NC bill would expedite licenses for teens amid DMV delays

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina House Transportation Committee has advanced a bill that could get teen drivers on the road faster.

House Bill 584 would temporarily allow 16 and 17-year-olds in the state to get a limited provisional, also known as a level two license after six months of holding a learner’s permit. That’s three months shorter than what the current law dictates.

The bill would also cut a requirement that people under 18-years-old seeking a license get a letter from their school vouching for them. If passed, driving log requirements would also be eliminated. That comes after a request from the NC Department of Motor Vehicles, according to bill sponsor Rep. David Willis, R-Union.

Supporters argue the changes would allow some work around for ongoing delays at DMV locations across North Carolina. 

“The only appointment for Union County right now is three months out,” said Rep. Willis. “These kids are being held back unwillingly. They’re unable to get a driver’s license or permit in a timely fashion.”