Get your first driver's license in North Carolina

Online or in person

No, in person · At a driver license officeNCDMV says you must apply in person at a driver license office. Appointments can be booked online. Knowledge, sign, vision and road tests. NCDMV says every driver license office serves walk-ins from open to close or until the office reaches capacity; appointments can also be booked online up to seven days ahead.

You leave with

Learner permit or a driver licenseAdults may get a learner permit first or apply for a full license. You leave with a Temporary Driving Certificate; the card arrives by mail within 20 business days.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity and date of birth
   • Social Security number
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • Another document proving your Social Security number
   • Proof of North Carolina residency
     Two are required for an NC REAL ID.
   • Proof of legal presence
     NCDMV's New Adult Drivers page asks for it if you were not born in the U.S.; its learner permit page asks non-U.S. citizens for a U.S. government document showing legal presence.
   • Proof of liability insurance
     Not needed for a learner permit. For the Level 2 license it must be in the teen driver's name from a North Carolina-licensed provider, and images on a phone are not accepted.
   • Vehicle registration · all that apply
     For the road test. Print or download a copy beforehand.

2. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our North Carolina DMV Practice Test: 37 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the North Carolina practice test

3. Pass the knowledge, sign and vision tests

   Take them at a driver license office. Under 18, a parent or guardian must be present; any other adult who comes instead must bring written consent from a parent or guardian. NCDMV says that if you fail the knowledge test for a regular Class C license, you may retake it in seven calendar days.

   Driver License Tests ↗

4. Get a learner permit (optional)

   At 18 or older you may get a learner permit first, or apply for a full license. On a permit, drive only with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat.

   Getting a License or Learner Permit ↗

5. Pass the road test

   Take the driving skills test at a driver license office, or with a learner permit at a certified private driver education school (you then visit a driver license office to finish), and bring the vehicle registration and proof of insurance. If you fail the driving test for a regular Class C license, you may retake it in seven calendar days.

   Driver License Tests ↗

6. Get your license

   After the tests, pay the fee and leave with a Temporary Driving Certificate. The license arrives by mail within 20 business days and is valid for eight years for ages 18 to 65.

   New Adult Drivers ↗