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North Carolina · Permit test

How much does a North Carolina learner permit cost?

As of October 2026, a learner permit costs $25.50, whether it’s a teen’s Level 1 permit or an adult’s permit. NCDMV’s fee schedule doesn’t list a separate charge for the tests. The full Class C license is $6.50 per year it’s valid.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

The fees, step by step

WhatFee (as of October 2026)
Level 1 limited learner permit (ages 15 to 17)$25.50
Learner permit (18 and older)$25.50
Level 2 limited provisional license$25.50
Level 3 full provisional license$6.50 per year
Regular Class C license$6.50 per year
Duplicate license or permit$16.75
State ID card, under 17$16.75
Driving record (limited or complete extract)$12.75

A Class C license issued between ages 18 and 65 lasts 8 years, so at $6.50 a year that works out to $52. The handbook marks the schedule as subject to change.

Driver education costs extra

If you’re under 18, you need a driver education certificate before you can test. You can take the course through a North Carolina high school or an NCDMV-licensed driving school. NCDMV says commercial school fees vary by school, and it doesn’t set them. If you choose a private school, check that it’s licensed to teach students 18 and under.

REAL ID doesn’t cost more

A REAL ID permit or license, the one with a star, costs the same as one without. You do have to get it in person at a driver license office, with extra documents.

Paying online

Some services, like duplicates and renewals, can be paid online by card. NCDMV’s online payment service, PayIt, adds a $3 fee per transaction plus a 1.85% card processing fee. NCDMV says the state doesn’t collect that fee.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewNorth Carolina DMV permit testDMV appointmentDo you need an NC DMV appointment for the permit test?What to bringWhat to bring to get your North Carolina learner permitOnline testCan you take the North Carolina permit test online?Road signsNorth Carolina DMV sign test: what you need to knowAge rulesWhat’s the driving age in North Carolina?NC Driver HandbookThe North Carolina Driver Handbook: your permit test study guidePractice testNorth Carolina permit practice testWhere to learnWhere to study for the North Carolina permit test
Sources: North Carolina Driver Handbook (PDF), Chapter 1, NCDMV and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.