License tests, teen phone ban and full provisional license

Key points

1. Under 18, you may not use a cell phone or related technology while driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “If you are under the age of 18, you are not permitted to use a cell phone or other additional technology associated with a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 13

2. The emergency exception covers calls to emergency response operators, hospitals, doctors, ambulance services, fire departments, police, or a parent, guardian or spouse.

   Source: Handbook p. 12

   “Exception: You can use it to call the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; a hospital, physician’s office or a health clinic; a public or privately owned ambulance company or service; a fire department; a law enforcement agency; your parent, legal guardian or spouse.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 12

3. The Level One and Two time, supervision and passenger limits do not apply to a Full Provisional License.

   Source: Handbook p. 13

   “The restrictions on level one and level two concerning time of driving, supervision and passenger limitations do not apply to a Full Provisional License.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 13

4. To pass the signs test, identify signs by color and shape and explain what each means.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “To pass the signs test, you must identify the traffic signs by color and shape and explain what each means.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

5. Audio knowledge tests are available on request for people who have difficulty reading.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “Audio tests are available, upon request, for those who have difficulty reading.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

6. A student suspended for more than 10 consecutive days for discipline can lose their license.

   Source: Handbook p. 15

   “A loss of license will occur if a student receives a suspension for more than 10 consecutive days”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 15

7. A new resident has 60 days after moving to get a North Carolina license or permit.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “A new resident has 60 days after establishing residence to obtain a North Carolina license or learner permit.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 25

8. After testing, you get a temporary driving certificate valid for 60 days.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Customers who take required tests and have their photos made at the local driver license office will receive a temporary driving certificate valid for 60 days.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 25

9. The road test is taken after you have passed all the other tests.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “You must perform this test after you have passed all the other tests.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 9

10. Report an address or name change to DMV within 60 days.

    Source: Handbook p. 28

    “If your address changes from the address on your driver license, you must notify the division of the change within 60 days”
    North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 28

Numbers to know

3 questions from the North Carolina practice test

1. 1. When a driver under 18 must use a cell phone while the vehicle is moving, whom may the driver call about an emergency?

   1. A friend who is waiting for a ride
   2. An emergency response operator
   3. A business for a nonurgent appointment
   4. A parent about a routine schedule change
   Show answer

   An emergency response operator. North Carolina prohibits drivers under 18 from using a cell phone or related technology while operating a moving vehicle on a public street, highway or public vehicular area. The listed emergency exception allows a call to an emergency response operator. A friend, a routine parent call and a nonurgent business call do not match that narrowly defined purpose. If an urgent situation develops, focus first on controlling the vehicle and make only the permitted emergency call. The cue is that the exception is tied to emergency assistance, not ordinary communication.

2. 2. Which graduated licensing restrictions no longer apply after a driver reaches a Level Three Full Provisional License?

   1. The earlier time, supervision, and passenger limitations
   2. The prohibition on driving while impaired
   3. The requirement to hold a valid license while driving
   4. The requirement to obey traffic signals and signs
   Show answer

   The earlier time, supervision, and passenger limitations. A Level Three Full Provisional License removes the Level One and Level Two limits on driving time, supervision, and passengers. It does not create permission to ignore traffic controls, drive impaired, or operate without a valid license. Those duties remain general rules of safe and lawful driving. The important distinction is between graduated restrictions and core traffic laws. Once the license reaches Level Three, review whether a restriction belongs only to the earlier levels before assuming it continues.

3. 3. What testing accommodation is available on request for a North Carolina applicant who has difficulty reading?

   1. A waiver of the traffic law examination
   2. An audio version of the knowledge test
   3. A road test that replaces the knowledge test
   4. Automatic passage without answering questions
   Show answer

   An audio version of the knowledge test. Applicants who have difficulty reading may request an audio test for the knowledge examination. That accommodation changes how the questions are presented, not whether the applicant must demonstrate knowledge. A reading difficulty does not waive traffic law questions, produce automatic passage, or turn the road test into a substitute for the knowledge test. If reading is a barrier, request the audio format when arranging the examination and still prepare for the same traffic law and safe driving material.

Source: the North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 1: Your License. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.