Winston-Salem North Carolina Online Driver Education and Winston-Salem North Carolina Licensing Procedures
So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Winston-Salem North Carolina? Congratulations!
As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Winston-Salem North Carolina has implemented a graduated driver license program for Winston-Salem North Carolina drivers who are under the age of 18.
We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Winston-Salem North Carolina.
Winston-Salem North Carolina Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)
You need to be 15 years old to be eligible to get an instruction permit in Winston-Salem North Carolina. However, you may enroll in a state-approved drivers education course when you are 14 years, 6 months old to get a jump on the licensing process.
When you're ready to get your instruction permit, head down to the local driver's license office with the following items:
- Proof of residency
- Completion certificate of your state-approved drivers education course
- Social Security card
At the driver's license office, you will first be given a vision screening exam and then a written (knowledge) test. If you pass, then you will be issued an instruction permit.
Once you have your instruction permit, you may begin driving under the following restrictions:
- You must have a licensed driver (parent/guardian, certified driving instructor, or a licensed adult driver who's been licensed for at least 5 years) sitting next to you in the front passenger seat whenever you drive, actively supervising your driving.
- During the first 6 months, you may not drive at all between the hours of 9pm and 5am.
- You are not permitted to use a cell phone or any other electronic device while you are driving
- After the first 6 months have passed, you may practice any time with a supervising driver.
Winston-Salem North Carolina Provisional License
To be eligible to move up to a provisional license, you must have had your 16th birthday, have held your instruction permit for 1 year and have had no traffic violations during the previous 6 months (this includes seat belt violations & cell phone violations).
When you're ready to upgrade to a provisional license, head down to the local driver's license office again, pay the license fee, and take the road test. If you pass it, you will be issued a Winston-Salem North Carolina Provisional License.
With a provisional license, some restrictions still apply:
- All passengers must wear seat belts
- You may not use a cell phone or any electronic device while driving
- You may only drive unsupervised between the hours of 5am and 9pm (unless commuting to or from your job, volunteer fire/rescue, or EMS service)
After you've had your provisional license for 6 months, you may apply for a full, unrestricted Winston-Salem North Carolina driver's license.
Winston-Salem North Carolina Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws
State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Winston-Salem North Carolina is as follows:
- $30,000--personal injury (1 person)
- $60,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
- $25,000--property damage per accident
Driving without the required insurance liability coverage is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.
Winston-Salem North Carolina Drunk Driving Laws
Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Winston-Salem North Carolina, and the law is strictly enforced.
Upon your FIRST Winston-Salem North Carolina DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:
- Mandatory 1-year license suspension
- Substance Abuse Assessment & Treatment
Further DUI violations will result in more severe penalties, including jail time and the revocation of your driver's license.
Winston-Salem North Carolina Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws
Winston-Salem North Carolina law currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones or text-messaging devices (this includes reading, composing, & sending text messages) while they are driving.
Winston-Salem North Carolina Drivers Education
You can learn more about state-approved drivers education courses available in Winston-Salem North Carolina by visiting the N.C. DMV website.