Driver Education

During the school year, classes are held after school for 10 days. Each class lasts 3 hours. Summer and holiday schedules may be different.

To complete this phase, you must:

• Attend all 30 hours of classroom instruction
• Pass the DMV eye test

If you do not pass the eye test, the DMV examiner will give you a form. You must have your vision checked by a specialist and return the completed form to your lead teacher.

After you finish the classroom phase, you will begin behind-the-wheel (BTW) training.

To receive a Driver Education Completion Certificate, you must:

• Complete 6 hours of driving
• Complete 6 hours of observation

This equals a total of 12 hours in the car.

Examples of schedules:

• Drive 3 days for 4 hours each day
• Drive 4 days for 3 hours each day

Driving times:

• School days: After school until 9 p.m.
• Saturdays, holidays, and breaks: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Students can drive up to 2 hours per day. Two students are assigned per session. Your instructor will contact you to schedule your driving times.

If you do not complete the classroom or driving phases due to behavior, you may not enroll again in the school system’s driver education program. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances by the principal.

Please write down this information:

• Instructor’s name
• Days and times of your driving sessions

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 determine who can assist you.

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.

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.

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.

At Level Three:

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

Bring these items when you visit the DMV:

• Your Driver Education Certificate
• Your Driver Eligibility Certificate
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate
• Your Social Security card
• Proof of your address
• A parent or legal guardian to sign for you

• When you arrive, you will:

  1. Take a written test with 25 questions. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass.
  2. Take an eye exam.
  3. Complete an oral test about 12 road signs.
  4. Have your photo taken for your learner’s permit.
  5. Be part of the graduated licensing process.
      

  Learn more about the DMV process.

  Need help? Talk with your school counselor or visit the DMV website for details.