Obtaining an NC Driver’s License

How to Obtain an NC Driver’s License

Step 1: Study the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook

Download the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook.

You will need to take both a written test and a driving test even if you already have an international license. If you have never had any driver’s education classes, or have never had a license in your home country, you should consider attending a Driving School in addition to your review of the NC Driver’s Handbook. You may find information about local driving schools online.

Step 2: Obtain Liability Insurance

Prior to taking the driving test, you must obtain Non-Owner’s Insurance from the insurance carrier of your choice. Usually, there is a deposit of around $150, with monthly payments ranging from $135 and up, depending on driving experience, age, and driving record (if you have one). You can call the insurance company and purchase a policy with a credit card. Print the policy information that is provided to you and take it with you to the DMV.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

You will need:

• Proof of Identity
  • Passport
• Proof of Lawful Status (need all documents)
  • Valid Form I-20
  • F1/F2 visa stamp (exception: Canadian students or scholars)
  • Recent I-94
• Proof of residency, such as your official HPU transcript or a bank statement sent to your HPU address. Note: These must be original documents, copies will not be accepted.
• Proof of insurance

Step 4: Take the Tests and Pay the Fees

You will need to pass the following tests in order to obtain a N.C. driver’s license:

• Vision test (be sure to have any corrective lenses/glasses with you when you go for the tests)
• Signs test (identify the common road signs)
• Written test
• Road test (you will need a car in order to take this test, it will be a short trip with an officer who will judge you on your driving abilities)

You do not have to take the driving test on the same day that you take the written test. You must pass the written test before you will be allowed to take the driving test.

HPU does not provide a vehicle for you to drive for the test, so you should ask if a friend is willing to take you to the site and allow you to drive his or her car. Do not drive your friend’s car to the testing site yourself. You should not drive until you are licensed. Many driving schools will allow you to use their vehicle for the driving test if you have paid for a certain number of lessons.

The local DMV office is located at 650 Francis St., High Point, NC. Their hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Applicants must arrive before 3 pm if they plan to take the driving test that day. It is advised to make an appointment for at least one week before you plan to take the test, as it can cut down on the wait time. Call the DMV office to schedule your appointment: +1 (336) 884-1003.

Before making your appointment, consider the following:

• You must be 18 years of age or older in order to apply for your NC driver’s license. Applicants under 18 years of age will need a learner’s permit, first.
• There is usually a line at the DMV, and it is not uncommon to wait an hour or two before being seen. This process will take a couple of hours at least, so don’t plan to go on a morning when you have a class before 11 am. We recommend that you arrive no later than 7:45 am in order to be at the front of the line.
• For new students and scholars only, the DMV will not process your application for a driver’s license or state ID card unless you have completed the in-person immigration check-in with the Office of Global Education. Because government systems can take a while to sync, please allow 7-10 days for the SAVE system to update your registration in SEVIS before going to the DMV.

Driver’s Liability Insurance

Vehicle owners/operators in North Carolina must posses valid liability insurance to cover them and other drivers should an accident occur. ​​​​Liability insurance must be issued by a company licensed to do business in North Carolina and each driver must be listed on the document provided for liability insurance when applying as a new driver.

​​​​​​​The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles recognizes the documents below as proof of liability insurance. Be sure to take printed information to your appointment as digital insurance information is not accepted.

Documents​

• Insurance policy from a North Carolina-licensed insurer that shows when the policy was issued and when it expires​
• North Carolina Certificate of Insurance (FS-1) showing the vehicle year, make, model and vehicle identification number
• DL-123 insurance form (provided by a North Carolina insurance company)

Learn More

• N.C. Liability Insurance Requirements
• How to Prove Insurance Coverage

How To Get a Vehicle

You have options for accessing a vehicle to drive while in the United States. What you choose to do is up to you, but be sure you know all the requirements, benefits, and restrictions before selecting your best option(s).

Purchasing & Leasing a Vehicle

Many students, especially those planning to stay in the United States for a period of time, may choose to purchase or lease their own vehicle. The Office of Global Education does not provide assistance in purchasing or leasing a vehicle, so you should do some research prior to visiting a car dealership. The process to purchase or lease a car can vary by dealership. Some may permit you to negotiate a price, some may not. Some may offer financing, others may require that you come prepared with proof of financing from another source. Some may assist with titling. Some may charge additional fees.

When you purchase a car, you will receive a Title from the owner/dealer. You will need to register the car in your name with the State of N.C. and receive license plates for the car.

Step 1: Obtain N.C. Driver’s License or State I.D.

Step 2: Gather Documents

1. Title that has been properly signed and notarized
2. N.C. driver’s license or state ID card
3. Proof of liability insurance (the insurance will likely need to be adjusted for appropriate coverage on the car)

Step 3: Pay Fees

1. Certificate of Title
2. License Plate
3. One-time State Road Tax: a percentage of purchase price or value of car

Step 4: Pay County Vehicle Tax

In 2-3 months you will receive another bill from the county for a percentage of the purchase price/road tax, you must pay this as well. Note: You will receive this bill every year you own a car that is registered in N.C.

For more information, visit the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle’s web site: North Carolina DMV. For helpful information about purchasing a car in the US, visit Cars & College: A Complete Guide.

Short-Term Car Rentals

Some rental companies in the United States require the renter to be of a certain age, oftentimes 26 years of age, although they may rent to younger individuals by charging additional fees for additional insurance coverage.

You may explore rental options through car rental agencies, or through the convenient ZipCar program with cars available (even found on campus) for hourly or day-by-day use.

If you do not plan to purchase or lease your own car, but would like a license so that you can drive a rental, you are not legally required to maintain the non-owner’s insurance after passing the test; however it is advisable to have your own insurance if you are going to borrow friends’ cars.