In our last blog, we talked about the specific requirements for getting a learner’s permit in Virginia. North Carolina has very different regulations, so if you live in the Tar Heel state and you have a son or daughter fast approaching driving age, then this primer should give you some much needed information. Of course, you’ll want to check with the NC Department of Transportation for all the specifics.
North Carolina
There’s no stopping the clock or turning back time: your baby is ready to learn to drive. North Carolina has what it calls a “graduated licensing” program, wherein new drivers go through several licensing levels that become less restrictive over time. The first level is the Limited Learner Permit, given to first-time drivers from 15 to 18 years of age. The driver will be required to pass written, sign, and vision tests, and also have completed driver education and obtained the driving eligibility certificate. Only supervised driving is allowed with a Level One license, from 5 am to 9 pm, and the supervisor must be a licensed driver for 5 years. No mobile telephones may be used while driving.
Level Two, the Limited Provisional License, is available to drivers 16 to 18 years old after 12 months with a Level One permit. A new law going into effect as of January 1, 2012 requires 60 logged hours of supervised driving with a Limited Learner Permit before moving to Level Two. Unsupervised driving is allowed from 5 am to 9 pm, and the driver must have no traffic violations for the prior 6 months. The same mobile telephone restrictions apply.
Level Three is the Full Provisional license. It is available to drivers who have had a Level Two license for 6 months, with no traffic violations during the previous 6 months. The Full Provisional License allows for unsupervised driving at any time, although mobile phone use while driving is not allowed.
The DMV has powerful incentives to tie education to the privilege of driving: it will revoke the license of any driver under 18 who drops out of school or receives a school suspension for more than 10 consecutive days.
So now you’re ready for your little girl get behind the wheel and hit the road. Welllll… at least you’re knowledgeable. Oh, and don’t forget to give us a call to arrange insurance for your new driver.
The Permit, Part Two – North Carolina
