For many teenagers, getting a driver’s license is one of the biggest milestones of high school. However, earning that license isn’t as simple as passing a quick and easy test. 

North Carolina uses a system called graduated licensing, which requires teens ages 15 to 17 to move through different levels before earning full driving privileges. 

Teens can either take driver’s ed classes through their school or a private program. School programs are often much more affordable, but they can fill up quickly, leaving students waiting to get a spot. Private programs usually cost more, but offer more flexible scheduling and quick access. 

“I went through a private driving school, and I think they were much faster than a public driving school because they are more focused on you specifically,” said Riley Riccobono, sophomore. 

Step One: Drivers Ed

Before teens can apply for a permit, they must complete a driver’s education course and behind-the-wheel training with an instructor. 

“I did Drivers Ed in December, and I just did my behind-the-wheel last month [February]. It took a while for it to be my turn to do it, but I learned more from behind the wheel than I did in class,” said Fiona Derucher, freshman. “Now I just have to wait for my birthday to be able to get my learner’s permit.” 

Step Two: Level 1 Limited Learner Permit

At age 15, teens can apply for their Level 1 Limited Learner Permit at the DMV. To receive it, they must pass a written test, a road sign test, and a vision exam, along with providing identification and other documents. 

With a learner permit, teens are only allowed to drive with a supervising adult, usually a parent or another licensed driver who has had their license for 5 or more years, and for the first six months, driving is limited to 5 am-9 pm and always requires supervision. 

Step Three: Level 2 Limited Provisional License

After having a learner’s permit for at least six months and completing a log of 10 nighttime hours and 60 total hours of driving, teens can apply for a Level 2 Limited Provisional License once they turn 16. 

Teens can then begin driving without supervision, but with restrictions. They are allowed to drive on their own between 5 am and 9 pm, with only one passenger allowed, with the completion of a road test. 

Step Four: Level 3 Full Provisional License

After at least 6 more months of safe driving and completion of an additional 10 hours of driving, with 5 of those hours at night, teens can move on to a Level 3 Full Provisional License. 

This level removes the restrictions, allowing teens to drive at any time without supervision. But if students fail at least 70% of their classes each semester, their license will be revoked.

Some students choose to wait until they turn 18 to get their license, which allows them to skip the driver’s education requirement. Without the structured practice and required driving hours, new drivers may feel less prepared behind the wheel. 

“When you turn 18, then you can go in and take the test without having to do driver’s ed and get your license 2 weeks later, without waiting months to complete the whole process and just get it done all at once,” said Jade Marquez, junior. 

Waiting can mean missing out on the independence of driving during high school, including getting to school, going off-campus for lunch without relying on others to drive, or commuting a job. 

Other teens rush to get their license as soon as they’re eligible. Having a license early can also come with perks, like securing a parking spot or avoiding bus rides.

“Having my license as a sophomore gave me a lot of freedom to go places without having people to drive me. I was also able to drive myself to school instead of riding the bus, which I enjoyed,” said Avery Goodwin, senior. 

Another challenge many teens face when getting their license is actually getting an appointment at the DMV. Recently, scheduling a time for a permit or road test can take weeks or even longer. Many families find themselves traveling to different towns to find earlier openings. 

“I had an appointment, but it was really hard to get. My mom and I stayed up til midnight waiting for appointments to be available, and we had to do it 3 months before my birthday to be able to get it on the day,” said Lily Mahoney, freshman. 

While the process may seem long and strict, it exists for a reason. The graduated licensing system is designed to help teens gain experience gradually, reducing accidents and improving road safety.