Road Tests & Road Test Waivers
Road tests have resumed for all drivers that do not qualify for a waiver. However, temporary road test waivers are available to qualifying drivers 18 years old and older who need a regular Class C license, and to 16 and 17-year-old drivers who are seeking a Level 2 limited provisional license.
Read More.
To get a North Carolina learner permit, an individual must be at least 18 years old and apply in person at an N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
driver license office. (
Individuals at least 18 years old may also apply for a
driver license.)
Note: Teens 15 to 17 years old must apply for a limited learner permit as part of a
graduated licensing process.
Qualified applicants must successfully complete
required knowledge, road sign recognition, vision and driving tests and take the following required documents to an NCDMV driver license office.
Note: NCDMV also offers an N.C. REAL ID driver license, which requires
additional information and requirements.
North Carolina
issues learner permits from a central location and mails them to applicants within 20 days. Driver license applicants receive a Temporary Driving Certificate to use until their permit arrives.
Note: Applying for a North Carolina driver license or learner’s permit will cancel any licenses or permits from other states through the State-to-State Verification program.
Permit Fees
Applicants must pay a fee to be issued a North Carolina learner permit.
View a list of licenses and fees.
Make an Appointment
Skip the line at driver license offices by
making an appointment online. If you do not find an available appointment, please continue to check back as new available appointments are added each day.
Restrictions
A learner permit authorizes unlicensed drivers to drive a specified type or class of motor vehicles while in possession of the permit.
While operating a motor vehicle, a permit holder must be accompanied in the front passenger seat by a licensed adult.
NCDMV might not license an individual who suffers from a mental or physical condition that might keep them from driving safely. A person with a disability might be issued a restricted license, provided the condition does not keep them from driving safely.