North Carolina's Graduated Driver Licensing System

updated 07-18-06  printable pdf

A graduated driver licensing system slowly introduces novice drivers to the driving task, first allowing them to drive only under supervision and in the safest conditions. Having obtained this experience, drivers are then allowed to drive unsupervised but with some restrictions. After a period during which new drivers prove themselves to be safe drivers, an unrestricted license is issued.

Level One Limited Learner Permit
In order to be issued a Level One Limited Learner Permit, a person:
• Must be at least 15 years old but less than 18 years old and reside in North Carolina,
• Must have completed an approved driver education course that meets North Carolina requirements,
• Must present a Driving Eligibility Certificate (issued by the public school system), a high school diploma or its equivalent, and
• Must pass written, signs and vision tests.

Provisions/Restrictions:
• All passengers must be restrained by seatbelt or child safety seat.
• No one except the driver and the supervising driver are allowed in the front seat.
• A supervising driver shall be a parent, grandparent, or guardian of the permit holder or a responsible person approved by the parent or guardian or the Division. A supervising driver shall be a licensed driver who has been licensed for at least five years.
• During the first six months, a Level One permit authorizes driving between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. while accompanied by a supervising driver.
• Six months from Level One issuance, driving anytime with a supervising driver is allowed

Level Two Limited Provisional License
In order to be issued a Level Two Limited Provisional License, a person:
• Must be at least 16 years old, but less than 18,
• Must pass a road test administered by the Division,
• Must present a Driving Eligibility Certificate (issued by the public school system), a high school diploma or its equivalent,
• Must have held the Level One Limited Learner Permit for at least 12 months, and
• Have no convictions

Provisions/Restrictions:
• All passengers must be restrained by seat belt or child safety seat.
• Driving without supervision is allowed from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and at any time when driving directly to or from work or any volunteer fire, rescue or EMS (emergency medical service), if the permit holder is a member.
• When driving without a supervisor, no more than one passenger under 21 years of age is allowed in the vehicle. This limit does not apply to passengers who are members of the license holder's immediate family or who live in the same household as the driver. However, if a family member younger than 21 years of age is a passenger in the vehicle, no other passengers under 21 are permitted.
• When driving with a supervisor, the supervising driver must be seated beside the driver.

Level Three Full Provisional License
In order to be issued a Level Three Full Provisional License, a person:
• Must be at least 16 years old, but less than 18,
• Must present a Driving Eligibility Certificate (issued by the public school system), a high school diploma or its equivalent, and
• Must have held a Level Two Limited Provisional License for at least 6 months and have no convictions of moving violations or seat belt infractions within the preceding six months.

Provisions/Restrictions
• All passengers must be restrained by seat belt or child safety seat.

For Additional Information
For additional information about graduated driver licensing, visit the Graduated Driver Licensing section of the Highway Safety Research Center's web site.