DMV North Carolina · Fees, age, and practice test
North Carolina Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for North Carolina DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 to 17 years old for a Level 1 Limited Learner Permit
Permit fee
Level 1 Limited Learner Permit: $25.50
Initial license fee
Level 3 full provisional license upgrade: $32.50 at age 16, $26 at age 17 (license expires at age 21)
Passing score
Eighty percent of the questions shall be answered correctly in order to pass the knowledge examination (19A NCAC 03B .0201)
Retake wait after failing
Seven calendar days after failing the knowledge test or driving test for a regular Class C license
Supervised driving before road test
At least 60 logged driving hours before upgrading to a Level 2 Limited Provisional License
What to bring
Proof of identity and date of birth, Social Security number, North Carolina residency, Driving Eligibility Certificate, Driver Education Certificate, and a parent or guardian for the tests
Find an office / appointment
NCDMV Online Appointment Scheduler (Skip the Line) at skiptheline.ncdot.gov.
REAL ID status
NC REAL ID has a star marking, costs no extra fee, and has no state deadline beyond the federal one; use the NCDMV REAL ID Document Wizard to see which documents you need.
Motorcycle license
No standalone minimum age stated; must hold provisional/regular/commercial license, pass knowledge test, and pass skills test or complete MSF Basic Rider Course.
Commercial license (CDL)
18 for intrastate CDL; 21 for interstate/hazmat. Requires DOT medical cert, CLP held 14+ days, ELDT course, knowledge and skills tests.
Official source: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles site.
How much is the North Carolina permit test?
Permit fee: Level 1 Limited Learner Permit: $25.50 (official source).
North Carolina DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Permit fee | Level 1 Limited Learner Permit: $25.50 | source |
| Initial license fee | Level 3 full provisional license upgrade: $32.50 at age 16, $26 at age 17 (license expires at age 21) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free North Carolina DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a North Carolina driver license covers
Initial license fee: Level 3 full provisional license upgrade: $32.50 at age 16, $26 at age 17 (license expires at age 21) (official source)
REAL ID status: NC REAL ID has a star marking, costs no extra fee, and has no state deadline beyond the federal one; use the NCDMV REAL ID Document Wizard to see which documents you need. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official North Carolina DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in North Carolina
Getting your first permit
In North Carolina, the minimum permit age is 15 to 17 years old for a Level 1 Limited Learner Permit. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of identity and date of birth, Social Security number, North Carolina residency, Driving Eligibility Certificate, Driver Education Certificate, and a parent or guardian for the tests. NCDMV Online Appointment Scheduler (Skip the Line) at skiptheline.ncdot.gov.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
If you fail the knowledge test: seven calendar days after failing the knowledge test or driving test for a regular Class C license. Before the road test, the state requires at least 60 logged driving hours before upgrading to a Level 2 Limited Provisional License.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
NC REAL ID has a star marking, costs no extra fee, and has no state deadline beyond the federal one; use the NCDMV REAL ID Document Wizard to see which documents you need. For a motorcycle license: no standalone minimum age stated; must hold provisional/regular/commercial license, pass knowledge test, and pass skills test or complete MSF Basic Rider Course. For a commercial license (CDL): 18 for intrastate CDL; 21 for interstate/hazmat. Requires DOT medical cert, CLP held 14+ days, ELDT course, knowledge and skills tests.
The North Carolina bank has 180 questions across 9 topics
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