A driver's license is an essential document for every driver in North Carolina. It is legally required under the North Carolina General Statute Section 20-7 and is issued by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).
To obtain an NC driver's license, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and submit various documents specified by the NCDMV. Additionally, applicants must pass a series of tests to demonstrate their knowledge and driving abilities and pay the relevant fees.
Meanwhile, those who already possess a license must periodically renew them to maintain their driving privileges. The NCDMV also sets specific requirements for the renewal procedure.
By familiarizing themselves with these steps, new drivers can adequately prepare and successfully obtain a driver's license. Furthermore, being aware of state-specific regulations helps license holders avoid potential fines, penalties, or even suspension of driving privileges.
What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in North Carolina?
The NCDMV issues various driver's licenses tailored to accommodate vehicle operations and driver needs. In general, North Carolina offers both regular driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). Below is a detailed breakdown of the types of driver's licenses available in the state:
Regular Licenses
In North Carolina, individuals are granted the legal authority to operate standard non-commercial vehicles through regular driver's licenses. These licenses encompass a variety of categories, including:
Class A
The Regular Class A license in North Carolina permits individuals to operate combinations of vehicles where the towed unit has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) equal to or more than 10,001 pounds.
Class B
This license type is necessary for individuals who intend to operate a single vehicle exempt from CDL requirements. Specifically, it is required for operating a vehicle with a GVWR equal to or more than 26,001 pounds. It also allows such a vehicle to tow another with a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds.
Class C
In North Carolina, a Regular Class C license is necessary for individuals who wish to operate non-commercial single vehicles with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds. This license type also allows a vehicle to tow another vehicle as long as the combined GVWR does not exceed 26,001 pounds.
Note that this license is the most common type that North Carolina drivers require for daily transportation. It is intended for the operation of personal automobiles and small trucks.
Commercial Driver's Licenses
Drivers in North Carolina must obtain a CDL to drive certain vehicles designed or used for commercial purposes, such as transporting passengers or property. This requirement applies to both paid and volunteer drivers.
The following are the different types of CDLs issued in North Carolina:
Class A CDL
This license type is required for operating commercial vehicles with a combined GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds, provided the combination includes a towed unit with a GVWR of at least 10,001 pounds.
Class B CDL
In North Carolina, a Class B CDL is necessary for individuals operating a single motor vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds. It is also needed for driving a combination of vehicles involving a towing unit with a GVWR of more than 26,001 pounds and a towed unit with a GVWR of no more than 10,001 pounds.
Class C CDL
The Class C CDL is useful for operating vehicles that do not fall under the categories of Class A CDL or Class B CDL. Specifically, it is required for operating vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver or vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
How To Obtain a Driver's License in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, individuals who aspire to obtain a regular Class C driver's license must adhere to specific procedures set forth by the NCDMV.
The first step is to gather all the necessary documentary requirements before applying for a license. Following this, applicants must obtain a learner's permit, which allows them to practice driving under certain restrictions.
For teenagers, the graduated driver's licensing program is available. This program enables young drivers to gain practical driving experience as they progress in age and skill.
Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of road rules and driving abilities by passing the required driving tests.
It is also essential to know the fees that must be settled during the license application process.
Documentary Requirements
Individuals must meet specific documentary requirements when applying for a driver's license in North Carolina.
In general, applicants will need to provide the following documents:
- One proof of identity and age
- One proof of Social Security number
- One proof of North Carolina residency
- One proof of legal presence in the US (for non-citizen applicants)
- One proof of liability insurance
Additional requirements must be met for those applying for a REAL-ID license. Refer to the List of REAL-ID Requirements for comprehensive guidance on fulfilling such requirements.
Learner's Permit
Securing a learner's permit is crucial when obtaining a driver's license in North Carolina. This permit allows individuals to practice driving under certain restrictions and prepares them for the responsibilities of operating a motor vehicle on the road.
To acquire a North Carolina learner's permit, one must be at least 18 years old and apply in person at any NCDMV location. The application process requires submitting the abovementioned documents, completing the knowledge and vision test, and paying a learner's permit fee.
Upon approval, the NCDMV will issue the learner's permit by mail within 20 days. In the meantime, driver's license applicants are provided with a Temporary Driving Certificate to use until their permit arrives.
Individuals can practice driving while holding a learner's permit but must adhere to specific restrictions. These include driving only the specified type or class of motor vehicles designated on their permit. A licensed adult must also accompany the permit holder in the front passenger seat while operating a motor vehicle.
North Carolina Graduated Licensing Program
If applicants for a North Carolina driver's license are teenagers, they can undergo the North Carolina Graduated Licensing Program. This program enables young drivers to gain hands-on driving experience as they progress in age and skill.
To undergo this program, the teen applicant must visit any NCDMV location and provide proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency documents. They must also have a Driving Eligibility Certificate and a Driver's Education Certificate from an authorized driver education course.
If the requirements are met, the teen applicant can complete the three levels of the graduated licensing program.
Level 1: Limited Learner's Permit
The first level of the graduated licensing program is the limited learner's permit level. To be eligible for this level, the young driver must meet the following:
- Be 15 to 17 years of age
- Received a Driving Eligibility Certificate and Driver's Education Certificate
- Passed vision, written, and road sign exams
The young applicant can conduct supervised driving if these eligibility requirements are satisfied. However, it is restricted from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. only for the first six months, and the use of mobile devices is prohibited.
Level 2: Limited Provisional License
To advance to level two or the limited provisional license level of the program, the teen driver must:
- Be 16 to 17 years of age
- Held the limited learner permit for nine months
- Had no moving violations convictions or seat belt/mobile phone infractions in the last six months
- Completed and logged at least 60 hours of driving at the Driving Log to Advance to Level 2 Limited Provisional Driver License
- Pass a road test
If these conditions are met, the teen driver can drive unsupervised between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. to and from work or any volunteer rescue, fire, or emergency medical service. However, a supervising driver is still required after 9 p.m. Note that using mobile devices remains prohibited at this level.
Level 3: Full Provisional License
To reach level three or the full provisional license, the teen driver must:
- Be between 16 and 17 years old
- Maintained a limited provisional license for at least six months
- Had no moving violations convictions or seat belt/mobile phone infractions in the last six months
- Completed and logged at least 12 hours of driving at the Driving Log to Advance to Level 3 Full Provisional Driver License
When these conditions are met, the teen driver can drive unsupervised at any time, but the use of mobile devices is still prohibited.
Once they reach the age of 18, teen drivers can upgrade their full provisional license to a Class C driver's license.
North Carolina Driver's License Tests
The NCDMV conducts various examinations during the license or learner permit application process and occasionally during license renewal. These examinations include the following tests:
Vision Test
When applying for a driver's license in North Carolina, applicants must undergo a vision test to determine whether they meet the state's vision standards for driving.
To pass the vision test, applicants must have a visual acuity of at least 20/100 when using both eyes or 20/70 if one eye is blind.
If an applicant's vision does not meet these standards, the license issued will indicate that corrective lenses are required for driving. Drivers must wear these corrective lenses whenever they operate a vehicle. Failure to wear prescribed corrective lenses while driving can result in penalties similar to those for driving without a valid license.
Knowledge Test
The knowledge test covers various topics to ensure drivers have the necessary knowledge to operate a vehicle safely on North Carolina roadways.
Typically, this test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of traffic laws, road signs, signals, and safe driving practices.
To pass the test, applicants must correctly answer at least 20 questions. If applicants fail, they must wait seven calendar days before retaking it.
The NCDMV provides sample test questions to help individuals prepare for the test.
Traffic Signs Test
Besides the general knowledge test, applicants must pass a traffic signs test when applying for a license in North Carolina.
This test evaluates the applicant's ability to recognize and understand the meaning of different traffic signs based on their color, shape, and any symbols or wording.
Driving Skills Test
The driving skills test in North Carolina assesses an applicant's on-the-road driving proficiency. Conducted after passing other required tests, it evaluates basic driving maneuvers, safe interaction with traffic, and adherence to traffic laws.
This test assesses the applicant's skills in approaching intersections, quick stops, backing, signaling, lane usage, yielding the right of way, etc.
If applicants fail, they must wait seven calendar days to retake the test. If they pass, they will be issued a North Carolina driver's license, affirming their ability to drive safely and responsibly on state roadways.
North Carolina Driver's License Fees
There are associated fees when applying for a driver's license in North Carolina. A $21.50 fee applies when acquiring a learner's permit. Meanwhile, the fee for regular licenses is $5.50 per validity year, regardless of class.
The NCDMV accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and major credit and debit cards as payment methods.
For a comprehensive list of driver's license fees in North Carolina, refer to this Licenses and Fees page on the official NCDMV website.
To get more information about obtaining a regular NC license, check the North Carolina Driver Handbook. On the other hand, those interested in obtaining a CDL or motorcycle license can study the Commercial Driver License Manual or Motorcyclists' Handbook, respectively.
How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, drivers must renew their licenses before they expire to continue driving legally. Similarly, the holder must obtain a replacement if a license is lost, stolen, or damaged.
To facilitate these procedures, individuals should carefully follow the steps below:
North Carolina Driver's License Renewal
The NCDMV will mail a renewal notice roughly six months before the expiration of a driver's license. However, individuals have the option to renew their driver's license up to 180 days before its expiration date.
Renewal of a North Carolina driver's license can be completed through several methods, including online (for eligible individuals), in person, at a self-service kiosk, and by mail.
Online Renewal
Individuals with a valid driver's license in North Carolina can renew online if they meet specific criteria such as no vision changes, not upgrading to a REAL ID, and providing the last four digits of their Social Security number.
If these criteria are met, individuals can follow the procedures on the myNCDMV platform. Note that this online renewal option can only be used every other time, meaning if individuals previously renewed online, they must renew in person next time.
In-Person Renewal
To renew a driver's license in person in North Carolina, individuals are required to visit an NCDMV location and must submit the following:
- Current NC driver's license
- Social Security card
- Proof of residency and identity if upgrading to a REAL-ID
- Pass a vision and traffic sign test
- Payment for renewal fee
Self-Service Kiosk Renewal
North Carolina residents can renew their licenses at a self-service kiosk. When doing so, they must carefully follow the renewal process outlined on the kiosk screen.
This option is unavailable for those who renewed online during their previous renewal. Also, the kiosks are only available at selected grocery stores and charge transaction and service fees for credit/debit card payments.
Renewal by Mail
To renew a driver's license by mail, individuals must either reside outside the state for more than 30 days or be active-duty military stationed elsewhere.
If eligible, applicants must complete the Out-of-State Renewal Packet and submit all the required documents to the NCDMV.
Note that approved applicants will only receive a temporary license. To obtain a permanent license, applicants must visit an NCDMV location within 60 days of returning to the state.
North Carolina Driver's License Replacement
Individuals can replace their NC driver's license by visiting any NCDMV location. They must bring their damaged license, if available, two proofs of identity and age, proof of name change, if applicable, and a $14 replacement fee.
Moreover, online replacement is available for those with a valid license, no fines to the NCDMV, and the latest image and documents on file in the NCDMV. If these criteria are met, individuals can order a replacement by following the steps outlined in the myNCDMV platform.
What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in North Carolina?
An individual's driving privileges are temporarily revoked for a specific period if a license is suspended.
In North Carolina, this suspension can result from the following:
- Driving under the influence
- Accumulating too many points on driving record
- Failing to maintain insurance
- Reckless driving
- Not appearing in court or paying fines
- Traffic violations
The consequences of driving when a driver's license is suspended are severe. Individuals could face jail time of up to 120 days, fines, and a license suspension of up to one year for the first offense, two years for a second offense, and a lifetime suspension for a third offense.
To reinstate a suspended license in North Carolina, individuals must fulfill the terms of the suspension. They must also pay the reinstatement fees, complete relevant courses, and, in some instances, provide proof of insurance.
Can Someone Drive in North Carolina With a Foreign License?
Individuals with foreign licenses can drive in North Carolina under certain conditions.
Residents from other countries or states can legally drive within North Carolina as long as their foreign license is valid. However, they must adhere to the limitations or restrictions imposed by their home countries or states when doing so.
To determine how long someone can drive in North Carolina with a foreign license, contact the NCDMV Customer Contact Center at (919) 715-7000 for accurate information.
Conversely, those with international driver's licenses cannot operate a vehicle in North Carolina as state law enforcement does not recognize them.
Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in North Carolina?
A foreign individual can obtain a driver's license in North Carolina, but certain steps and requirements must be followed.
Initially, a foreigner must establish residency within the state and obtain a driver's license within 60 days.
When applying for a license, foreign individuals must provide the NCDMV documents proving their identity, NC residency, Social Security number, and legal presence in the US. They must also take the necessary tests and pay the relevant fees.
Once all the necessary steps are completed and tests are passed, foreign individuals will receive their North Carolina driver's license by mail.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in North Carolina?
- How To Obtain a Driver's License in North Carolina?
- How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in North Carolina?
- What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in North Carolina?
- Can Someone Drive in North Carolina With a Foreign License?
- Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in North Carolina?