North Carolina Permit Requirements at a Glance
15
Permit Age
60
Practice Hours
6
Months to Hold
25
Test Questions
North Carolina Graduated Driver License (GDL) Stages
1
Learner's Permit (Age 15 years old)
- • Must pass written knowledge test
- • Must have parent/guardian consent
- • Can only drive with licensed adult (21+) in car
- • Must log 60 hours of practice driving
- • Hold permit for 6 months minimum
2
Provisional License (Age 16 years old)
- • Must pass road/driving test
- • Nighttime restriction: 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM
- • No more than 1 passenger under 21 for first 6 months
- • No cell phone use while driving
3
Full License (Age 18 years old)
- • All restrictions lifted
- • Must have maintained clean driving record
- • Full driving privileges
What You Need for Your North Carolina Permit
Documents Needed
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- Proof of residency (2 documents)
- Parent/guardian consent form
Test Requirements
- Pass vision test
- Pass written test (25 questions)
- Score at least 80% to pass
- Complete driver's education course
North Carolina Teen Driver Restrictions
Nighttime Driving
Cannot drive between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM without a licensed adult
Passenger Limits
No more than 1 passenger under 21 for first 6 months
Cell Phone
No cell phone use while driving (hands-free included)