{"state":"North Carolina","code":"NC","slug":"north-carolina","questionCount":207,"manual":"North Carolina Driver Handbook","manualUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Documents/nc-driver-handbook.pdf","examFormat":null,"keyFacts":[{"id":"test-fee","label":"Knowledge test fee","value":"The Level 1 permit page lists a $25.50 permit fee and required knowledge/sign/vision tests, without a separately itemized test charge","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/level1.aspx","verifiedAt":"2026-10-05"}],"documents":{"applicantScope":"First-time standard non-REAL ID passenger-vehicle learner permits for U.S. citizens: limited learner permit ages 15-17 and adult learner permit age 18+. Noncitizen/no-SSN routes, REAL ID, transfers and road tests are outside this checklist.","items":[{"label":"Apply in person at a driver license office","detail":"Teens follow the Level 1 office process and consent requirements; adults use the general learner-permit process.","who":"all","group":"application","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/license-learner-permit.aspx"},{"label":"Document proving age and identity","detail":"Use an original/certified birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport or another document on the standard identity list. Photocopies or altered documents are not accepted.","who":"all","group":"identity","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/license-learner-permit.aspx"},{"label":"Certified documents linking any name change","detail":"Use a certified marriage license/certificate, divorce decree or court/Register of Deeds document.","who":"all","group":"identity","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/help/Pages/proving-identity.aspx"},{"label":"Social Security card or another accepted SSN document","detail":"Bring a Social Security card or accepted full-number evidence such as W-2,1099 or payroll record. SSN cards may not be photocopies, laminated cards or replicas.","who":"all","group":"ssn","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/license-learner-permit.aspx"},{"label":"One proof of North Carolina residency","detail":"Examples include a lease, utility bill, financial statement or school record. Minors may use school records, a lease naming them as occupants, dependent tax records or other listed minor evidence. Printed documents or secure digital upload during the office visit are accepted.","who":"all","group":"residency","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/level1.aspx"},{"label":"Parent or guardian present, or their written consent for another accompanying adult","detail":"The official teen page permits another accompanying person with written documentation of consent from a parent or guardian.","who":"under18","group":"minor","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/level1.aspx"},{"label":"Driver education completion certificate","detail":"A Driver Education Certificate is still required for ages 15-17. The separate Driving Eligibility Certificate was eliminated October 1, 2026; do not bring a school-eligibility certificate as a current prerequisite.","who":"under18","group":"education","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/level1.aspx"},{"label":"Payment for the learner-permit issuance fee","detail":"Use the linked current fee schedule; limited learner and adult permit categories differ.","who":"all","group":"fee","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/license-learner-permit.aspx"},{"label":"Prepare for written, sign-recognition and vision testing","detail":null,"who":"all","group":"vision","sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/level1.aspx"}],"sourceUrl":"https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/license-learner-permit.aspx","verifiedAt":"2026-10-05"},"lastReviewed":"2026-10-05","urls":{"hub":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/north-carolina","practiceTest":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/north-carolina/practice-test","handbook":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/north-carolina/handbook","factsJson":"https://qualityspace.com/dmv/states/north-carolina/facts.json"}}