carolina Driver’s License

If your license is lost, damaged, or expired, you’ll need a new one. There are three ways to get your license renewed or replaced.

In Person

The DMV issues a reminder approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of your license. You have the option to renew your license in person as early as 180 days before it expires or up to 2 years after the expiration date. If online renewal isn't an option, you'll need to renew your license in person. This process includes passing both vision and road sign tests.

• You can schedule an appointment online or contact your local DMV.
• Bring the required documentation. Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:
  1. Any document with your identity, legal presence, and date of birth)
  2. Social Security number
  3. Proof of residency in North Carolina (two documents)

• To obtain a standard driver's license, if you have your current license, you should present it. However, if your current license has been lost or stolen, you are typically required to provide two forms of identification to verify your identity and your Social Security Card. The specific documents accepted for identity verification can vary, so it's best to check with your local DMV for the exact requirements.
• To pass the sign recognition test, you must correctly identify regulatory and warning signs by their color and shape and be able to explain their meanings.
• For the vision test, you must meet the vision standards set for driving in North Carolina. If you require corrective lenses to meet these standards, this will be indicated on your driver's license, and you must wear them whenever you drive.
• You must pay an annual fee of $5.50. The duration of the license can range from 5 to 8 years, based on your age.
• After completing the process, you'll receive a temporary license, with the permanent one being mailed to you within 20 days. Remember to check the details with your local DMV, as procedures and fees can vary by location.

By Mail

You can renew your NC driver’s license by mail if:

• You're a North Carolina resident but have been living outside the state for over 30 days continuously. You can renew it every other renewal cycle.
• You’re an active part of the United States armed forces.

To apply via mail, you mustn’t be older than 72 years old. Also, provisional licenses can’t be renewed via mail.

Here’s how you can apply for your license via mail:

1. Download and fill out the OSRPacket.pdf application, adhering to the included instructions.

2. Obtain a vision statement signed by a licensed physician or a driver's license examiner from the state where you're currently residing.

3. Sign and date the Sex Offender Affidavit.

4. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee, which is $5.50 per year.

5. Mail the completed packet to the DMV.

Make sure to review the packet carefully to ensure all information is accurate and complete before sending it off.

Online

You have the flexibility to renew your license online starting from 6 months prior to its expiration date and up to 2 years after it has expired. Remember to check the specific requirements and procedures on your local DMV's website, as they can vary by state or region.

You qualify to renew your license online if you meet these criteria:

• You currently have a standard driver's license but wish to upgrade to a REAL ID.
• You are renewing a provisional license or a learner's permit.
• You have any restrictions on your license other than "corrective lenses."
• You need to update your address.
• Your current license is suspended.
• You have an outstanding debt with the DMV.
• You possess a U.S. government document that verifies your legal presence.

It's important to address these specific situations in person at the DMV to ensure all requirements are met, and any necessary documentation is provided.

Your plan of action for renewing your driver's license seems well-organized. Here's a summarized version of the steps to follow:

1. Visit the DMV Renewal Service online.
2. Enter your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your SSN.
3. Submit a valid email address.
4. Pay the renewal fee of $5.50 per year using a credit/debit card.
5. A receipt will be emailed to you.
6. Expect to receive your new driver's license by mail within 20 days.

Make sure to check the DMV's official website for any updates or changes to the renewal process.

How Can New Residents Get a North Carolina Driver’s License

Have you become a resident of NC? Apply for your license within 60 days of becoming a North Carolina resident.

Remember, you’re only considered an NC resident for driver’s license purposes if you move permanently to the state.

If you’re residing temporarily in the state, you won’t need to transfer your license. This applies to the following cases:

For individuals in these specific situations regarding driver's license requirements in North Carolina:

1. Out-of-State College Students: If you're a student from another state attending college in North Carolina, you're considered a temporary resident and are authorized to use your home state or country's driver's license. However, it's recommended to have a translation of your license if it's not in English.

2. Members of the Armed Forces: Active-duty military personnel and their family members can renew their North Carolina driver's license before deployment using the military designation. Military spouses and dependents residing out-of-state may renew their standard license by mail under certain conditions.

3. Traveling Salespersons: If you're a salesperson whose home is in another state but you travel through North Carolina, you'll need to comply with the state's requirements for vehicle salespersons, which may include obtaining a North Carolina vehicle salesperson license if you're selling cars in the state.

It's always best to check with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the most current and detailed information regarding your circumstances.

What Do I Do If I Have an Out-of-State License?

Transferring your out-of-state license to North Carolina requires multiple steps. First, you’ll need to collect the required documentation, and then you’ll need to pass vision and sign recognition tests. Knowledge and road exams are typically waived off if you hold an out-of-state license.

How to Apply for Your License

Here’s the process to follow to get your out-of-state license.

1. Apply at the DMV

You need to apply for your license in person. You can make an appointment at your local DMV office.

2. Bring the Required Documentation

Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• You can schedule an appointment online or contact your local DMV.

• Bring the required documentation. Here are the documents you need to bring along when you visit the DMV office:

• Any document with your identity, legal presence, and date of birth)

• Social Security number

• Proof of residency in North Carolina (two documents)

3. Pass the Road Sign Test

You will first have to clear a road sign test. This will examine your knowledge and ability to identify warning and regulatory signs by shape and color.

4. Pass Your Vision Test

You must have a 20/40 acuity of both eyes. This is with or without spectacles or corrective lenses.

5. Pay for the License

You must pay the license fee of $5.50. You can make the payment at a DMV office by cash, check, money order, or card.

6. Receive Your Temporary License

Upon completing your driver's license renewal process, you will receive a temporary 60-day driving certificate to use while waiting for your new license. Your new license should arrive by mail within 20 days.

Note: Remember to destroy or surrender your old license responsibly to prevent any potential misuse. You have the option to discard it securely. Alternatively, you can choose to surrender it by mailing it to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles at the address provided:

N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles

Driver License Section

3120 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27697-3120

What Do I Do If I Have a Foreign Driver’s License?

Transferring your foreign license to North Carolina is like applying for a new license. You'll need to pass a vision exam, written knowledge test, and sign recognition test. The driving test may be waived in certain cases.