What is the North Carolina Graduated License law?

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License Eligibility / Requirements



Level 1 - Limited Learner's Permit involves parents, guardians and/or other responsible drivers in the training of young drivers.

Must be 15 or older, complete driver's education and obtain limited learner's permit.





For at least 12 months, the Level 1 driver must be supervised by parent, guardian or other approved licensed driver who has been licensed at least five years.





All people in vehicle driven by Level 1 driver must wear a seat belt, and only the supervisor can ride in the front seat.





For the first six months, a Level 1 driver may only drive from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with his or her supervisor.





For the second six months, a Level 1 driver may drive at any time with his or her supervisor.





The Level 1 driver must have no violations during the last six months to graduate to the next level.





Level 2 - Limited Provisional License protects young drivers during the night time hours when they are most at risk.



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





All passengers must be restrained by seat belt or child safety seat.





Supervising driver must be seated beside the driver.





You may drive without supervision from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and at any time when driving directly to or from work or any volunteer fire, rescue or EMS (emergency medical service), if you are a member.



Effective December 1, 2002, a new law (NCGS 20-11(e)(4) was passed regarding the passengers in a motor vehicle. The law applies to limited provisional licenses (Level 2) issued on or after December 1, 2002. The law allows for passengers under 21 in two scenarios:







The number of passengers allowed in a motor vehicle under the age of 21 is restricted to ONE when the driver of the vehicle is the holder of the Level 2.





If all passengers under the age of 21 are members of the driver's immediate family or member of the same household as the driver there is no under 21 limit.

If the supervising driver is in the car, this restriction does not apply.



Note: Before graduating to Level Three, you must keep this license for at least 6 months and have no convictions of moving violations or seat belt infractions within the preceding six months.









Level 3 - Full Provisional License rewards violation-free driving.



Unsupervised driving is allowed at any time.





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







Application -- An application for a permit or license must be signed by both the applicant and another person. That person must be the applicant's parent or guardian if the parent or guardian resides in this State and is qualified to be a supervising driver. In all other circumstances, that person must be an adult approved by the Division.



This information was copied from:

www.ncdot.org/dmv/driver_services/graduatedlicensing/requirements.html