North Carolina requires unlicensed drivers 18 and older to complete an alcohol and drug awareness course

Original title: Driver Educ./18 Yrs & Older & Unlicensed.

Last action · April 30, 2025: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate action)Sponsors: Lowery and 10 others

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Committee

Floor Vote

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What This Bill Would Do

Unlicensed drivers age 18 and older applying for a North Carolina driver's license must complete a three-hour alcohol and drug abuse awareness course starting October 1, 2025, unless they hold an out-of-state license or completed a state-approved driver education course.

Why it matters

First-time adult driver's license applicants must pay a fee to an approved third-party vendor and complete three hours of instruction on traffic safety, vehicle laws, and the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

unlicensed drivers 18 years and older applying for a drivers license

Applicants must complete a three-hour awareness course and pay a fee to obtain a license, unless an exemption applies.

Directly affected

third-party vendors

Vendors must obtain certification from the Division, comply with course requirements, and collect fees from attendees.

Key Facts

All driver's license applicants aged 18 and older who are unlicensed must complete an alcohol and drug abuse awareness course.
Applicants licensed in another state or those who completed a Department of Education driver education course are exempt.
The required course must be three hours long and can be completed online or in person.
Course content must cover the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and drugs, motor vehicle laws, and high-risk driving behaviors like fatigue, aggression, and distraction.

Show all 7 facts

The Division will utilize and certify third-party vendors to offer the course and maintain oversight of their operations.
Course attendees must pay a fee set by the Division.
The legislation becomes effective on October 1, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who must take the alcohol and drug abuse awareness course?

All applicants for a driver's license who are 18 years and older and are unlicensed, including those licensed in another country, must take the course unless they meet specific exemptions.

Are there any exemptions from taking the course?

Yes. Applicants who are already licensed in another U.S. state or who have satisfactorily completed a Department of Education driver education course are exempt.

How is the course delivered and how long does it take?

The course is three hours long and may be taken either online or in person through certified third-party vendors.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently passed chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.

Procedural history

16 actions

Apr 30, 2025Senate
Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate
Apr 30, 2025Senate
Passed 1st Reading
Apr 30, 2025Senate
Regular Message Received From House
Apr 30, 2025House
Regular Message Sent To Senate
Apr 29, 2025House
Passed 3rd Reading
Apr 29, 2025House
Passed 2nd Reading

Show 10 earlier actions

Apr 15, 2025House
Placed On Cal For 04/29/2025
Apr 15, 2025House
Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
Apr 15, 2025House
Reptd Fav
Apr 9, 2025House
Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
Apr 9, 2025House
Withdrawn From Com
Apr 9, 2025House
Re-ref Com On Finance
Apr 9, 2025House
Reptd Fav Com Substitute
Feb 27, 2025House
Ref to the Com on Transportation, if favorable, Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House
Feb 27, 2025House
Passed 1st Reading
Feb 25, 2025HouseIntroduced
Filed

Version history

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