Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in North Carolina. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of North Carolina who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

You can also apply for a Learner permit (valid for 18 months) if you are a new driver and are over 18 years of age.

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEVEL ONE LIMITED LEARNER'S PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the North Carolina Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must accompany you to the driver license office and sign the application.
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of identity and birth date and North Carolina residency, as specified by the Department of Transportation. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Driver education completion certificate and proof of high-school diploma or equivalent degree.
6. Your Social Security card.
7. The learner's permit fee of $15.
8. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a Level One Limited Learner's Permit, which is valid for one year.

When driving with a Level One Learner's Permit you must be accompanied by a supervising driver who is either your parent or a guardian appointed by parents with a valid license held for more than 5 years. The Level One Learner's Permit in North Carolina includes the following restrictions:

1. Level One Permit drivers are permitted to drive between 5 am and 9 pm with their supervising driver in the first 6 months.
2. After six months, Level One Permit drivers are permitted to drive anytime with their supervising driver.
3. Use of cell phone while driving is prohibited.
4. All drivers, including Level One Permit drivers, must ensure that the vehicle has adequate seat belts to accommodate all passengers in the vehicle.

THE LEVEL TWO LIMITED LEARNER'S PERMIT

If you are at least 16 years old but under 18, you must wait at least twelve months after being issued your level one limited learner's permit, and maintain a clean driving record for the previous six months before taking the driver's license road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a Level Two Limited Learner's Permit. The Level Two Limited Learner's Permit in North Carolina includes the following restrictions:

1. Level Two Permit drivers are not permitted to drive between 9 pm and 5 am, unless accompanied by a supervising driver.
2. You are not permitted to carry more than one unrelated passenger under the age of 21.
3. Use of cell phone while driving is prohibited.
4. All drivers, including Level Two Permit drivers, must ensure that the vehicle has adequate seat belts to accommodate all passengers in the vehicle.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

Once you have held the Level Two Limited Learner's Permit for six months there are no driving restrictions and it is as good as a full license, provided you have not been convicted of any violation of the Vehicle Code.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of North Carolina, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.