Drivers Education

Under Age 18

If you’re under age 18, before you apply for a learners permit, then you must:

• Take a 30 hour long drivers education course. This course will issue you a Driver Education Certificate.
• Get a Driving Eligibility Certificate from your high school; this states that your grades are mostly passing. The certificate’s good for 30 days.
• If you’re under 18 and have already finished high school, bring a copy of your high school diploma or equivalency exam.
• If you’re under age 18 but have been licensed in another state, ask the North Carolina DMV if your old state’s requirements will be acceptable.

Over Age 18

No driver ed course is required for a driver license.

Practice Tests and Online Drivers Ed

Today, online driver ed classes are available, too. These allow you to take the courses in the privacy and convenience of your own home, studying at your own pace. The prices are comparable and even less than regular drivers ed classes.

• Before you pay for an online course, make sure the online school is certified in North Carolina and eligible to issue you a Driver Education Certificate.

These courses also offer practice exams. The practice exams prepare you for the real NC written and road exams and are not a bad idea for anyone new to driving. At the very least, it will be easier to pass your exam, and you’ll be a better driver. Plus, the cost is relatively low for one hundred questions, under $20.

Driver Training

NC does not require drivers license candidates to take driving training, i.e. a behind-the-wheel course, in which your driving is supervised by a licensed instructor.

However, if you can find a class and don’t want the stress of a parent or friend teaching you how to drive it would be worth looking into. Your insurance may even offer a discount for you taking such a class.