DMV North Carolina · Facts and practice test
North Carolina DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for North Carolina DMV, plus a free 73-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
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); appointments recommended for driver license/ID services, released up to 7 days ahead; walk-ins accepted all day until capacity.
REAL ID status
REAL ID (marked with a star) available at no extra fee; requires ID/DOB proof, SSN document, and two NC address documents. No state-specific deadline beyond federal enforcement noted.
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.
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); appointments recommended for driver license/ID services, released up to 7 days ahead; walk-ins accepted all day until capacity.
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
REAL ID (marked with a star) available at no extra fee; requires ID/DOB proof, SSN document, and two NC address documents. No state-specific deadline beyond federal enforcement noted. 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 73 questions across 9 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.