North Carolina. Easy Guide. NEW Bonus Features Inside! 5 th Edition. The Ultimate Resource For All Driver License Related Services

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1 5 th Edition NEW Bonus Features Inside! North Carolina Easy Guide The Ultimate Resource For All Driver License Related Services Direct Links To Essential Forms Step-by-Step Guides Of All Driver Services Accurate Prices, Business Hours & Locations Time-Saving Checklists & Much More Licensed by:

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4 Table of Contents Starting the Journey Page 5 Getting Your First North Carolina License Page 12 Renewing Your License Page 16 Updating Your License Page 18 Replacing Your License Page 20 Reinstating Your Driver License Page 22 Getting a North Carolina ID Card Page 24 Vehicle Safety Tips Page 27 DMV Hours and Locations Page 30 is a privately owned website that is not owned or operated by any government agency.

5 Starting the Journey Welcome to the world of driving in North Carolina! Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life. Our purpose through this guide is to make sure you get to that moment with as little stress or complications as possible. Getting your driver license in North Carolina is a smooth sailing process that only requires that you prepare slightly before embarking on the adventure. That is where we come in, we are here to help you know exactly what it is you need to prepare and how to prepare it properly. This is a process that will only take a small amount of your time, in fact the guide is specifically organized towards ensuring that you are able to get through things as quickly and organized as possible. Jam packed with information regarding everything from obtaining your learner permit, driver license, or ID card all the way to how to renew, replacing, or changing these items. We will make getting ready to drive on the friendly North Carolina roads fast and easy, so enjoy as we make life a bit less complicated. ALL DRIVERS You must also remember that the roads aren t always safe; therefore it is in your best interest to fully prepare for whatever may your way before you begin driving. When you begin driving, you not only take on the responsibility for your safety, but you also take on the responsibility of the safety your passengers and all passengers in the vehicles around you. So, in order to best prepare yourself to take on that responsibility, it is always wise to first obtain your learner s permit to be able to learn to drive properly. If you would like to understand how to obtain your learner s permit, please read the steps below: Make an appointment to visit the DMV office. Provide ONE proof of your identity, at least one must state your date of birth: o Original Birth Certificate o Valid Passport Provide ONE proof of your Social Security Number. o Social Security Card o W-2 Form 5

6 Provide ONE proof of your residency. o If you re a U.S. citizen: - Utility Bill - North Carolina Voter Precinct Card o If you re a non-u.s. citizen: - I-551 Permanent Resident Card - I-766 Employment Authorization Card ONE proof of liability insurance. o DL123 Form from your insurance company. o An insurance card with stating your name, policy number, and both the issue and expiration dates. Pass a vision test. Pass a traffic signs test. Pass a written test. Pay a fee of $20. Vision Exam Getting your vision checked before you obtain your learner s permit or driver s license is essential to ensure that you are physically capable of driving. The exam is very straight forward and will only require that you have a minimum vision of 20/40. Otherwise, if you fail your vision exam you are required to get corrective lenses. It will state on your license that you must wear corrective lenses to drive, if you drive without your lenses you will be charged the same as you would if you were driving without your license. Written Exam When it comes to obtaining your permit at first it may seem intimidating to take the exam, but once you understand how the process goes it will be less frightening to you. In order to prepare for the written exam, you will need to review all information regarding driver safety, traffic laws, and all Connecticut laws. All the information you will need to study to prepare for the test can be found in the North Carolina Driver s Manual, which you can read here. You can also prepare for the exam by taking the sample tests available by the North Carolina DMV, which you can find here. 6

7 Traffic Signs Exam You are required to pass a separate traffic signs test before you re able to obtain your learner s permit, driver s license, or renew your driver s license. In order to pass this test, you must be able to identify and explain the colors, shapes, and meaning of each sign. This test is relatively simple if you study and prepare yourself in these concepts and information, to better prepare yourself you can find all information regarding traffic signs here. TEEN DRIVERS If you re a teenager on the brink of entering adulthood, then, chances are you re currently dreaming of obtaining your driver s license. Well, we are here to help you to make that dream a reality! In each step moving towards obtaining your license, we will outline and help you to better understand each procedure you must complete. As a new driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step and fully understand how everything operates. This is to ensure that you avoid any complications, but also to be sure that you are well prepared to take on your responsibilities on the road. By completing these steps and obtaining your license, you will take those first steps towards proving you are a well prepared driver. So let s begin the journey! Step 1: Driver s Education In order to obtain your driver s license in North Carolina as a teen you will need to first either complete and obtain your high school diploma or GED, or you will have to obtain a Driving Eligibility Certificate by attending and passing a Driver s Education class in high school. In order to obtain a Driving Eligibility Certificate, you will need to fulfill these requirements: Be between 14 and half to 18 years old. Provide ONE proof of your Birth Certificate or valid Passport. Be enrolled in school. Be progressing towards obtaining a high school diploma. In your Driver s Education course you will have to complete two phases to complete and be required to take a vision test in order to pass. The first phase will consist of 30 hours of classroom instruction, while the second phase will consist of behind the wheel practice. You are allowed to move onto the second phase until you complete the first phase of the course and pass a vision test. If you do not obtain a Driving Eligibility Certificate, you will have to either graduate from high school or obtain your GED in order to apply for your driver s license. Otherwise, you will have to wait until you turn 18 years or older to obtain your adult learner s permit. 7

8 Step 2: Learner s Permit The second step you must take after you ve finished your driver s education is obtaining your learner s permit. This permit will allow you to practice driving behind the wheel until you are officially ready to obtain your limited provisional driver s license and, afterwards, your full provisional driver s license. This process is fairly simple and will take only a small amount of preparation on your part. Follow the steps below to best prepare yourself and obtain your Learner s Permit: You must be at least 15 years old. Make an appointment to visit the DMV office. Provide ONE proof of your identity, at least one must state your date of birth: o Original Birth Certificate o Valid Passport Provide ONE proof of your Social Security Number. o Social Security Card o W-2 Form Provide ONE proof of your Driving Eligibility Certificate OR Provide ONE proof of your high school diploma or equivalent. Pay a fee of $20. Once you ve completed the steps above you will receive your learner s permit and will be required to practice driving behind the wheel and fill out the Driving Log to Advance to Level 2 Limited Provisional Driver License Form (DL 4A Form), which you can find here. Step 3: Limited Provisional License The third step you must take after you ve obtained your learner s permit is obtaining your limited provisional license. This license will allow you to continue practicing to drive behind the wheel until you are officially ready to obtain your full provisional driver s license and afterwards your adult driver s license once you turn 18 years old. This process 8

9 is fairly simple and will take only a small amount of preparation on your part. Follow the steps below to best prepare yourself and obtain your Limited Provisional License: Make an appointment to visit the DMV office. Fill out the Driving Log to Advance to Level 2 Limited Provisional Driver License Form (DL 4A Form) here. Be at least 16 years old, but not older than 18 years old. Have a Limited Learner Permit for at least 12 months. Have no convictions involving moving violations or cell phone/ seatbelt infractions within the last six months. Provide ONE proof of liability insurance. Pass a road test. Pay a fee of $20. After you ve completed the steps above you will receive your limited provisional license and will be will be given more freedom to practice driving. In order to move towards obtaining your full provisional license will need to fill out the Driving Log to Advance to Level 3 Full Provisional Driver License Form (DL4B Form), which you can find here. Step 4: Full Provisional License The last step before you are able to move towards obtaining your adult driver s license is obtaining your full provisional license after you have held a limited provisional license. This license will grant you much more freedom than any of your previous licenses and permits and will allow you to see how driving as an adult will be once you turn 18 years old. This process is fairly simple and will take only a small amount of preparation on your part. Follow the steps below to best prepare yourself and obtain your Full Provisional License: Make an appointment to visit the DMV office. Fill out the Driving Log to Advance to Level 3 Full Provisional Driver License Form (DL4B Form) here. Have a Limited Provisional License for at least six months. 9

10 Have no convictions involving moving violations or cell phone/seatbelt infractions within the last six months. Pay a fee of $5, every year. After you ve completed the steps above you will receive your limited provisional license, but please remember to read the restrictions that will be in place for you while you hold each license below. Restrictions While you hold your learner s permit you will have certain restrictions on what you can do while driving depending on the level of your driver s license. These restrictions are meant to keep you and other drivers safe by preventing the possibility of putting you in a situation in which you are unable to handle at your current skill level. Dates Please read and follow the restrictions below which were set by the DMV: Learner s Permit Restrictions Must be accompanied by a driving supervisor. During the first six months you can only drive between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. while accompanied by your supervisor. You are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving a vehicle. Limited Provisional License Restrictions You are not allowed to drive unsupervised between the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. o Unless you are driving directly to or from work or from volunteering as a fire or emergency service. You are not allowed to have passengers younger 21 years old in your vehicle when driving unsupervised. You are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving a vehicle. Full Provisional License Restrictions You are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving a vehicle. 10

11 Tip Make sure you verify your address on your documents or temporary license/id before you leave the DMV, and if it is incorrect notify a DMV representative immediately before you leave. 11

12 Getting Your First Driver License Congratulations! If you have gone through the steps of getting your Driver s Permit in North Carolina, then you are now only one step closer to of obtaining your driver license. And we re sure you are more than ready to finish the process. Well no need to worry because the process is almost over! Now it s only a matter of mastering the art of driving to get your license. All that is required now is that you follow the steps below that best fit your situation to officially hold that brand new license. DRIVING TEST Taking a driving test is necessary in order for the DMV to determine your driving skills level. The first part of the exam, which includes a safety check, will show the examiner that you have an acceptable level regarding your vehicle. When you go to take your driving test, you are required to provide a vehicle that is both insured, and passes the safety requirements. Continue to read the points below to understand better what will happen during your test from start to finish! To begin the examiner will judge and grade you based on your ability to obey instructions and perform the tasks, such as: Being able to properly adjust your seat, mirror, seatbelts, before driving. Obeying Traffic Signs and Signals Using Your Turn Signals Going In Reverse Parking Observing the Intersection Yielding to Right of Way Responding Appropriately to Emergency Vehicles Making Appropriate Turns As well as any other instructions the examiner gives you during the test. The road test will not be very long and won t require that you know anything beyond the standard knowledge and skill on how to operate a vehicle. This test is relatively simple if you study and prepare yourself in these concepts and information, to better prepare yourself you can find all information regarding the driving test and basic driving skills here. 12

13 ADULT DRIVERS: NEVER HAD A DRIVER LICENSE If you are 18 years old or older, have never had a license and are now looking to obtaining one then, you have come to the right place. You are not be required to obtain a learner s permit before applying for your driver s license but it is wise as it will provide you with additional practice behind the wheel before you have to take your driving test and obtain your driver s license. You will be able to apply for a driver s license regardless of how long you ve held onto your learner s permit. Getting a license for first-time drivers is a very simple process through the state of North Carolina by first following the steps on how to apply. If you would like to understand how to obtain your learner s permit, please read the steps below: Make an appointment to visit the DMV office. Provide ONE proof of your identity, at least one must state your date of birth: o Original Birth Certificate o Valid Passport Provide ONE proof of your Social Security Number. o Social Security Card o W-2 Form Provide ONE proof of your residency. o If you re a U.S. citizen: - Utility Bill - North Carolina Voter Precinct Card o If you re a non-u.s. citizen: - I-551 Permanent Resident Card - I-766 Employment Authorization Card ONE Proof of liability insurance. o DL123 Form from your insurance company. o An insurance card with stating your name, policy number, and both the issue and expiration dates. 13

14 Take a photo. Pay the fee of $5 every year. If you have never obtained a permit before, you will also be required to take the following tests before you can obtain your driver s license: Pass a vision test. Pass a traffic signs test. Pass a written test. After the above steps have been completed you will receive a Temporary Driving Certificate which will be valid until your permanent driver s license arrives in the mail within the next 20 days. ADULT DRIVERS: NEW RESIDENT If you already hold a license from another state and have become a new resident of North Carolina, you will need to obtain a North Carolina license within 60 days. However, if have resided in North Carolina for less than 12 months, you are only be allowed to obtain a driver s license after the DMV has conducted a background search on you on the National Sex Offender Public Registry. In order to obtain a driver s license from North Carolina if you ve recently became a resident, you will be required to already hold a valid out of state driver s license. It is also very important to make sure that your license is not suspended, canceled, or revoked in order to obtain a valid driver s license within this term though. If the out of state license you hold is no longer valid, or does not meet these standards, you will need to follow the requirements of your former state to reinstate your driver s license or whatever you may need to do to make it valid once again. So, let s begin so you can obtain your North Carolina license as soon as possible! You will also be required to take the following tests before you can obtain your driver s license: Pass a written test. Pass a vision test. Pass a traffic signs test. Pass a driving test. 14

15 After the above steps have been completed, you will receive a Temporary Driving Certificate which will be valid until your permanent driver s license arrives in the mail within the next 20 days. Tip Avoid the long lines and make an appointment to visit your local DMV office to ensure that your next visit goes fast and smoothly. 15

16 Renewing Your License Oh no, my license has expired! That is something no one ever wants to have to say, as it means you no longer hold a legal license to drive. This means a loss of freedom and the risk of getting a ticket, so it is best to renew your license as soon as you notice the expiration date creeping up on you. But before you renew your license, it is best that you thoroughly comprehend the process so that you can avoid any error or issues that may occur. So, to begin, you must remember that a North Carolina driver s license expires every eight years if you are between the ages of 18 and 65 years old. However, North Carolina allows you to renew your license every five years instead if you are 66 or older. Take these steps to renew your driver s license in person: OR Hand over your driver s license. Provide ONE proof of your Social Security Number. It will only be required if it is not already on file at the DMV: Provide ONE proof of your identity: o Birth Certificate. o Valid Passport Provide ONE proof of your Social Security Number. It will only be required if it is not already on file at the DMV: Pass a vision test. Provide ONE proof of your Social Security Number. It will only be required if it is not already on file at the DMV: o Social Security card o W-2 Form 16

17 Pass a vision test. Pass a traffic sign recognition test. Pay a fee of $5.00, every year. If you would like to provide any other acceptable documents to show ONE proof of residency or identity, please click here. After you do the above steps, your driver s license will be renewed and will be valid for another five to eight years, depending on your age. RENEWING BY MAIL Renewing your driver s license through the mail is only available through the DMV if you are either temporarily out of state, or active duty military personnel. In the case that you have been living temporarily out of state for the past 30 days or more, you will be able to apply by mail to obtain a temporary license rather than a new permanent license. However, if you are active duty military personnel or family member you are able to obtain a permanent driver s license when renewing through the mail. In order to qualify to renew your driver s license in the mail you must be able to meet certain requirements, including the following: Your license has only expired within the last year. Your photo is on file at the DMV. Your Social Security Number is on file at the DMV. You have a permanent verifiable North Carolina address. If you meet the above criteria, you can then apply for a temporary or renewed driver s license by contacting the DMV office to receive further information on how to progress by renewing by mail. You can do this either by phone at (919) or contact through by clicking here. Tip Make sure you read through the North Carolina Driver s Handbook in order to best prepare for the written, traffic signs, and driving test. If you would like to read the handbook, you can read the handbook here. 17

18 Updating Your License Information Now your life may be coming to a turning point, which can mean changes both as big as changing your name to a more subtle change such as moving neighborhoods. Either way, this information is essential to your identification, which includes your driver licenses. So how can you ensure that these changes are made to your driver license should you ever need them to be made? Well, naturally you only need to inform the North Carolina DMV of these changes. To better understand the process and steps you have to take you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below. CHANGING YOUR NAME Making the decision to change your name is not only a big personal decision. But it will also greatly affect your documents and general information in regards to your identity. If you have officially changed your name then you will surely be required to change your name on all of your identification documents and cards, including your driver license. By law you are required to request a duplicate driver s license within 60 days from the time the change of address happens. Now how to do this is very simple, all you must do is follow the steps below that best apply to your situation: Go to the Social Security Administrative Office and change your name with them. Allow at least 48 hours to pass after your visit. Make an appointment to visit the DMV office. Provide ONE proof of your name change: o Marriage Certificate o Court Order o Divorce Decree After you ve done these steps you will have officially have changed your name on your driver s license and will receive your duplicate driver s license reflecting the change. 18

19 CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS In the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your driver license. By law you are required to request a duplicate driver s license within 60 days from the time the change of address happens. When it comes time to replacing or updating your address on your driver s license the process is identical to that of replacing your driver s license. If you would like to take a look at the steps to take in order to change your address on your driver s license, please take a look at the Replacing Your License section. Tip Before you go to the DMV to change your name on your license, permit or ID card, you must make sure that the Social Security office has updated your file with your new name. Otherwise, the DMV office will not allow you to change your name. It takes a minimum of 24 hours for the Social Security Office to update information in files, so make sure to plan ahead. 19

20 Replacing Your License Oh my, something s happened to your license! What can you do now? Well the North Carolina DMV will help you in obtaining a new driver license as soon as possible in the case that your license may have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or if you never even received your license in the first place. In any case, you will be able to effortlessly replace it with a new duplicate license. All it requires of you is to do a few things. Please take the steps below in order to replace your driver s license in person: Hand over your driver s license. OR Provide ONE proof of your identity: o Birth Certificate o Valid Passport Pay a fee of $13. After you do the above steps, your driver s license will be replaced and will be valid for another five years if you are 66 years or older, or eight years if you re between the ages of 18 to 65 years old. REPLACING ONLINE In the case that you are unable to visit DMV office in person or would prefer to replace your driver s license online. The North Carolina also allows for you to replace your driver s license if you are able to meet the following requirements: You have your photo on file with the DMV. You have a valid Social Security Number. You do not have a suspended license. You do not have any outstanding debt owed to the DMV. If you meet the above criteria, you can then replace your driver s license online by filling out your information here. 20

21 Tip The DMV offices accept payments in cash, money orders, and personal checks payable to the DMV. However, some offices accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit and debit cards. Call ahead to confirm. 21

22 Reinstating Your License In order to qualify to reinstate your license, you will have to have completed all of the required time for your restraining order. The DMV department will only reinstate your driver s license if you complete all of the necessary requirements to remove any restraining orders from your license. There are many reasons you might have a suspended driver s license which, therefore, means there are multiple ways your driver s license can be suspended, it all depends on the situation. If you need any information or clarification regarding your suspended license or under what condition it falls under, please take a look at the North Carolina Driver s Handbook here. So, try to not stress yourself out about the little stuff because that s why we re here. Instead, just take your time going through the process and information necessary to begin reinstating your license! In addition to criminal penalties that the court might mandate, conviction of certain traffic offenses will result in the loss of your driving privilege. The DMV will suspend your driving privilege as soon as it receives the conviction report from the court. In order to reinstate your driver s license, please follow these steps: Visit the DMV office. Provide ONE proof of your identity. o Driver License o Birth Certificate Pay the necessary restoration fee of $65. o The fee will cost $130 if your suspension is DWI related. Reapply for a new driver s license. Provide ONE proof of insurance, if necessary. 22

23 DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED (DWI) It is a serious offense to drive while impaired due to either alcohol and/or drugs. In North Carolina you must be at least 21 years old in order to purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol. If you are caught try to purchase alcohol either for yourself or another minor, you will receive a minimum of one year suspension. However, if you are 21 years or older, your suspension will depend on the type of DWI offense. First Conviction your driver s license will be revoked for one year. Second Conviction your driver s license will be revoked for four years if your previous offense happened within the last three years. Third Conviction your driver s license will be revoked permanently if your previous two offenses happened within the last five years. Fourth Conviction your driver s license will be revoked permanently and will be considered a felony if your last three offenses occurred within the last seven years. Tip If you require further information regarding reinstating your driver s license consult the North Carolina Driver s Handbook here or you can also call the DMV office at

24 Getting a North Carolina ID Card If you are not able to or not interested in obtaining a driver s license it is then important that you consider getting an ID card instead. An ID card is essential because it is the easiest manner in which someone else can identify you when necessary, whether it be an authority figure such as the police or if you simply need to provide one proof of your identity such as at the DMV office. If you are considering obtaining your first North Carolina ID card, then you will need to know the proper procedures and steps to take, and that is where we come in! We will help guide you through the process in this section on how to obtain, replace, renew, and update your ID card so you will be well prepared for all situations. When it comes time to obtain your ID card the process is very simple, all it requires is that you take the following steps: Provide ONE proof of your identity, at least one must state your date of birth: o Original Birth Certificate o Valid Passport Provide ONE proof of your Social Security Number. o Social Security Card o W-2 Form Provide ONE proof of your residency. o Utility Bill o North Carolina Voter Precinct Card Pay the fee of $13. You can also apply for a Voter ID card, which is available for those who are registered to vote in North Carolina but do not yet have an ID card. If you are applying for a No-Fee ID card, you will also be required to fulfill the following requirements in order to qualify: You must be registered to vote in North Carolina. You cannot already have an ID card. 24

25 After you ve taken the above steps you will receive your permanent ID card within the next 10 days. RENEWING YOUR ID CARD If you wish to obtain a renewed ID card, you only have to provide the following documents: Provide ONE proof of your identity, at least one must state your date of birth: o Original Birth Certificate o Valid Passport Provide ONE proof of your Social Security Number. o Social Security Card o W-2 Form Provide ONE proof of your residency. o Utility Bill o North Carolina Voter Precinct Card Pay the fee of $13. After you ve taken the above steps, you will receive your permanent ID card within the next 10 days. REPLACING YOUR ID CARD If you wish to replace your ID card in person, you only have to provide the following documents: Provide ONE proof of your identity, such as: o Birth Certificate o Social Security Card o Passport If you would like to replace your ID card online however, you will need to make sure that the DMV office has your Social Security Number on file. If you have confirmed that the DMV office does in fact have your Social Security number on file, you can then take the following steps to replace your ID card online: Click here 25

26 Input your ID Number. Input your Social Security Number or U.S. Visa. Input your date of birth. Provide your address. Pay the fee of $13. o You must pay with a valid card, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. After you ve taken the above steps, you will receive your permanent ID card within the next 10 days. UPDATING YOUR ID CARD If you wish to change the information on your ID card, such as your name or address you can do so easily through the DMV. In the case that you need to change your address you can simply replace your ID card with the new address. However, order to change your name on your ID card you ll have to take the following steps: Go to the Social Security Administrative Office and change your name with them. Allow at least 48 hours to pass after your visit. Make an appointment to visit the DMV office. Provide ONE proof of your name change: o Marriage Certificate o Court Order o Divorce Decree After you ve taken the above steps you will receive your permanent ID card within the next 10 days. Tip You can obtain a No-Fee ID card if you are homeless, legally blind, 70 years or older, or have had your driver s license cancelled due to a physical or mental disability illness. You will have to take the same steps as you would to obtain a regular ID card, except you are not be required to pay the $13 fee. 26

27 Vehicle Safety Tips Before getting behind the wheel, it s important that the vehicle is prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. EMERGENCY KIT One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel. WINTER DRIVING One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows or is prone to ice. Consider these tips below to drive safely during the winter. Don t Rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment. Don t Panic If You Skid or Slip In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control. Check Your Vehicle Before you leave your house make sure your vehicle s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive, or worse, flying off and hitting someone while in motion! 27

28 DRINKING AND DRIVING Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These events can be prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking certain steps. Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation. If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically or turning abruptly call and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car. USING YOUR PHONE Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous things you can do. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure you don t text, use the internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible. THINGS TO AVOID Driving isn t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while driving on the road. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring. Car Accidents One way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this, regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic. Wasting Gas If you drive often, start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring you save some money in the long run. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable 28

29 and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well-tuned, and that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle s needs. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent onroad aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physical harassment towards another driver, or preventing another driver from merging or passing. If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe, and continue moving. 29

30 DMV Hours and Locations If you ever need to visit a DMV office in person, it is essential that you find the office nearest to you to avoid having to travel too far. In order to find the DMV closest to your location, along with further information regarding the office such as its business hours and contact information, please click here. In the case that you may need to contact the North Carolina DMV, you can contact one of the following s below depending based on your needs. The customer service representatives are available during the business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To contact regarding Driver License Information, please click here. To contact regarding Duplicate Driver License Online click here. If you have any questions, you can contact the following number: North Carolina DMV: If you need to contact the North Carolina DMV office through mail, please send your letters to the following addresses based on the service you need: Driver License Services 3114 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC Driver License Hearings 3116 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC Driver License Restoration Fees 3111 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC

31 In/Out of State Citations, Address Changes 3120 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC All DMV offices in North Carolina operate with these hours during the following holidays: New Year s Day - January 1 Martin Luther King Day - January 18 Good Friday - March 25 Memorial Day - May 30 Independence Day - July 4 Labor Day - September 5 Veterans Day - November 11 Thanksgiving - November 24 & 25 Christmas - December 23, 26, and 27 31

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