How do I get a limited learner permit?
If you are a student who is at least 14 1/2 years old and are pursuing a high school diploma or GED, you can enroll in an approved driver education course provided through your North Carolina high school or a driver education school licensed by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.
A birth certificate or passport is required to enroll in a driver education course.
Driver education courses consist of two phases:
- A classroom portion, which involves 30 hours of instruction and a vision/medical screening.
- A driving phase, which involves a minimum 6 hours behind the wheel.
If you are in good academic standing, your high school will issue you a Driving Eligibility Certificate.
What if I’m homeschooled or attending a school out of state?
If you are homeschooled the Driving Eligibility Certificate will be issued by the N.C. Department of Administration.
If you are attending a school outside of North Carolina, you can get an eligibility certificate from the public school they would normally attend if they were not enrolled in an out-of-state school.
Am I eligible for a Limited Learner Permit?
The following requirements must be met before you can schedule:
- Be 15 to 17 years old
- Have a
Driving Eligibility Certificate and Driver's Education Certificate
1. Find a convenient driver license office
Before you head to an office, make sure to bring the following documents with you:
You will need to pass written, sign and vision tests. You must have a parent or guardian present for these tests. Anyone other than the parent or guardian must provide written documentation from a parent or guardian giving consent.
Find an Office
2. Complete your office visit
3. Your Learner Permit will arrive in the mail within 20 business days
Rules for driving with a Limited Learner Permit
With a Limited Learner Permit, you can drive 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. while supervised for the first six months. Use of mobile devices are prohibited while in the vehicle.
Who can be a supervised driver?
- A parent or legal guardian
- A grandparent
- An adult who has been approved by a parent or legal guardian
The supervisor must be:
- A licensed driver
- Licensed for five years
- Seated next to driver when supervising
Can I renew my permit?
A limited learner permit can be renewed up to one year after expiration by visiting a driver license office; they cannot be renewed online. You won't be required to retake any tests.
How do I reinstate my permit if it was suspended?
All permits must be reinstated if previously suspended for academic grades or report cards. If you have your license reinstated after it was suspended for academic reasons, you can continue to use the license if it is in your possession.
If the status is revoked or suspended, there may be another issue with the license. To check the status of your license, please visit
MyDMV.
If the permit status is active and is lost, a replacement or duplicate can be ordered online.
What are the fees?
| Name of Fee | Cost
|
|---|
| Level 1: Limited Learner Permit | $25.50
|
Frequently asked questions
This document verifies that a student’s vision and medical condition is approved by a representative of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles or certified driver education instructor. It authorizes the student to operate a motor vehicle with their driving education instructor in order to complete the required six hours of behind the wheel instruction.
The eye check verifies the student does not have a vision or medical condition that might interfere with the student’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
If your driver education instructor is not certified to perform an eye check, the instructor should coordinate a time and location for it to be administered by an NCDMV representative. If you are unable to attend the appointment, another appointment can be scheduled but may take additional time. NCDMV strongly advises not to visit your local driver license office because you would be considered a walk-in customer and the wait time is unknown.
The other option available is to perform an internet search for NCDMV licensed North Carolina driver education training schools. A list of commercial driver education schools will populate, and you will have the option to select a school that is convenient to your location. Each school will have enrollment fees, which may vary. Please verify they are licensed by NCDMV to provide driver education to those 18 and under.
This suspension is placed on the student’s record by the school system. Therefore, it must be removed by the school system’s administrator.