14 1/2 years of age.

To sign up for Driver Education classes you should seek out the Driver Education lead teacher at your school. Usually in the first two or three weeks of school (August) they will visit homerooms, PE classes, or have daily announcements made about where to pick up a registration form. They may also have a table set up at 9th grade orientation day or night. You may also check the main office for registration forms.

The 30-hour classroom phase, during the regular school year, is held after school. The class can run from 2:30-4:30 (2 hours) for 15 days, or from 2:30-5:30 (3 hours) for 10 days.

Summer schedules for the 30-hour classes are usually one of the following:

• 8:00-10:00 a.m. (2 hours) for 15 days
  
  
• 8:00-11:00 a.m. (3 hours) for 10 days
  
  
• 8:00-2:00 p.m. (6 hours) for 5 days

• Pencil
• Paper
• Loose Leaf Notebook
• Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport
• For five day classes held during Christmas break, spring break, or summer, bring lunch, snack, and drinks for the day.

No student will be scheduled for behind-the-wheel instruction until all 30 hours of classroom instruction have been completed and the DMV has checked his or her eyes (this is done during the 30-hour classroom phase).

Upon completion of your Driver Education Courses you will receive a Driver Education Certificate. This certificate is good as long as you need it. After getting your permit or driver license, put the certificate in a place where you file important papers and keep it for future use (insurance, etc.).

If you lose your Driver Education Certificate, call the lead teacher at the school where you took the class. Let them know the date you took the class and the name of your instructor. You need to tell them your full name and birth date. Expect a wait of at least two weeks.

If you are at least 15 years of age and have completed an approved driver education course, you may apply for a Level One Limited Learner Permit to operate vehicles requiring a Class C license.

• You must be at least 15 years old but less than 18 years old and reside in NC.
  
  
• You must pass written, sign, and vision tests.
  
  
• All passengers must be restrained by a seat belt or child safety seat.
  
  
• No one except the driver and the supervising driver are allowed in the front seat.
  
  
• During the first six months, a Level One permit authorizes you to drive between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. while accompanied by your supervising driver.
  
  
• Six months from Level One issuance, you are eligible to drive anytime with your supervising driver.
  
  
• The use of a mobile/cell telephone is prohibited. This includes the use of any features related to a mobile/cell telephone, such as a camera, electronic mail, music, games, or the Internet. This applies only when the vehicle is in motion while driving on a street, highway, or public vehicular area.
  
  EXCEPTIONS: It shall be permissible for the driver to call any of the following regarding an emergency situation: An emergency response operator; a hospital, physician's office or health clinic; a public or privately owned ambulance company or service; a fire department or a law enforcement agency. It is also permissible to call a parent, legal guardian, or spouse.

For a complete listing of the types of Learner Permits and their requirements please review our online Driver's Handbook.

To locate a Driver License office near you check our Office Locations Section

In order to apply for your Learner Permit you will need to bring the following items:

1. Driver Education Certificate - A certificate you receive upon completion of your Driver Education classes.

2. Birth Certificate (certified or original)

3. Social Security Card (not laminated)

4. Driving Eligibility Certificate - Required when a person less than 18 years of age is applying for a permit or license. This certificate states that the student listed is passing at least five of six courses in a regular schedule, or three of four courses in a block schedule and is currently enrolled in school. The certificate is good for thirty days, and then it has to be renewed. Each high school has a person assigned as a contact to issue this certificate (usually a guidance counselor or assistant principal). Neither the lead driver education teacher nor his instructors issue this. Please check with your guidance department or your school secretary for more information.

5. One parent or guardian to sign for permit

6. Supervising Driver's Signature

7. $15.00 permit fee