ROCKY MOUNT — The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is expanding its partnership with certified private driver education schools, allowing adults to complete their road tests outside of traditional DMV offices beginning March 16.
The new policy authorizes certified private driving schools across North Carolina to administer the driving skills test for adults age 18 and older seeking their first Class C driver license. Until now, private schools were only permitted to test teens moving from a Level 1 Limited Learner Permit to a Level 2 Limited Provisional License under a program launched in 2025.
DMV officials say the expansion is designed to offer greater flexibility and shorter wait times for adult applicants. Those who pass the road test at a certified school will still complete the final licensing step at a DMV office, but the change is expected to reduce congestion and streamline the process.
As with the teen program, testing fees are set by each individual school, and applicants may still choose to take the road test directly at a DMV office if they prefer.
NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine said the move is part of a broader effort to modernize the state’s licensing system.
“Extending this option to adult drivers is a natural next step in our efforts to modernize and streamline the licensing process,” Tine said. “By leveraging the certified private driver ed schools, we’re offering more choices, cutting down on wait times, and allowing our staff to focus on essential in‑office services for all North Carolinians.”
A list of certified private driver education schools authorized to conduct road tests — now including adult testing — is available on the NCDMV website.
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