DMV NC Drivers Manual
Applicants under 18
Signal - Signs and Pavement Markings

Graduated Licensing
Licensing for Drivers 15–18 Limited Learner Permit
 
If you are at least 15 years of age and have completed an approved driver education course that meets North Carolina requirements and can present a Driving Eligibility Certificate (issued by the public school system), or a high school diploma or its equivalent, 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 North Carolina.
 
• You must present a certificate showing you have passed an approved driver education course consisting of at least 30 hours classroom instruction and 6 hours behind-the wheel instruction that meets North Carolina requirements before you can take the test for a learners permit.
 
• You must pass written, sign and vision tests.
 
• 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 a supervising driver.
 
• You must hold this permit for 9 months prior to applying for a Limited 2 Provisional License.  Then you may sign-up with iDrive HH to do your Road Test at a discounted price.
 
• You will be given a Driving Log to be completed detailing a minimum of 60 hours of operation. Daytime or daylight driving can be performed from sunrise to sunset and as long as daylight exists. Nighttime or night driving can be performed after sunset and within the hours that sunlight or daylight does not exist.