Bill to help teens get their driver’s license during COVID-19 pandemic passes NC House, heads to governor

Raleigh, NC – Today, the NC General Assembly approved and sent to the Governor a bipartisan bill to temporarily waive the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) road tests to allow teen drivers to receive their level two limited provisional license during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The applicant must still meet all other requirements to obtain the license, which includes passing driver’s education and at least 60 hours of supervised driving. Furthermore, any driver who receives a waiver must pass a road test to obtain their full level three provisional license in the future.

The waiver only applies to those 18 and under and would expire once the DMV resumes road test.

“I have heard from countless parents and students who are asking for help due to the DMV no longer offering road tests,” said House Majority Leader John Bell. “After talking with officials at the DMV, insurance commissioners and representatives for insurance companies and others, we believe this is the right approach to help those impacted and prevent a growing backlog at the DMV while still requiring driver’s education programs and behind-the-wheel instruction for these students.”

"This bipartisan legislation will help many North Carolinians. We appreciated the assistance and collaboration we received from DMV to find a solution to this issue. We hope the Governor will sign this non- controversial legislation into law quickly,” Rep. Chris Humphrey and Senator Jim Perry said.

The bill would also provide temporary accommodations for students enrolled in driver’s education in the spring 2020 semester if they have completed at least 15 hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

It now awaits the Governor's signature.