Category: North Carolina

Photo: NCDOTcommunications, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The North Carolina road test checks that you can drive safely in real traffic and handle a set list of maneuvers, scored by an NCDMV driver license examiner. Teens take it to move from a Level 1 permit to a Level 2 license; adults take it as part of the full first-time examination. Here is what is on it and how to prepare.

Key facts (North Carolina rule 19A NCAC 03B .0201)

• Required maneuvers: quick stop, turnabout, backing, approach to a corner, right turns, left turns, traffic lights, use of vehicle equipment, starts, use of lanes, use of brakes, following and paying attention.
• Pass or fail depends on how well you carry out those maneuvers.
• Parallel parking is not on the list of required maneuvers.

What is on the NC road test?

The 13 items in the state rule fall into two groups.

Set maneuvers

Maneuver	What to show
Quick stop	Stop smoothly and quickly in a straight line when told, without skidding or swerving.
Turnabout	Turn the car to face the other way in a limited space (often a three-point turn). Check all around before each movement.
Backing	Reverse in a straight line at a slow, controlled speed, looking over your shoulder through the rear window.
Approach corner	Slow down, check for traffic and pedestrians, signal and position correctly before the intersection.

On-road driving

• Right and left turns: signal early, turn from and into the correct lane.
• Traffic lights: stop fully at red, behind the line; handle yellow sensibly.
• Use of vehicle equipment: signals, lights, wipers, mirrors, parking brake. Expect to be asked to show these.
• Starts: check mirrors and blind spot, signal, pull away smoothly.
• Use of lanes: stay centered in your lane and change lanes only after checking.
• Use of brakes: smooth, early braking with no sudden stops.
• Following: keep a safe gap behind the vehicle ahead.
• Paying attention: scan for hazards, signs and pedestrians the whole time.

Is there parallel parking on the NC road test?

Parallel parking is not one of the required maneuvers in North Carolina’s road test rule. You should still learn to park, because you will need it as a driver. See US parking rules for new drivers.

Before you book: teen checklist

• You are at least 16 and have held your Level 1 permit for 9 months.
• No moving violation, seat belt or mobile phone convictions in the last 6 months.
• Your 60-hour Level 1 driving log is complete, with at least 10 hours at night. See NC driving log guide.

Ask NCDMV which documents to bring for the test car, such as proof of insurance and registration, and whether your driver education provider can give the Level 2 road test. More in NC graduated license Levels 1, 2 and 3.

How to pass: what the examiner looks for

• Full stops. Stop completely, behind the line, at every stop sign and red light.
• Head checks. Make mirror and shoulder checks visible before every start, lane change and backing.
• Speed control. Stay at or below the limit and slow for conditions. See the basic speed law.
• Practice the four set maneuvers in a quiet parking lot until they feel routine.
• Know your car. Find the hazard lights, defroster and headlights before test day.

More: common reasons people fail the US driving test.

Common questions

What is a turnabout on the NC road test?

Turning the car around to face the opposite direction in a tight space, usually with a three-point turn.

Do adults take the same road test?

Yes. First-time applicants of any age take the full examination, including the road test.

Do I need a road test if I am moving from another state?

If your out-of-state license is valid or expired less than two years, the rule requires only the sign and vision tests. If it expired more than two years ago, you take the full examination. See moving to North Carolina.

Who scores the NC road test?

An NCDMV driver license examiner, based on how you perform the required maneuvers.

What if I fail?

Ask the examiner what went wrong and when you can retest, then practice those exact items.

Back to: learning to drive in North Carolina. Other states: US road test by state.

Sources

• North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, “19A NCAC 03B .0201 Driver’s License Examination and Online Renewal” (reports.oah.state.nc.us)
• North Carolina General Statutes, G.S. 20-11 (Issuance of limited learner permit and provisional license)

Photo: DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

To get a North Carolina learner permit you pass three NCDMV tests on the same visit: a vision test, a road sign test and a computer knowledge test. You need 80% on the knowledge test and must identify 9 of 12 signs. This guide covers what each test checks, what to bring, and how to prepare.

Key facts (NCDMV, as of November 2026)

• Knowledge test: computer-based, rules of the road, 80% correct to pass.
• Audio option: you can listen to the questions through earphones.
• Road sign test: identify 9 of 12 signs (Class C, the regular car license).
• Vision: 20/40 or better in at least one eye for an unrestricted license.
• Study source: the North Carolina Driver Handbook, plus NCDMV’s sign booklets.

The three permit tests in North Carolina

Test	What it checks	Pass standard
Vision	Reading letters or symbols at a set distance	20/40 or better in at least one eye for no restriction
Road signs	Signs and their meanings	9 of 12 correct (Class C)
Knowledge	Traffic laws and safe driving	80% of questions correct

If your vision is below 20/40 in either eye or both eyes together, your license is restricted to wearing corrective lenses. Wear your glasses or contacts to the test if you use them for driving.

How many questions are on the NC permit test?

The state rule sets the pass mark at 80%. Ask NCDMV for the number of questions. Plan to answer 80% of whatever you get, and check the current format with NCDMV.

How the NC road sign test works

You must correctly identify 9 of the 12 signs shown. Signs are recognized by shape and color first, so learn those patterns before memorizing individual signs:

• Octagon: stop. Triangle pointing down: yield.
• Diamond, usually yellow: warning of a hazard ahead.
• Pentagon: school zone or school crossing.
• Round, yellow: railroad crossing ahead.
• Rectangle, white: regulatory (speed limits, lane use). Green: guide signs. Orange: work zones.

Full chart: US road signs by shape and color.

What to study for the NC knowledge test

• Chapter 4 of the handbook (Your Driving): speed, passing, turning, right of way, parking, school buses and emergency vehicles.
• Chapter 2 (Alcohol and the Law): DWI, implied consent and young-driver rules. See NC provisional licensee alcohol and DWI rules.
• Chapter 5 (Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings). See pavement markings and traffic signals.
• The school bus law, a common trap question. See North Carolina school bus stopping law.

What to bring to NCDMV for your permit (under 18)

• Driver education completion certificate.
• Proof of identity and date of birth.
• Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number.
• Proof of North Carolina residency.
• The permit fee (check the current amount on the NCDMV fee page before you go).

From October 1, 2026, you no longer need a Driving Eligibility Certificate. Booking an NCDMV appointment is strongly encouraged, though walk-ins are accepted. Your permit is mailed from a central location, and you get a 20-day temporary driving certificate to use until it arrives. For the full permit rules, see the Level 1 limited learner permit guide.

Common questions

What score do I need to pass the NC permit test?

80% on the knowledge test, plus 9 of 12 on the sign test.

Can I take the NC permit test online?

Plan to test at an NCDMV driver license office.

Can I have the questions read to me?

Yes. The knowledge test has an audio component you can listen to through earphones.

What happens if I fail?

You can retest. Ask the examiner when you can come back, and check NCDMV for any retest fee.

Do adults take the same tests?

Yes. First-time applicants of any age take the knowledge, sign and vision tests, then a road test. See getting a North Carolina license at 18 or over.

Back to the main guide: learning to drive in North Carolina. Other states: US permit test by state.

Sources

• North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, “19A NCAC 03B .0201 Driver’s License Examination and Online Renewal” (reports.oah.state.nc.us)
• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, “Driver and Traffic Safety Education Program Administrative Policies & Procedures Manual”, revised November 1, 2026 (linked from dpi.nc.gov)
• North Carolina Department of Administration, Division of Non-Public Education, “Teen Drivers” (doa.nc.gov)

Photo: formulanone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This guide is for North Carolina teens, their parents and adult first-time drivers who want the whole route to a North Carolina driver’s license on one page. Under 18, you go through driver education and then three graduated licensing levels. At 18 or over, you skip driver education and take the full set of NCDMV tests.

Key facts (North Carolina, as of November 2026)

• Teens can apply for a Level 1 limited learner permit from age 15, after finishing an approved driver education course.
• Driver education is required before 18: 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel, through your local public school district.
• The Driving Eligibility Certificate (DEC) requirement was eliminated from October 1, 2026 (Session Law 2026-46).
• First-time applicants take four tests: knowledge, road signs, vision and a road test.
• Knowledge test pass mark: 80%. Sign test: identify 9 of 12 signs.

How to get a driver’s license in NC: the route by age

Stage	Who	What it lets you do
Driver education	From age 14 and a half (first day of class)	Classroom phase, then behind-the-wheel lessons with an instructor
Level 1 limited learner permit	Age 15 to 17	Drive only with a supervising driver in the front seat
Level 2 limited provisional license	Age 16 to 17, after 9 months on Level 1	Drive alone 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; one non-household passenger under 21 when unsupervised
Level 3 full provisional license	After 6 months on Level 2, until 18	Driving without the Level 2 limits
Adult route	18 and over	No driver ed required; optional learner permit, then full tests

Full details: North Carolina graduated license Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Step by step for teens

1. Enroll in driver education through the school district where your school is. Public, charter, private, federal and home school students can all take it. Districts can charge up to $65. See NC driver education for teens.
2. Finish the course, including the Work Zone Safety Course, to get your driver education completion certificate.
3. Book an NCDMV visit. Bring your driver education certificate, proof of identity and date of birth, proof of your Social Security number and proof of North Carolina residency, plus the permit fee.
4. Pass the vision, sign and knowledge tests. See the NC DMV permit test guide.
5. Drive on your Level 1 permit with a supervising driver. See the Level 1 limited learner permit guide and the NC driving log guide.
6. Pass the road test for Level 2. See the North Carolina road test guide.
7. Move up to Level 3 once you meet the Level 2 time and record rules.

What changed in 2026: no more Driving Eligibility Certificate

Until October 1, 2026, every applicant under 18 needed a DEC from their school showing enrollment and academic progress. The NC Division of Non-Public Education says Session Law 2026-46 eliminated that requirement for teen drivers from October 1, 2026. Some older pages, school letters and third-party sites still list the DEC. More in the Driving Eligibility Certificate explained.

Driving logs: the 60-hour Level 1 log (at least 10 hours at night) still applies before Level 2. The 12-hour Level 2 log was dropped in 2025, and Level 3 can now be requested by mail, phone or online after 6 months on Level 2 with a clean record.

New rule from December 1, 2026: 25 mph on unpaved roads

Session Law 2026-46 also makes it an offense, from December 1, 2026, to drive faster than 25 mph on a road that is unpaved or has no marked center line. Many rural North Carolina roads fit that description, so watch your speed even where no limit is posted.

If you are 18 or over

Driver education is required only before 18. Adults take the full NCDMV examination (knowledge, signs, vision and road test). You can take a driver education course voluntarily, but you need a learner permit before the behind-the-wheel lessons. See getting a North Carolina license at 18 or over.

What the North Carolina Driver Handbook covers

The knowledge test is drawn from the North Carolina Driver Handbook (NCDMV). Its chapters, and where to study each topic:

Handbook chapter	Study next
1. Your License: classes, graduated licensing, tests, documents	Permit test, REAL ID
2. Alcohol and the Law: DWI, implied consent, young drivers	NC provisional licensee alcohol and DWI rules, implied consent
3. Your Driving Privilege: points, insurance points, suspension	NC license points and insurance points
4. Your Driving: speed, passing, turns, right of way, parking, school buses, emergency vehicles, interstates, weather	NC school bus stopping law, move over laws, speed limits, bad weather
5. Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings	US road signs by shape and color, pavement markings
6. Sharing the Road	motorcycles, bicycles and trucks, pedestrians

The four NCDMV tests at a glance

• Knowledge test: computer-based, rules of the road, 80% to pass. An audio option lets you listen through earphones.
• Road sign test: identify 9 of 12 signs for a Class C license.
• Vision test: 20/40 or better in at least one eye for an unrestricted license.
• Road test: quick stop, turnabout, backing, approach to a corner, turns, traffic lights and general driving.

Moving to North Carolina?

If you already hold a license from another state, the transfer rules are different. See moving to North Carolina and the national guide to moving to a new state.

Common questions

What is the youngest age to drive in North Carolina?

Age 15, with a Level 1 limited learner permit and a supervising driver, after you finish approved driver education.

Do I still need a Driving Eligibility Certificate in NC?

No, not from October 1, 2026. The requirement was eliminated by Session Law 2026-46.

How long do I have to hold my Level 1 permit?

Nine months before you can move to Level 2, and you must be at least 16.

Can I drive alone at 16 in North Carolina?

Only once you hold a Level 2 limited provisional license, and only within its time and passenger limits.

Is driver’s ed free in North Carolina?

Not always. School districts may charge up to $65, and must offer a reduction or waiver for families facing economic hardship.

Do adults need driver’s ed in North Carolina?

No. The requirement applies only before 18.

Comparing states? See how to get a driver’s license in the US and GDL compared across states.

Sources

• North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, “19A NCAC 03B .0201 Driver’s License Examination and Online Renewal” (reports.oah.state.nc.us)
• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, “Driver Education” (dpi.nc.gov)
• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, “Driver and Traffic Safety Education Program Administrative Policies & Procedures Manual”, revised November 1, 2026 (linked from dpi.nc.gov)
• North Carolina Department of Administration, Division of Non-Public Education, “Teen Drivers” (doa.nc.gov)
• North State Journal, “Changes to DMV’s online services signed into law”, October 2025, on Senate Bill 245 (nsjonline.com)
• UNC School of Government, Legislative Reporting Service, “Bill Summary for H 1094 (2025-2026)”, enacted as S.L. 2026-46 (lrs.sog.unc.edu)

Photo: Federated Art, Pexels

North Carolina allows bioptic driving under G.S. 20-7(t). You need at least 20/200 vision in one or both eyes with a 70-degree horizontal field through your carrier lenses, and at least 20/70 through the bioptic telescope without field expanders. With vision in one eye only, the field must be at least 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees nasal. You also need an eye report on an NCDMV form, a behind-the-wheel training and assessment program, and a road test. Your Class C license is daylight only until you reach 20/40 through the telescope.

North Carolina bioptic requirements

Requirement	G.S. 20-7(t)
Carrier acuity	At least 20/200 in one or both eyes
Field of vision	70 degrees horizontal; one eye only: at least 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees nasal
Through the telescope	At least 20/70 in one or both eyes, without field expanders
Eye report	From an ophthalmologist or optometrist, on a form prescribed by the Division, so NCDMV can decide whether field requirements are met or more testing is needed
Training	A behind-the-wheel training and assessment program (waived if completed in another jurisdiction)
Road test	Required (waived for new residents with a license from a jurisdiction that required one)
License	Regular Class C
Hours	Half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset
Night driving	20/40 through the telescope, and an eye report that doesn’t recommend a daytime-only restriction

The training certificate (DL-77BT)

Your training is documented on the NCDMV Certificate of Behind the Wheel Bioptic Driver Training (DL-77BT). The form records your acuity through the carrier and the telescope and your field, and asks whether you have driven successfully at night with the telescope. The form states the field as a minimum radius of 30 degrees nasally and 40 degrees temporally without field expanders. Ask NCDMV or your trainer how many training hours you need.

Step by step

1. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist prescribes the bioptic and completes the NCDMV eye report form.
2. NCDMV reviews the report and decides whether you meet the field requirements or need more testing.
3. You complete the behind-the-wheel bioptic training and assessment, and the DL-77BT certificate is completed for you.
4. You take the road test wearing the bioptic.
5. You receive a Class C license restricted to daylight hours, unless you meet the night standard.

Teens also follow North Carolina’s graduated licensing steps: see learning to drive in North Carolina.

Common questions

Can I drive at night with a bioptic in North Carolina?

Yes, if you have 20/40 through the telescope and your eye report doesn’t recommend a daytime-only restriction. The training certificate asks whether you have driven at night with the telescope.

I trained in another state. Do I need to train again?

No: the statute waives the training program if you completed it in another jurisdiction. The road test is waived for new residents whose previous jurisdiction required one.

What is the normal North Carolina vision standard?

20/40 in at least one eye for no restriction. See the Southern vision rules.

Ask your eye doctor whether a bioptic suits your eyes. This guide covers licensing rules only.

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina’s 20/200 carrier, 20/70 telescope and 20/40 night thresholds match Virginia’s statute. See Virginia bioptic driving rules, Tennessee, and every state in bioptic driving laws by state.

All medical and disability topics: the US guide to driving with a medical condition or disability.

Want to practise the eyesight check? Our sister site Driving Eyesight Test has a free US letter chart on drivingeyesighttest.com. It is a practice screen, not an eye test.

Sources

• North Carolina General Assembly, “G.S. 20-7 Issuance and renewal of drivers licenses”, subsection (t) (ncleg.gov)
• North Carolina General Assembly, “Session Law 2013-231 (Senate Bill 568)” (ncleg.gov)
• NCDMV, “Certificate of Behind the Wheel Bioptic Driver Training (DL-77BT)” (ncdot.gov)

Photo: NCDOTcommunications, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

North Carolina does not have a hands-free law for adult drivers as of November 2026. What it does have is a texting ban for every driver and a complete phone ban for drivers under 18, which covers Level 1 permit holders and Level 2 and 3 provisional drivers. This guide explains both laws, the exceptions, the fines, and how a phone ticket can hold up your move to the next license level.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Under 18: no mobile phone use while driving, hand-held or hands-free. Exceptions are emergencies and calls with a parent, legal guardian or spouse.
• All drivers: no manually entering text or reading texts or email while driving (G.S. 20-137.4A).
• Fines: $25 for the under-18 offense; $100 plus court costs for texting.
• Neither offense carries driver license points or insurance points.
• A mobile phone conviction in the 6 months before you apply blocks your move from Level 1 to Level 2, or Level 2 to Level 3.

Does North Carolina have a hands-free law?

Not yet. Hands-free bills have been filed in the General Assembly, most recently the Hands Free NC Act (Senate Bill 797, filed in April 2026, which would apply from December 1, 2026 if passed), but none has become law. As of the latest legislative record found, SB 797 was still in the Senate rules committee. If you have seen posts saying a hands-free law took effect in North Carolina, check the bill’s status on the General Assembly’s site before you believe them. Until a new law passes:

• Adults 18 and over may talk on a phone, hand-held or hands-free, but may not text or read email.
• Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all.

Neighboring Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia all ban hand-held use, so the rule changes when you cross the state line. Compare states in hands-free and texting laws for US drivers.

The under-18 phone ban (G.S. 20-137.3)

If you are under 18, you may not use a mobile phone, or any technology connected to it, while driving. That includes Bluetooth calls and speakerphone. It covers you on a Level 1 limited learner permit, a Level 2 limited provisional license and a Level 3 full provisional license.

Exceptions

• A call to report an emergency, for example to 911, the police or the fire department.
• A call with your parent or legal guardian.
• A call with your spouse.

Penalty

NCDOT describes the penalty as a $25 fine, with no driver license points, no insurance surcharge and no court costs. That sounds minor, but the conviction counts against you for graduated licensing, below.

The texting ban for all drivers (G.S. 20-137.4A)

Question	Answer
What is banned?	Manually entering letters or text to send a message, and reading email or texts, while driving on a public street or public vehicular area
When does it not apply?	When the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped
Fine	$100 plus court costs
Points	No driver license points and no insurance points

“Stopped” means lawfully stopped, such as parked. Do not treat a red light as permission to text.

How a phone ticket delays your next license level

North Carolina’s graduated licensing rewards a clean record. To move up, you must have had no moving violation, seat belt or mobile phone conviction in the past 6 months.

1. Level 1 to Level 2: a phone conviction in the 6 months before you apply makes you ineligible until 6 clean months have passed.
2. Level 2 to Level 3: the same 6-month clean-record rule applies.

So a $25 ticket can mean months more of Level 1 supervision or Level 2 passenger and night limits. The levels are set out in North Carolina graduated license Levels 1, 2 and 3, with permit rules in the Level 1 limited learner permit guide.

Turning 18 on a provisional license

The under-18 ban ends on your 18th birthday. From then you follow the adult rules: talking is legal, texting and reading messages are not. The 6-month clean-record rule still matters if you are still moving up a level.

Common questions

Can a 16-year-old in NC use GPS on a phone?

The under-18 ban covers using a mobile phone and its connected technology while driving. Set the route before you leave and do not touch or talk to the phone while moving. If you need to change it, park.

Can I answer a call from my mom while driving in North Carolina?

Calls with a parent or legal guardian are an exception to the under-18 ban. It is still safer to let it ring and call back once parked.

Is holding a phone to talk legal for adults in NC?

Yes, as of November 2026, for drivers 18 and over. Texting and reading email are not. Check for any new law before relying on this.

Do phone tickets raise insurance in North Carolina?

The texting and under-18 offenses carry no insurance points under state law. Other violations do. See North Carolina license points and insurance points.

Can I use my phone during the NC road test?

Turn it off and put it away before the test. Under 18, using it would also break the phone ban.

Back to the complete North Carolina learner guide.

Sources

• North Carolina General Assembly, “G.S. 20-137.3, Unlawful use of mobile telephone by persons under 18 years of age” (ncleg.gov)
• North Carolina General Assembly, “G.S. 20-137.4A, Unlawful use of mobile telephone for text messaging or electronic mail” (ncleg.gov)
• North Carolina General Assembly, “Senate Bill 797 (2025 Session)” (ncleg.gov)
• NCDOT, “North Carolina Driving Laws” and “Avoiding Distracted Driving” (ncdot.gov)
• UNC School of Government, Legislative Reporting Service, “Bill Summary for S 797 (2025-2026), The Hands Free NC Act” (lrs.sog.unc.edu)

Photo: DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For a North Carolina learner permit you bring four kinds of proof to an NCDMV driver license office: identity and date of birth, your Social Security number, North Carolina residency and, for teens, a driver education certificate. If you want a REAL ID, you need a second proof of residency. This checklist sets out what North Carolina asks for in 2026, including what changed when the Driving Eligibility Certificate was scrapped.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• One document proving identity and date of birth.
• One document showing your Social Security number.
• One proof of North Carolina address, or two for a REAL ID.
• Teens 15 to 17: a driver education completion certificate.
• No Driving Eligibility Certificate since October 1, 2026.
• Originals only. NCDMV does not accept photocopies for REAL ID.

The North Carolina permit checklist

1. Identity and date of birth (one document)

• Certified birth certificate (issued by a government vital records office, not a hospital)
• Unexpired US passport
• Other documents on NCDMV’s identity list, such as US citizenship or naturalization documents

NCDMV’s current required documents form for minors is DL-231 (revision 9-2026). It says a minor needs two forms of identification, so bring a second item, such as a passport and a birth certificate, or check DL-231 for the full list before your visit.

2. Social Security number (one document)

• Social Security card
• Another document from NCDMV’s list that shows your full SSN (check the list before relying on a tax form or pay stub)

Non-citizens instead show a document issued by the US government that proves legal presence. Two are needed for a REAL ID. If you have no SSN, see a US license on a student visa.

3. North Carolina residency

• Standard permit: one document showing your physical North Carolina address.
• REAL ID: two documents with your current physical address.
• Use only documents on NCDMV’s accepted residency list, and make sure each shows your name and physical North Carolina address.

4. Teens only: driver education certificate

You must finish an approved North Carolina driver education course before you apply for a Level 1 limited learner permit. Bring the completion certificate from your school’s program or the commercial school. Course details: North Carolina driver education for teens.

5. Teens only: a parent or legal guardian

Take a parent or legal guardian with you. Check DL-231 for exactly what they must sign and which ID they must bring.

6. The fee

NCDMV’s 2024 fee schedule lists $25.50 for a learner permit. Fees: North Carolina license costs and test booking.

What you no longer need: the Driving Eligibility Certificate

Until September 30, 2026, teens also had to bring a Driving Eligibility Certificate from their school. S.L. 2026-46 eliminated it from October 1, 2026. Some school handouts and older state manuals still list it. Background: the Driving Eligibility Certificate explained.

Does liability insurance come into it?

DL-231 lists proof of vehicle liability insurance as needed in some cases. NCDMV also says a person without a registered vehicle can get a license that may be limited to fleet vehicles until they show proof of liability insurance. Ask at booking whether your situation needs it, especially at the license stage. Insurance basics: minimum car insurance by state.

Standard or REAL ID permit in North Carolina?

	Standard	NC REAL ID
Identity and date of birth	1 document	1 document
Social Security number	1 document	1 document
North Carolina address	1 document	2 documents
Can you use an affidavit for missing items?	Possible in some cases	No. NCDMV says you cannot complete an affidavit for REAL ID.

More on REAL ID: REAL ID and your first license.

Day-of checklist

• Appointment confirmation (book online or call 919-715-7000)
• Identity and date of birth document(s), originals
• Social Security document
• Proof of address (two if REAL ID)
• Driver education certificate (under 18)
• Parent or legal guardian (under 18)
• Glasses or contacts for the vision test
• Payment for the fee

At the office you take the vision, sign and knowledge tests. You leave with a 20-day temporary certificate, and the permit is mailed from a central location in a plain envelope. Test prep: North Carolina permit practice test.

Common questions

Do I need a Driving Eligibility Certificate for my permit in 2026?

No, not since October 1, 2026.

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. Bring the original certified copy. NCDMV does not accept photocopies for REAL ID documents.

My bills are in my parent’s name. How do I prove my address?

Check DL-231 and the NCDMV residency list for the options open to minors, and bring a parent or guardian with their own ID and address proof.

Do adults need a driver ed certificate for a North Carolina permit?

No. Driver education is required only before 18. See getting a North Carolina license at 18 or over.

When will my permit arrive?

Permits are mailed centrally. You drive on the 20-day temporary certificate until it arrives.

I moved from another state. What else do I need?

The same identity, SSN and address documents. Teens should also bring proof of any out-of-state driver education. See moving to North Carolina.

Main guide: learning to drive in North Carolina. Permit rules: the Level 1 limited learner permit. Other states: first permit documents by state.

Sources

• NC Department of Public Instruction, “Driver Education Administrative Policies & Procedures Manual” (revised November 1, 2026) (dpi.nc.gov)
• NC Department of Administration, Division of Non-Public Education, “Teen Drivers” (doa.nc.gov)
• NC Office of Administrative Hearings, 19A NCAC 03B .0201 (reports.oah.state.nc.us)
• NCDMV, “N.C. REAL ID Requirements” (ncdot.gov), search-result extract only
• NCDMV, “Proving Age & Identity” (ncdot.gov), search-result extract only
• NCDMV, “DL-231 Required Documents” (rev. 9-2026) (ncdot.gov), search-result extract only
• NCDMV, “State IDs” (ncdot.gov), search-result extract only

Photo: DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

North Carolina charges a flat fee for a learner permit and a per-year fee for the driver license itself. Tests are taken at an NCDMV driver license office, where an appointment is strongly advised. Since 2026, many road tests can also be taken at a certified driver education school. Here is what each step costs in North Carolina, how to book, and what changed in 2026.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Learner permit: $25.50 in NCDMV’s 2024 fee schedule (confirm the Level 1 figure when you book).
• Class C driver license: $6.50 for each year the license is valid.
• Book an NCDMV office visit online or by phone at 919-715-7000. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times are unknown.
• Road tests at certified driver education schools: open to teens, and to adults since March 16, 2026. Each school sets its own price.
• The Driving Eligibility Certificate was scrapped from October 1, 2026, so it is no longer something to pay for or collect.

How much does a North Carolina permit and license cost?

Item	Fee	Notes
Learner permit	$25.50	Figure in NCDMV’s 2024 fee notice. The DPI driver education manual still quotes $21.50 for a teen’s permit, so confirm which applies to a Level 1 limited learner permit.
Class C driver license	$6.50 per year of validity	Raised from $5.50 per year in 2024
Driver education (public school program)	Up to $65	Districts may charge up to this cap and must offer a hardship reduction or waiver
Road test at a certified driver education school	Set by the school	Prices on the NCDMV school list vary widely
Road test at NCDMV	No separate fee found	Check when you book

Fees change. North Carolina adjusts DMV fees periodically for inflation, so check the current figure on NCDMV’s “Licenses & Fees” page before you go. Other states compared: US license costs by state.

Working out the license cost

Because the license fee is charged per year, the total depends on how long your license lasts. Multiply $6.50 by the number of years printed on the license term the examiner gives you. A Level 2 or Level 3 provisional license follows its own rules for length, so ask at the counter.

Booking the permit visit (knowledge, signs and vision tests)

1. Teens: finish the approved driver education course first. Adults 18 and older don’t need it.
2. Book a driver license office appointment online through NCDMV, or call 919-715-7000. NCDMV also takes walk-ins, but it warns that wait times are unknown.
3. Bring your documents and the fee. See the North Carolina permit documents checklist.
4. Take the vision, traffic sign and knowledge tests. The pass mark is 80%, with an audio option. On signs, you must identify 9 of 12.
5. You get a 20-day temporary paper certificate. The permit itself is mailed from a central location in a plain envelope.

Prepare with the North Carolina permit practice test.

How to book the North Carolina road test

Option A: at an NCDMV driver license office

• Book through the NCDMV appointment system or by phone, as above.
• Teens: you must be at least 16, have held your Level 1 permit for 9 months, and meet the record and log rules. See North Carolina graduated license levels.

Option B: at a certified driver education school

• Teens could already take the Level 2 road test at a certified school.
• From March 16, 2026, NCDMV extended this to adults seeking a first Class C license.
• You book directly with the school, which sets its own price.
• You can still choose to test at an NCDMV office instead.

What the examiner checks: North Carolina road test.

Changing or canceling an NCDMV appointment

Use the same NCDMV appointment system to change or cancel, or call 919-715-7000. Ask NCDMV about any late-cancellation penalty. For a school road test, the school’s own cancellation terms apply, so ask before you pay.

If you fail a North Carolina test

Ask NCDMV about any retest wait or retest fee for the knowledge, sign or road tests. Ask the examiner before you leave when you can retest, and whether the attempt can be at a school. Rules elsewhere: retake waiting periods by state.

Common questions

How much is a learner’s permit in North Carolina?

NCDMV’s 2024 fee schedule lists $25.50 for a learner permit. The state’s driver education manual still tells teens to bring $21.50, so check the current Level 1 figure with NCDMV before your visit.

Do I still need a Driving Eligibility Certificate?

No. It was eliminated from October 1, 2026 under S.L. 2026-46. See what changed.

Can I walk in to an NCDMV office?

Yes, walk-ins are accepted, but NCDMV advises booking because wait times for walk-ins are unknown.

Is a road test at a driving school cheaper or faster?

It can be faster to book, but schools set their own prices, and some charge much more than others. Compare a few schools on the NCDMV list before booking.

Why is the driver ed course so cheap in North Carolina?

Public school units run it with state funding, and state law caps what they can charge students at $65, with a hardship waiver.

Do adults need driver ed before the road test?

No. Driver education is required only before 18. See getting a North Carolina license at 18 or over.

Main guide: learning to drive in North Carolina. Booking tips for any state: how to book a DMV test appointment.

Sources

• NC Department of Public Instruction, “Driver Education Administrative Policies & Procedures Manual” (revised November 1, 2026) (dpi.nc.gov)
• NC Office of Administrative Hearings, 19A NCAC 03B .0201 (reports.oah.state.nc.us)
• NC Department of Administration, Division of Non-Public Education, “Teen Drivers” (doa.nc.gov)
• NCDMV, “Licenses & Fees” (ncdot.gov), search-result extract only
• NCDOT, 2024 DMV fee adjustment notice (ncdot.gov), search-result extract only
• NCDOT, “NCDMV Expands Private Road Testing to Adult Drivers Beginning March 16” (ncdot.gov), search-result extract only
• NCDMV, “Get a Level 1 Limited Learner Permit” (ncdot.gov), search-result extract only

Photo: Beth Fitzpatrick, Pexels

To get a North Carolina learner permit you pass a vision test, a road sign test and a computer knowledge test at NCDMV. On the sign test you must identify 9 of 12 signs; on the knowledge test you need 80%. This free practice test has both: 12 sign questions and 30 knowledge questions. They are original and unofficial, written from the North Carolina Driver Handbook topics and state rules; they are not NCDMV’s questions.

The NCDMV permit tests at a glance

Test	What it checks	Pass standard
Vision	Eyesight	20/40 or better in at least one eye for no restriction
Road signs	Signs and their meanings	9 of 12 correct (Class C)
Knowledge	Traffic laws and safe driving	80% correct (ask NCDMV for the question count)

An audio option lets you listen to knowledge questions through earphones. What to bring and the rest of the process: the NC DMV permit test guide.

Part 1: Road sign test (questions 1 to 12)

NCDMV shows you signs to identify. Here, each question describes a sign by its shape, color and message. Score 9 or more to pass this part.

1. A red, eight-sided sign means:

• A. Wrong way
• B. Stop
• C. Yield
• D. Do not enter

Answer: B. The octagon is reserved for STOP signs. Handbook: Chapter 5, signs.

2. A triangle pointing down, red and white, means:

• A. Stop
• B. Lane ends
• C. Yield
• D. Merge

Answer: C. Slow down and give the right of way; stop if needed. Handbook: Chapter 5, signs.

3. A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a:

• A. Warning sign for a hazard ahead
• B. Regulatory sign
• C. Recreation sign
• D. Guide sign

Answer: A. Diamonds, usually yellow, warn of hazards or changes ahead. Handbook: Chapter 5, warning signs.

4. A pentagon-shaped sign means:

• A. No passing
• B. School zone or school crossing
• C. Rest area
• D. Hospital

Answer: B. The five-sided shape is used only for school signs. Handbook: Chapter 5, signs.

5. A round, yellow sign means:

• A. Rest stop
• B. Road closed
• C. Railroad crossing ahead
• D. Roundabout

Answer: C. The round yellow sign is the advance warning for a railroad crossing. Handbook: Chapter 5, signs.

6. A white rectangular sign reading SPEED LIMIT 35 is a:

• A. Warning sign
• B. Guide sign
• C. Suggested speed
• D. Regulatory sign

Answer: D. White rectangles are regulatory: speed limits, lane use and similar rules. Handbook: Chapter 5, signs.

7. A green rectangular sign shows:

• A. School zones
• B. Work zones
• C. Warnings
• D. Directions and distances

Answer: D. Green signs are guide signs. Handbook: Chapter 5, guide signs.

8. An orange diamond sign reading ROAD WORK AHEAD means:

• A. Speed up to pass the zone
• B. A work zone is ahead; slow down and watch for workers
• C. Detour for trucks only
• D. The road is closed

Answer: B. Orange signs mark work zones. Handbook: Chapter 5, signs.

9. A yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road means:

• A. No passing zone
• B. Hill ahead
• C. Narrow road
• D. Lane ends

Answer: A. The pennant marks where a no passing zone begins. Handbook: Chapter 5, signs.

10. A blue sign beside the interstate points to:

• A. A school
• B. Motorist services
• C. A work zone
• D. A police station only

Answer: B. Blue signs show services such as gas, food and lodging. Handbook: Chapter 5, guide signs.

11. A white X-shaped crossbuck sign marks:

• A. An intersection with a stop sign
• B. A railroad crossing
• C. A closed road
• D. A pedestrian crossing

Answer: B. The crossbuck stands at the crossing; yield to any train. Handbook: Chapter 5, signs.

12. A sign with a red circle and slash over a right arrow means:

• A. Keep right
• B. No right turn
• C. Right turn only
• D. Right lane ends

Answer: B. A red slashed circle prohibits the action shown. Handbook: Chapter 5, signs.

Part 2: Knowledge test (questions 13 to 42)

Score this part out of 30. 24 or more correct is 80%, the NCDMV pass standard.

School buses: the North Carolina favorite

13. On a two-lane road, a school bus coming toward you stops to load children. In North Carolina you must:

• A. Keep going, because you are on the other side
• B. Stop
• C. Slow to 15 mph
• D. Stop only if children are on your side

Answer: B. On a two-lane road, all traffic in both directions stops. See the North Carolina school bus stopping law. Handbook: Chapter 4, school buses.

14. The road has two lanes plus a center turning lane. A school bus going the other way stops. You must:

• A. Stop
• B. Honk and continue
• C. Use the center lane to pass
• D. Continue, because the turn lane divides the road

Answer: A. A center turning lane on a two-lane road does not count as a divider. Oncoming traffic still stops. Handbook: Chapter 4, school buses.

15. On a four-lane road with no median, a school bus stops on the other side. You must:

• A. Stop
• B. Change lanes and continue
• C. Continue slowly
• D. Stop only if you are in the left lane

Answer: A. On a four-lane road without a median, traffic in both directions stops. Handbook: Chapter 4, school buses.

16. On a four-lane road divided by a median, a school bus stops on the opposite side. You:

• A. May continue with caution
• B. Must stop and wait for the driver’s signal
• C. Must stop
• D. Must turn around

Answer: A. Oncoming traffic may continue only on a four-lane road with a median, or a road of four or more lanes with a center turning lane. Traffic following the bus always stops. Handbook: Chapter 4, school buses.

17. On a five-lane road (four travel lanes plus a center turning lane), a school bus going the other way stops. You:

• A. Must use the turn lane to go around
• B. Must stop and turn off your engine
• C. Must stop
• D. May continue with caution

Answer: D. Four or more lanes with a center turning lane is one of the two layouts where oncoming traffic does not stop. Handbook: Chapter 4, school buses.

Right of way and driving rules

18. Two cars reach a four-way stop at the same time. Who goes first?

• A. The bigger car
• B. The car on the right
• C. The car on the left
• D. The car that honks

Answer: B. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Handbook: Chapter 4, right of way.

19. You are turning left at a green light with no arrow. You must yield to:

• A. Vehicles behind you
• B. Parked cars
• C. No one
• D. Oncoming vehicles and pedestrians

Answer: D. Plain green allows the turn but does not protect it. Handbook: Chapter 4, turns.

20. An emergency vehicle with siren and lights approaches. You should:

• A. Ignore it if it is behind you
• B. Speed up
• C. Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes
• D. Stop in the intersection

Answer: C. Yield by pulling over to the right and stopping, clear of intersections. Handbook: Chapter 4, emergency vehicles.

21. A patrol car is stopped on the shoulder with lights flashing. You should:

• A. Keep your speed and lane
• B. Flash your lights
• C. Stop next to it
• D. Move over a lane if safe, or slow down

Answer: D. Move over laws protect responders at the roadside. Handbook: Chapter 4, emergency vehicles.

22. Unless a sign prohibits it, you may turn right on red after:

• A. Slowing down
• B. Waiting one minute
• C. Flashing your headlights
• D. A complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic

Answer: D. Stop fully, then yield. Handbook: Chapter 4, turns.

23. A flashing red light means:

• A. Stop, then go when it is safe
• B. Slow down
• C. The signal is broken; ignore it
• D. Wait for green

Answer: A. A flashing red light works like a STOP sign. Handbook: Chapter 5, signals.

24. A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means:

• A. Bike lane
• B. You may pass when clear
• C. Do not pass
• D. Bus lane

Answer: C. Passing is not allowed from the side with the solid line. Handbook: Chapter 5, pavement markings.

25. The posted limit is 55 mph, but fog is heavy. You should:

• A. Drive 55 mph
• B. Follow the car ahead closely
• C. Use high beams to see better
• D. Slow down to a speed that is safe for the conditions

Answer: D. Drive at a speed safe for conditions, and use low beams in fog. Handbook: Chapter 4, speed and weather.

26. When another vehicle is passing you, you should:

• A. Brake hard
• B. Move toward the center
• C. Speed up
• D. Keep right and do not speed up

Answer: D. Help the passing driver complete the pass safely. Handbook: Chapter 4, passing.

27. Before changing lanes on an interstate, you should:

• A. Slow down first
• B. Signal, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder
• C. Check only your mirrors
• D. Signal and change immediately

Answer: B. A head check covers the blind spots your mirrors miss. Handbook: Chapter 4, interstate driving.

28. A pedestrian is crossing at a crosswalk as your light turns green. You should:

• A. Let the pedestrian finish crossing
• B. Honk
• C. Drive around them
• D. Go, since you have the green light

Answer: A. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Handbook: Chapter 6, pedestrians.

29. You are driving next to a large truck and cannot see its mirrors. You should:

• A. Stay there; the driver knows you are there
• B. Move ahead or drop back out of its blind spot
• C. Honk continuously
• D. Brake suddenly

Answer: B. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Handbook: Chapter 6, trucks.

Alcohol and the law

30. For a North Carolina driver under 21, driving after drinking any alcohol is:

• A. Legal below 0.08
• B. Legal if no crash happens
• C. Only a warning
• D. An offense in its own right, separate from DWI

Answer: D. The under-21 offense does not require impairment or a 0.08 reading. A single drink can be enough to be charged. See NC provisional licensee alcohol and DWI rules. Handbook: Chapter 2, alcohol and the law.

31. What blood alcohol level is the adult line for DWI in North Carolina?

• A. 0.02
• B. 0.05
• C. 0.08
• D. 0.10

Answer: C. 0.08 is the adult line. Commercial drivers have a 0.04 limit. Handbook: Chapter 2.

32. Under North Carolina’s insurance points system, a conviction for driving after drinking while under 21 adds how many insurance points?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 12

Answer: C. It carries 4 Safe Driver Incentive Plan points and a 90% rate increase. DWI carries 12 points and a 340% increase. Handbook: Chapter 3.

33. When you drive in North Carolina you have agreed, if charged with an implied-consent offense, to:

• A. Pay a fine in cash
• B. Take a chemical test of your breath or blood
• C. Let police drive your car
• D. Surrender your phone

Answer: B. This is implied consent. Refusal has its own license penalties. Handbook: Chapter 2.

34. What is the only thing that lowers blood alcohol?

• A. Food
• B. Exercise
• C. Coffee
• D. Time

Answer: D. Alcohol leaves the body at a steady rate. Handbook: Chapter 2.

Your permit and the GDL levels

35. What is the minimum age for a North Carolina Level 1 limited learner permit?

• A. 14 and a half
• B. 15
• C. 15 and a half
• D. 16

Answer: B. The permit is from 15, after an approved driver education course. You can start driver ed at 14 and a half. Handbook: Chapter 1.

36. For the first 6 months on a Level 1 permit, you may drive only between:

• A. 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• B. 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• C. 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• D. 6 a.m. and midnight

Answer: B. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the first 6 months, always with a supervisor. After that, any time with a supervisor. Handbook: Chapter 1, graduated licensing.

37. A Level 1 supervising driver must have been licensed for at least:

• A. 1 year
• B. 2 years
• C. 5 years
• D. 10 years

Answer: C. The supervisor is a parent, grandparent, guardian or approved responsible person, licensed at least 5 years, in the front passenger seat. Handbook: Chapter 1.

38. How long must you hold a Level 1 permit before Level 2?

• A. 6 months
• B. 9 months
• C. 12 months
• D. 18 months

Answer: B. 9 months, cut from 12 in 2021. You must also be 16 with no moving, seat belt or phone convictions in the past 6 months. See NC graduated license Levels 1, 2 and 3. Handbook: Chapter 1.

39. A Level 2 driver driving without a supervisor may carry how many passengers under 21 who are not household members?

• A. One
• B. Three
• C. Two
• D. None

Answer: A. One passenger under 21 who is not a member of your household, when no supervisor is in the car. Check the current DL-214 handout for exceptions. Handbook: Chapter 1.

40. May a North Carolina Level 1 permit holder use a mobile phone while driving?

• A. No, mobile device use is prohibited while driving
• B. Yes, at red lights
• C. Yes, hands-free only
• D. Yes, for texting only

Answer: A. Mobile device use is prohibited on a Level 1 permit, and Level 2 drivers may not use a mobile phone while driving either. Handbook: Chapter 1.

41. What is the vision standard for an unrestricted North Carolina license?

• A. 20/20 in both eyes
• B. 20/40 or better in at least one eye
• C. 20/70 in one eye
• D. 20/100 with glasses

Answer: B. Below 20/40 means a corrective lens restriction. Wear your glasses or contacts to the test if you use them. Handbook: Chapter 1, tests.

42. Since October 1, 2026, teens applying for a North Carolina permit no longer need:

• A. A driver education certificate
• B. A Driving Eligibility Certificate from their school
• C. A vision test
• D. Proof of identity

Answer: B. Session Law 2026-46 ended the DEC requirement. Driver education and the NCDMV tests are still required. Handbook: Chapter 1 (check the current edition).

Scoring both parts

Part	Questions	Pass on the NCDMV standard
Road signs	1 to 12	9 or more correct
Knowledge	13 to 42	24 or more correct (80%)

The school bus questions trip up more people than any other topic. If you missed any of 13 to 17, reread the table in the school bus law guide until you can say from memory which two road layouts let oncoming traffic continue.

Common questions

Are these the real NCDMV questions?

No. They are original, unofficial practice questions written from North Carolina Driver Handbook topics and North Carolina rules.

How many questions are on the NC knowledge test?

The state rule sets the pass mark at 80%. Ask NCDMV for the number of questions.

How many signs do I need to get right?

9 of 12 for a Class C (regular car) license.

Can I take the NC permit test online?

Plan to test at an NCDMV office, and book an appointment if you can.

Do adults take the same tests?

Yes. Adults 18 and over take the knowledge, sign, vision and road tests.

Where next?

See learning to drive in North Carolina or practice tests for other states.

Sources

• North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, “North Carolina Driver Handbook” (ncdot.gov)
• North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings, “19A NCAC 03B .0201 Driver’s License Examination and Online Renewal” (reports.oah.state.nc.us)
• North Carolina Department of Public Safety, “School Bus Safety” (ncdps.gov)
• North Carolina Department of Administration, Division of Non-Public Education, “Teen Drivers” (doa.nc.gov)
• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, “Driver and Traffic Safety Education Program Administrative Policies & Procedures Manual” (dpi.nc.gov)
• North Carolina Department of Insurance, “Safe Driver Incentive Plan (Insurance Points)” (ncdoi.gov)