NC Rules & Resources

You must meet the following to upgrade your Level 1 Limited Learner Permit to a Level 2 Limited Provisional License:

• ​​Be 16 to 17 years old

• Have a Level 1 Limited Learner Permit​ for 9 months

• No convictions of moving violations or seat belt/mobile phone infractions within the last six months

• Completed and logged at least 60 hours o​f driving

Once you have completed the above, you can take a road test to get your Level 2 Limited Provisional License.

With a Limited Provisional License, you can drive unsupervised from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and to/from work or any volunteer fire, rescue or emergency medical service.

When driving unsupervised, there may be one passenger that is under 21 that is not a member of the same household as the driver. One other passenger under 21 years of age, who is not a member of the license holder’s household, may be in the vehicle when that passenger is a student, and they are being driven directly to or from school.

There is no “under 21 limit” if all passengers are members of the same household as the driver. Additionally, when driving unsupervised, “under 21” household members may not be in the vehicle when “under 21” non-household members are in the vehicle.

Use of mobile devices are prohibited while in the vehicle.

After 9 p.m. until 5 a.m., a supervising driver is required.

• Who can be a supervised driver?

  • A parent or legal guardian

  • A grandparent

  • An adult who has been approved by a parent or legal guardian

• They must be:

  • A licensed driver

  • Licensed for five years

  • Seated next to driver when supervising