Do you need an NC DMV appointment for the permit test?

Booking an appointment

New appointments are released every weekday, up to seven days out. You’ll get a reminder the day before with a link to cancel. If you picked the wrong service, staff can fix it when you check in.

1. Go to NCDMV’s driver license appointments page and choose “Make an appointment.”
2. Enter your ZIP code. You can’t search by date alone.
3. Pick the service, such as a teen learner permit, and an open time at a nearby office.
4. Confirm by text or email within 15 minutes, or the slot is released.
5. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early, but not more than 15. If you’re 15 minutes late or more, the appointment is cancelled.

Walking in instead

Driver license offices take walk-ins from opening until closing, or until they reach capacity. You can check in with your phone, then wait in your car or a nearby business and watch your place in line online. You’ll get a text when it’s your turn.

The handbook says most offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and some offices in smaller towns open only on certain days. We couldn’t confirm Saturday hours, so check your office in NCDMV’s office locator before you go.

Finding an office

Use NCDMV’s office locator to find driver license offices near you, including in Charlotte, Raleigh and other cities, with estimated wait times. License plate agencies are different offices, and you can’t book appointments there.

Need an interpreter?

You can ask for ASL or a language interpreter online when you book. Tests are offered in several languages, and audio tests are available on request if reading is hard for you.