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North Carolina Permit Hours: How Many You Need and How to Track Them
To get your license in North Carolina, you’ll need 60 hours of supervised driving. 10 of those have to be at night.
Requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total supervised hours | 60 |
| Night hours | 10 |
| Minimum permit age | 15 |
| Permit hold period | 9 months |
| Supervisor minimum age | 21 |
| Driver education required | Yes |
Night driving rules
North Carolina uses fixed hours for the first 6 months of the permit: night is defined as 9 PM to 5 AM. This means you don’t have to track sunset times — if you’re driving between 9 PM and 5 AM, it counts as a night drive.
What your supervisor needs to know
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. They need to sit in the front passenger seat and be ready to take over at any time.
Driver education
You can’t skip driver’s ed in North Carolina. The state requires a certified course that covers road rules, hazard awareness, and hands-on driving with an instructor. Driver education required for permit applicants under 18.
Tracking your hours
Keeping a paper log of 60 hours sounds simple until you actually try it. Moda does it for you. It tracks each session, splits day and night hours, and keeps a running total so you always know where you stand.
How many supervised driving hours does North Carolina require?
North Carolina requires 60 total supervised driving hours, with 10 of those at night.
What counts as night driving in North Carolina?
Night driving in North Carolina is defined as 9 PM to 5 AM for the first 6 months of the permit. You’ll need 10 hours of night driving.
How long do I need to hold my permit in North Carolina?
You’ll need to hold your learner’s permit for at least 9 months before you can apply for your license.