When applying for a North Carolina driver permit with the Division of Motor Vehicles, it is helpful to know the permit requirements. Make sure you have the met the DMV requirements and that you have the required documents ready.
Getting your license is a big deal, and it's also a big responsibility. All states have their own requirements to obtain a driver's license, so you will need to identify the ins-and-outs of the process. For those of you living in North Carolina, there are several steps you will need to follow.
Upon turning 15, you can apply for a limited learner permit before you can begin driving. To do this, you will need to bring the following documents to your local DMV office:
- Valid ID: You will need at least two documents in the form of an original birth certificate, official school transcript signed by a school administrator, valid unexpired passport, or original social security card.
- Proof of Social Security: This can be your original social security card, W-2 form, 1099 form or property tax record.
- Additional Documents: A driving eligibility certificate which proves that you are enrolled in high school or working toward a diploma, and a driver education certificate stating that you have completed a drivers ed class.
The fee for Limited Learner Permit is $15
You will also need to pass a written, road sign and vision test.
Your Limited Learner Permit will only enable you to drive when supervised by a parent, grandparent or someone approved by your parent/guardian; this person must be fully licensed for at least five years, and he or she is required to sit in the passenger seat next to you when you are driving.
With your Limited Learner Permit, you can only drive between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. You will keep this permit for a total of 12 months. You must be supervised at all times while driving. You cannot use a cellphone or any type of mobile technology while behind the wheel. During this phase of earning your driver's license, you will be required to complete a driver log showing that you have practiced for at least 6 weeks, 60 hours, with at least 10 hours of night driving.
With the Limited Provisional License, you may drive unsupervised from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. You may also drive unsupervised during any part of the day or night when going to and from work, or to and from any volunteer activities. You must be at least 16 years of age to obtain this license, and you must pass a road test. If you have had any prior moving violations within the past six months, you will not be eligible to get your limited provisional license. In addition, you must show proof of liability insurance coverage to the DMV.
When you drive unsupervised with your limited provisional license, you can have only one person in the vehicle with you that is under the age of 21. At no time are you allowed to use mobile devices when driving. During this phase, you will be required to keep another driving log showing that you have driven for 12 hours, with at least 6 hours at night http://www.ncdot.gov/download/dmv/DL_DrivingLog_Level3.pdf before being able to acquire your provisional license.
To get the Provisional License, you will need to have kept your limited provisional license for at least six months as well as have had no prior moving violations within the past six months. With this license, you can drive at any time of day or night without being supervised; however, keep in mind that if you are under the age of 18, there may be local curfews that you have to abide by.
