North Carolina uses a graduated license system to license teen drivers via a limited learner's permit, limited provisional license, and full provisional license. Here are the basics of how this system works and the various requirements teen drivers must abide by. Level 1 Limited Learner's Permit
At 15 years old, a person can submit an application (along with the application fee and proof of identification) to the local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a level 1 limited learner's permit. The application must be signed by a parent or guardian who will be supervising the youth's driving. The applicant must pass the vision test as well as a test covering local traffic signs and traffic laws. A certificate of completion of an approved driver's education course and a driving eligibility certificate are also required.
The driving eligibility certificate is a form signed by the school's principal or administrator indicating that the teen is enrolled and progressing towards graduation. The school can revoke this certificate due to the student's conduct, which would result in revocation of the student's license or permit for one year, until age 18, or until the certificate is reinstated. Exemptions exist for homeschooled teens and diploma and GED holders.
An instructional permit allows the holder to operate a vehicle while a supervising driver is in the front passenger seat. A supervising driver must be licensed for at least five years and can be a parent, guardian, or a person authorized by the parent or guardian to supervise. For the first six months, the permit holder isn't allowed to drive between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Level 2 Limited Provisional License
Teens who are 16 years old and have held an instructional permit for at least 12 months are eligible to apply for a provisional license. To obtain the provisional license, the teen must complete and pass the road test administered by the DMV and have no moving violation within the last six months. Applicants must also show completion of 60 hours of supervised driving time (ten of which must have been at night) and hold a driving eligibility certificate.
The limited provisional license allows the motorist to drive without an adult anywhere from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., the driver must be supervised by a parent or be traveling to or from work or a volunteer emergency response organization.
Limited provisional license holders may carry only one non-family member passenger who's under the age of 21 unless accompanied by a supervising driver. If a family-member passenger is under 21 years old, no non-family member passengers under 21 years old are permitted in the vehicle.
Level 3 Full Provisional License
After holding a provisional license for at least six months without any moving violations, a driver can apply for a level 3 full provisional license. To obtain the license, the teen must submit a driving log signed by the supervising driver showing 12 hours of supervised driving (with at least six nighttime hours).
For all teen license levels, cellphone use while driving is prohibited and all passengers must wear seatbelts.
Rules for thee but not for me?
Thanks for posting, interesting.