Learn about the levels of North Carolina's Graduated Licensing process.
LEVEL 1: LIMITED LEARNER PERMIT - 9 MONTHS
The Limited Learner Permit allows you to drive a vehicle while supervised.
Requirements
- Be 15 to 17 years old
- Successfully complete an approved Driver Education course
- Have a Driver's Education Completion Certificate issued by your Driver Education school
- Provide the required identity, Social Security number, and NC residency documents to NCDMV
- Have a parent or guardian present, or provide the required written parental/guardian consent
- Level 1 applicants must successfully pass the written, road signs and vision tests.
Restrictions
- For the first six months, the permit holder may drive from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. while accompanied by an approved supervising driver
- A supervising driver must be properly licensed, have been licensed for at least five years, and be seated beside the permit holder.
- Mobile device use is prohibited while driving.
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
- Be 16 to 17 years old
- Have held a Level 1 Limited Learner Permit for at least 9 months
- Complete and log at least 60 hours of supervised driving
- Have no convictions for moving violations or seat belt/mobile phone infractions within the preceding six months
Road Test Options:
Eligible teens may take their Level 2 road test at an NCDMV driver license office or with a certified Driver Education school such as All American Drivers Education.
After Passing Your Road Test at All American Drivers Education:
After successfully completing your road test with AADE, you will need to visit the NCDMV to complete your Level 2 licensing transaction. Bring your Level 1 Limited Learner Permit, your 60-hour driving log, proof of liability insurance coverage in the teen driver's name, and the road-test documention provided by AADE.
Restrictions
- A Level 2 driver may drive unsupervised from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and may also drive unsupervised to and from work or volunteer fire, rescue, or emergency medical service.
- When driving unsupervised, passenger restrictions apply to passengers under age 21. Household members are treated differently, and an additional student passenger may be permitted when being driven directly to or from school. See NCDMV website for complete passenger restrictions.
- From 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., an approved supervising driver is required unless one of the permitted exceptions applies.
- 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. Eligible drivers may upgrade from a Level 2 Limited Provisional License to a Level 3 Full Provisional License online through NCDMV or complete the upgrade at a driver license office.
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