• Graduated Licensing

    Driver Eligibility Certificate

    If you are under 18 and applying for a learner’s permit or driver license, you need a Driver Eligibility Certificate.

    This certificate shows that you are enrolled in school and passing at least three of four courses in a block schedule.

    The certificate is valid for 30 days. If you do not get your learner’s permit within 30 days, you must request a new certificate.

    Each high school has someone assigned to issue this certificate. Please check with your school’s Guidance Department or main office to learn who can help.

    Driving log

    North Carolina law requires new drivers to log supervised driving hours.

    First Driving Log Requirements:

    • Log at least 60 hours of driving with a parent or designated experienced driver.
    • Include 10 hours of night driving.
    • You may count up to 10 hours of driving per week.

    Bring the signed log to the DMV when you apply for a Level Two Limited Provisional License.

    Level One Limited Learner Permit

    You can apply for a Level One permit if:

    • You are at least 15 but under 18 years old.
    • You live in North Carolina.
    • You have completed an approved driver education course.

    You pass the written, sign, and vision tests.

    Driving restrictions

    • For the first six months, you may drive between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. with a supervising driver.
    • After six months, you may drive at any time with supervision.
    • You must hold this permit for at least nine months with no moving violations or seat belt infractions in the last six months before advancing to Level Two.

    Level Two Limited Provisional License

    You can apply for a Level Two license if:

    • You are at least 16 but under 18 years old.
    • You have completed driver education and passed the driving test.

    Driving restrictions

    • You may drive without supervision from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • You may drive at any time when traveling to or from work or volunteer duties (fire, rescue, or EMS).
    • You may have only one passenger who is not an immediate family member. That passenger must sit in the front seat and wear a seat belt.
    • You must hold this license for at least six months with no moving violations or seat belt infractions before moving to Level Three.

    Level Three Full Provisional License

    At Level Three:

    • You may drive unsupervised at any time.
    • All other provisional license rules still apply.

    Important

    At all license levels, you may not use a mobile phone or any related technology while driving on public roads.