North Carolina Online Driver Education and North Carolina Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your North Carolina Learner’s Permit or first North Carolina driver’s license. North Carolina has a Graduated Driver License Program for North Carolina teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first North Carolina driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The North Carolina Instructional Permit or North Carolina Learner’s Permit
When you turn 14 and a half, you can enroll in a North Carolina driver education course, which will give you a head start on the licensing process.
When you turn 15, you can apply for a North Carolina Learner’s Permit. You’ll need the following:
- Proof of residency
- Driving eligibility certificate (which you receive after you have completed a North Carolina approved driver education course)
- Social Security Card
If you’ve got all of the necessary materials, head on down to your local North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to pass a vision test, as well as a written signs test. If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your North Carolina Learner’s Permit!
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who has had his/her license for at least 5 years. All passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your North Carolina Learner’s Permit with you at all times. During the first 6 months, you can only drive (with a supervising driver) between the hours of 5AM and 9PM. Also, you are prohibited from using a cell phone or electronic device while driving. After 6 months have passed, you can practice at any time with your supervising driver.
Once you’ve held your North Carolina Learner’s Permit for 1 year and have met a few requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the North Carolina Graduated License Program.
The North Carolina Provisional Driver License or North Carolina Full License
You can apply for your North Carolina Limited Provisional license once you’ve held your North Carolina Learner’s Permit for 1 year and have met the following requirements:
- Hold the North Carolina Learner’s Permit for 1 year (you must be at least 16)
- No traffic convictions, seat belt infractions, or cell phone violations for 6 months before application
If you’ve completed these requirements, then head on down to your local North Carolina DMV. Pay the license fee, and then you’ll have to take the dreaded road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your North Carolina Limited Provisional License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions until you’ve held your new license for at least 6 months without incident.
North Carolina Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are several restrictions you need to be aware of regarding your North Carolina Learner’s Permit:
- All passengers must wear seatbelts
- During the first 6 months, you can only drive (with a supervising driver) between the hours of 5AM and 9PM
- You are prohibited from using a cell phone or electronic device while driving
- After 6 months have passed, you can practice at any time with your supervising driver.
Also, keep in mind the restrictions on your North Carolina Limited Provisional License:
- You may only drive unsupervised from 5AM to 9PM
- The exception is if you are driving to/from your job, volunteer fire/rescue or EMS service
- Only 1 passenger under 21 (that is not an immediate family member)
- No other passengers under 21 if you are carrying family members under 21
- No cell phones while driving unless for emergency purposes
However, once you’ve had your North Carolina Provisional license for 6 months you can apply for your North Carolina Full Provisional driver’s license, these restrictions are removed. Freedom!
North Carolina Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your North Carolina Learner’s Permit or North Carolina Provisional driver’s license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because North Carolina drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $30,000 bodily injury for one person
- $60,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without North Carolina mandatory liability insurance, your North Carolina license could be suspended.
North Carolina Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a North Carolina teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the North Carolina drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, North Carolina has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a North Carolina DUI or North Carolina DWI, you face addition penalties to those listed below.
Upon your first conviction of a North Carolina DWI, you’ll face the following penalties:
- License suspension 1 year mandatory
- Substance Abuse Assessment/Treatment
And of course, further North Carolina DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and North Carolina license suspension or even North Carolina license revocation.
Currently, North Carolina teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. The fine is $25-$100 in addition to court costs.
North Carolina Online Driver Education
North Carolina teen drivers can find more information on approved North Carolina online driver education courses on the North Carolina DMV website .
