North Carolina Online Driver Education and North Carolina Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in 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 North Carolina has implemented a graduated driver license program for Iowa 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 North Carolina.

North Carolina Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You need to be 15 years old to be eligible to get an instruction permit in 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.

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 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 North Carolina driver's license.

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 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.

North Carolina Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in North Carolina, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST 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.

North Carolina Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws

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.

North Carolina Drivers Education

You can learn more about state-approved drivers education courses available in North Carolina by visiting the N.C. DMV website.