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Getting An NC Driver's License: Why Do I Need One?

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149 views2 pages

Getting An NC Driver's License: Why Do I Need One?

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mail4moorthy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Getting an NC Driver’s License

Why do I need one?


A driver’s license serves two purposes: permission to drive and identification.
To drive legally in North Carolina, you must have a valid (non-expired):
 NC driver’s license, OR
 Driver’s license from another state, OR
 Driver’s license issued by the government of your home/resident country

Anyone whose legal residence is outside the state of North Carolina is considered a “non-resident” and can
drive using their home country or home state license. This includes all F-1 Visa holders. Note that North
Carolina does not recognize the International Driver’s License (IDL).
If you plan on purchasing a car, you will need either a NC driver’s license, state ID or Learner’s Permit.

Application Process
For detailed information, please visit www.ncdot.org/dmv/driver_services/drivingpublic/applying.html

Bring the following with you to the DMV:  An insurance card with: your name, policy
1. Proof of Identity. All items below are required number, issued and expiration date.
 Passport (with valid visa date)
 I-20
Once at the DMV you will need to:
1. Present the above documentation.
 I-94 card (printed from online or stapled in-
2. Pass the tests
side your passport)
 Vision
2. Proof of Residency.
 Traffic signs
Pick one of the following. (Original, not a photocopy)
 Knowledge of motor vehicle laws
 Utility bill or bank statement addressed to
 Driving skills (on-road test in your car with a
you at a street address (not a P.O. box)
DMV examiner).
 Your signed lease agreement for a local
Note: To practice for the tests on traffic signs and
house/apartment
motor vehicle laws, visit
3. Proof of Automobile Liability Insurance.
www.ncdot.gov/dmv/driver/license/test/
Pick one of the following.
to download the manual and access a practice test.
 Form DL123 issued by your auto insurance
agent 3. Pay the fee of $4 per year for a new license by cash
 An original liability insurance policy binder or check (NO DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS)

DMV Locations
South Durham Driver License Office East Durham Driver License Office
3821 South Roxboro Street, Suite 119 101 South Miami Boulevard
Beside Kroger Telephone: 919-560-6896
Telephone: 919-560-3379 or 919-560-3379 Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30
Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30
DATA Bus 7 goes to the South Durham Office
For other locations in Chapel Hill or Raleigh: www.ncdot.gov/dmv/contact/

Prepared by Durham Tech Center For the Global Learner 3/2013 - Some information was provided by Duke’s International House
Getting an NC Driver’s License
Learner’s Permit, State ID Card and Restricted License
LEARNER’S PERMIT STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD RESTRICTED LICENSE
1. Proof of Identity: Same as for NC 1. Proof of Identity: Same as for NC (For use with rental cars ONLY)
Driver’s License Driver’s License Same requirements as the full driver’s
2. Proof of Residency: Same as for NC 2.Proof of Residency: Same as for NC license except does not require auto
Driver’s License Driver’s License insurance. Can only be used with rental
3. Pass a computerized test of vision, 3.Pay $10 fee by cash or check cars. When renting a car, you must
traffic sign identification, and purchase liability auto insurance from
knowledge of motor vehicle laws. the rental car agency.
The driving test is not required. NOTE: If you are caught driving a
4. Pay $15 fee by cash or check private car with the restricted license,
you will be subject to the same punish-
ment as driving without a license.

Grace Period and OPT Extensions


Grace Period Extension (60 days for F-1) Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extensions
Take your license to the DMV no fewer than 20 days OPT approved documents must be shown in order to
before the expiration date on your I-20. Be sure to extend the expiration date on your drivers license.
bring all three pages of your I-20.
For spouses, they can go to the DMV without the
approval documents IF the principal visa holder goes
with them to the DMV. The Principal Visa Holder must
also bring his/her EAD card.

Liability Insurance

Types of Automobile Insurance Coverage


Liability Insurance: Payment for losses you cause others while driving. This is usually the minimum
amount of insurance you can buy. You must have liability insurance to get a driver’s license in North Carolina. If
you don’t own a car, you must get “non-owner’s liability insurance”.
Collision Insurance: Payment for repair of your car when it is damaged in a collision, even if you are at
fault.
Comprehensive Insurance: Payment for the repair of your car due to non -collision loss, such as theft, storm
damage or vandalism.
Medical Payments Insurance: Payment for medical expenses for accident injuries to yourself or
passengers.

To Purchase Required Liability Insurance you need:


1. Your Passport
2. Money to cover your 1st insurance payment. (Non-owner’s liability insurance costs $1,200 for 6 months)
3. Valid Driver’s License from home or North Carolina Driver’s License or Permit

See the handout entitled “Auto Insurance Companies” for a list of local Auto Insurance Agents.

Prepared by Durham Tech Center For the Global Learner 3/2013 - Some information was provided by Duke’s International House

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