North Carolina teen permit
North Carolina Level 1 Limited Learner Permit
A teen applicant must be 15–17 and have a Driver's Education Certificate to apply for a Level 1 Limited Learner Permit. NCDMV eliminated the Driving Eligibility Certificate requirement effective October 1, 2026.
- 15–17Level 1 ages
- 30 + 6classroom + behind-wheel driver ed
- $25.50Level 1 fee
Complete approved driver education
NCDMV describes 30 hours of classroom instruction plus at least 6 hours behind the wheel, with the required screening during driver education.
Bring the current Level 1 documents
Bring the listed identity/date-of-birth, Social Security and North Carolina residency documents plus the Driver's Education Certificate. A parent or guardian must be present unless the permitted written-consent arrangement applies.
Follow Level 1 supervision rules
During the first six months, Level 1 driving is supervised and limited to the hours NCDMV specifies. Use the current Level 1 page for the exact restrictions before driving.
Related Road to Permit guides
Official sources
- NCDMV — Driver Handbooks
- NCDMV — Level 1 Limited Learner Permit
- NCDMV — Required Documents
- NCDMV — Driver License Office Appointments
- NCDMV — Licenses & Fees
- NCDMV — Driver License Offices
Independent study resource. Road to Permit is not affiliated with or endorsed by any DMV, DPS, FLHSMV or other government agency. Official state sources control if information changes.