Who Needs Driver Education?

Eligibility

Students who are at least 14½ years old and are pursuing a high school diploma or GED are eligible to enroll in an approved Driver Education course provided by North Carolina high schools. A birth certificate or passport is required at enrollment.

Course Structure

Driver Education consists of two phases:

• Classroom Instruction: 30 hours of coursework and an eye exam

• Behind-the-Wheel Training: 6 hours of supervised driving

Upon completion, students receive a Driver Education Certificate (Form 452), which is required to apply for a Level One Limited Learner Permit—the first step in North Carolina’s Graduated Licensing Process for drivers under 18.

Special Circumstances

Students Age 18 or Older

Students who are 18 years old and still enrolled in a public, private, charter, or licensed home school in Cumberland County may still take Driver Education. However:

• They must first apply for a North Carolina Learner’s Permit at the DMV.

• A copy of the permit must be submitted to the driver education teacher or office.

• Once received, the student will be placed on the “ready-to-drive” list.

• Students 18 or older must bring their permit to all behind-the-wheel lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake Driver Education if I fail or drop out?

No. If you fail or drop out of a Cumberland County Schools driver education course, you are not eligible to re-enroll in the public program. You must attend a commercial driving school.

Do I have to wait until I’m 18 to get my license?

No. A student who:

• Takes Driver Education at 14½

• Applies for a Limited Learner Permit at 15

• Is then eligible for a Limited Provisional License at 16

How do I get a Driver Education Certificate (Form 452)?

You’ll receive Form 452 from your behind-the-wheel instructor after completing:

• 30 hours of classroom instruction

• 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving

Does Form 452 expire?

No. The Driver Education Certificate – Form 452 never expires.

What is a Driver Eligibility Certificate (DEC)?

A DEC verifies:

• The student is passing at least 70% of courses

• The student has not dropped out of school

The student’s high school provides the DEC. It is valid for 30 days.

Students 18 and older do not need a DEC to apply for a permit or license.

I’m homeschooled. How do I get a DEC?

Contact the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (NCDOA) at 984-236-0110 or visit their website for more information.

Out-of-County or Out-of-State Driver Education

I took Driver Education in another NC county. Do I have to retake it?

Call the Driver Education Center at 910-678-2526 for help with transferring your records.

I’m under 18 and have a permit from another state. Do I need to take Driver Education in Cumberland County?

Driver Education requirements vary by state. Call 910-678-2526 to determine if your course meets North Carolina standards.

I have a Driver Education certificate from another state. Can it be converted to a NC certificate?

Possibly. Call the Driver Education Center at 910-678-2526 to determine eligibility for conversion to Form 452.

I completed Driver Education and have a learner’s permit from another state. Will North Carolina count that time toward the one-year permit requirement?

This is a DMV matter. Please contact a North Carolina DMV office for an official answer.

• Driver Education Homepage

• Meet the Team

• Registration

• All About Us

• Class Schedules and Times

• Dismissal Policy

• Driver Education Resources

• Fees

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Limited Learner Permit Information

• North Carolina Graduated Licensing Law

• Qualifications To Enroll

1014 Gillespie Street
Fayetteville, NC  28306

Phone:  910-678-2526

Morris Hargrove
morrishargrove@ccs.k12.nc.us
Coordinator


Bookkeeper Tracey Taylor
traceytaylor@ccs.k12.nc.us