You must take the written sign-recognition and vision tests. New residents with a valid license are usually exempt from taking a road skills test. Motorcycle drivers must pass a road skills test. Teens may apply at 15 years after they complete an approved driver education course and pass written, signs and vision tests. A new state law says teens younger than 18 must pass at least 70 percent of their school classes in order to drive or receive a learner's permit.
Dropouts also lose their licenses.
The N.C. legislature changed the teen-driving laws in 1997 and created one of the nation's toughest laws of its kind. Driving is allowed only between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. for the first six months. After six months, you may drive at any hour with a supervising driver. This level lasts 12 months. Drivers can advance to Level Two only if they have had no seat belt violations or moving violations in the preceding six months.