In North Carolina, teens start with a Level 1 limited learner permit. You get it by completing driver education and passing NCDMV's written, sign and vision tests.
The tests
- A written knowledge test, a traffic sign test and a vision test, at an NCDMV driver license office.
- Under 18, a parent or guardian must be present for the tests.
- The free North Carolina mock tests on PassDriveTest use 25 questions with 20 needed (80%). Check the current format with NCDMV.
Before the permit
- Age 15 to 17.
- Complete driver education: 30 hours of classroom plus at least 6 hours behind the wheel.
- From 1 October 2026 you no longer need a Driving Eligibility Certificate (Session Law 2026-46). Some older pages still list it.
A study plan that works
- Read the North Carolina Driver Handbook (free on ncdot.gov).
- Learn the signs on the North Carolina road signs tab: you have a separate sign test.
- Take full mock tests and review every wrong answer.
- Aim for 23 or more out of 25 on several different mock tests.
Level 1 rules
- Drive only with an approved supervisor seated beside you: a parent, legal guardian, grandparent or an adult approved by your parent, who has been licensed for at least 5 years.
- For the first six months, driving is allowed from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- For Level 2 (age 16 or 17): hold Level 1 for 9 months, log 60 hours of driving, and have no moving violation or seat belt or phone conviction in the last six months.
Take a free North Carolina mock test to see where you stand.
Checked against official sources on 17 October 2026.