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North Carolina driving lesson · Your License

GDL Level One: Limited Learner Permit

A 3-minute lesson from the North Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

Study this lesson in the app Back to the course
Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Your License
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
8

Drivers under 18 go through graduated licensing (GDL) in three levels. Level One is a supervised permit that lets you build experience with a trusted adult beside you.

To get a Level One permit you must:

  • Be at least 15 but less than 18 and live in North Carolina
  • Pass driver ed: at least 30 hours classroom and 6 hours behind-the-wheel
  • Present a Driving Eligibility Certificate, or a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Pass written, sign and vision tests
Handbook p. 8 ↗

Level One driving hours

Level One driving hours
PeriodWhen you may drive
First 6 months5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with supervising driver
After 6 monthsAny time, with supervising driver
Handbook p. 8 ↗
9 months

Minimum time holding Level One before applying for a Limited Provisional License

Handbook p. 8 ↗
60 hours

Driving log at Level One, with at least 10 hours at night

Handbook p. 8 ↗

Know the rule

The driving log must be signed by the supervising driver and submitted when you apply for the Limited Provisional License.

Handbook p. 8 ↗

Supervising driver

A parent, grandparent or guardian, or a responsible person the parent or guardian approves, who holds a valid license and has been licensed at least five years.

Handbook p. 8 ↗

While driving at Level One:

  • All passengers must wear a seat belt or be in a child safety seat
  • Only the driver and the supervising driver may sit in the front seat
  • No cell phone or related technology, except for emergency calls
Handbook p. 8 ↗

Emergency calls allowed to:

  • An emergency response operator
  • A hospital, physician's office or health clinic
  • An ambulance company or service; a fire department
  • A law enforcement agency
  • Your parent, legal guardian or spouse
Handbook p. 8 ↗

Know the rule

To move up to Level Two, you must have no convictions for moving violations, seat belt or cell phone infractions in the preceding six months.

Handbook p. 8 ↗

Day vs. night driving

Daytime driving is from sunrise to sunset while daylight exists; nighttime driving is after sunset when no daylight exists.

Handbook p. 8 ↗

Put it into practice

You got your Level One permit at 15 and want to drive at 10 p.m. in month four with your mom beside you. Not allowed yet: for the first six months you're limited to 5 a.m.–9 p.m., even when supervised.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What is the minimum age to apply for a Level One Limited Learner Permit in North Carolina?
  1. 14
  2. 16
  3. 15
  4. 18

Answer: 15

You must be at least 15 years old but less than 18 to apply for a Level One Limited Learner Permit.

Handbook p. 8 ↗
How many hours of driver education are required before a Level One permit test?
  1. 20 classroom hours and 10 behind-the-wheel hours
  2. 40 classroom hours and 4 behind-the-wheel hours
  3. No set number of hours, only a passing grade
  4. 30 classroom hours and 6 behind-the-wheel hours

Answer: 30 classroom hours and 6 behind-the-wheel hours

You must present a certificate showing you completed a course of at least 30 classroom hours and 6 behind-the-wheel hours.

Handbook p. 8 ↗
During the first six months of a Level One permit, when may the holder drive with a supervising driver?
  1. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  2. Anytime, with no restriction
  3. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  4. 5 a.m. to midnight

Answer: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

During the first six months, a Level One permit authorizes driving between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. while accompanied by the supervising driver.

Handbook p. 8 ↗
How long must a driver hold a Level One permit before applying for a Level Two license?
  1. 6 months
  2. 9 months
  3. 12 months
  4. 3 months

Answer: 9 months

You must hold a Level One permit for nine months before applying for a Limited Provisional License.

Handbook p. 8 ↗
How many hours of logged driving are required at Level One, and how many must be at night?
  1. 40 hours total, at least 5 at night
  2. 60 hours total, at least 20 at night
  3. 60 hours total, at least 10 at night
  4. 100 hours total, at least 10 at night

Answer: 60 hours total, at least 10 at night

The Level One Driving Log must show a minimum of 60 hours of operation, at least 10 of which are during nighttime hours.

Handbook p. 8 ↗
How long must a supervising driver have held a valid license to supervise a Level One permit holder?
  1. At least one year
  2. At least five years
  3. At least three years
  4. At least ten years

Answer: At least five years

A supervising driver must hold a valid driver license and have been licensed for at least five years.

Handbook p. 8 ↗
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