What to bring to the North Carolina NCDMV permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge test

• One document proving identity and date of birth (full name)
• Social Security card or one document proving your SSN
• Proof of NC residency (one document; two if you are getting a REAL ID). Check with NCDMV before you go
• If not born in the U.S., one document proving legal presence
• Under 18: Driver Education Certificate (30 hours classroom plus 6 hours behind the wheel) and a parent or guardian present for testing (or written consent)
• Proof of liability insurance is required for a driver license but not for a learner permit

Fees

• Level 1 Limited Learner Permit: $25.50
• Learner permit (18+): $25.50
• Learner permit replacement: $16.75

The vision test

20/40 or better in at least one eye for an unrestricted license; a corrective-lens restriction is required if acuity is less than 20/40 in either eye or both eyes together. Corrective lenses must then be worn at all times while driving; driving without them is treated the same as driving without a license.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• Learner permit (teens: Level 1 permit)
• Teens: driving log showing at least 60 hours (form DL-4A; digital or printed copy)
• Proof of liability insurance from an NC-licensed insurer in the driver's name (form DL-123, policy, binder or insurance card). Images on a phone are not accepted
• Your own vehicle plus a copy of its registration; the vehicle must pass a pre-trip inspection
• Teens: a parent or guardian present (or written consent for another supervising adult)
• If tested at a certified driver education school, the certificate showing you passed the road test

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it for at least Level 1 permit must be held 9 months before applying for the Level 2 Limited Provisional License (minimum age 16) before the road test.
• Log 60 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
• You must have completed an approved driver education course: 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel
• First 6 months: drive only 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the supervising driver. After 6 months, you may drive at any time with a supervising driver
• Supervising driver: a parent, grandparent, guardian, or responsible adult approved by the parent or guardian. They must hold a valid license, have been licensed at least 5 years, and sit beside you
• All passengers must wear a seat belt or be in a child safety seat
• No one except the driver and supervising driver in the front seat
• No cell phone or related technology while driving, except emergency calls to 911 or emergency responders, a hospital or doctor, ambulance, fire, police, or a parent, legal guardian or spouse
• A driving log of at least 60 hours (at least 10 at night), signed by the supervising driver, is submitted when you apply for Level 2
• No moving violation, seat belt or cell phone convictions in the 6 months before moving to Level 2
• Adult (18 and older) learner permit: you must be accompanied by a person licensed for that vehicle, seated beside you
• Since October 1, 2026, the Driving Eligibility Certificate is no longer required for a limited learner permit

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the NCDMV says copies are accepted.