FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about learning to drive in North Carolina.
How old do you have to be to start driver education in North Carolina?
+
Teens can start driver education at 14½ so they can apply for a limited learner permit at 15 after finishing the 30-hour classroom and 6-hour behind-the-wheel course.
What ages do you teach?
+
We teach students from 14 to 90 — teens, adults, new residents and seniors.
Where is Carolina Driving School located?
+
We are based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and serve Greensboro, High Point, Thomasville, Burlington, Graham and the wider Triad. We're licensed to teach anywhere in the state.
Do you pick students up from home?
+
Free home pick-up is for students who already hold a license: adults, and teens taking remedial or additional driving lessons. Teens in the 30-hour classroom + 6-hour behind-the-wheel program come to our location; after they finish that program, we can pick them up.
Are you licensed?
+
Yes. We are licensed and bonded by the NC DMV, and our Driver Improvement classes are AAA certified.
Can I use your car for my road test?
+
Yes. Students may use our driver education car for their DMV road test.
Can I take my road test with you instead of at the DMV?
+
Yes. We are certified by the NC DMV to give private road tests for teens moving from a learner permit to a provisional license and for adults moving from a learner's permit to a driver license.
When are lessons available?
+
We offer flexible scheduling seven days a week, by appointment.
How long has the school been around?
+
Carolina Driving School was founded in 1963 by W.R. Davis, a former NC Highway Patrol driver licensing supervisor, and has operated continuously for over 60 years.
How do I book a lesson?
+
Call 336-722-0584 or send a request through our contact page and we'll get back to you to schedule.
What driver education does a teen need in North Carolina?
+
North Carolina requires teens to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training before they can get a limited learner permit. Carolina Driving School offers the full course in Winston-Salem.
Can adults take driving lessons in Winston-Salem?
+
Yes. Carolina Driving School teaches adults of any age, from complete beginners to experienced drivers who want a refresher, with private one-on-one lessons scheduled seven days a week.
Can I use a driving school car for my NC road test?
+
Yes. Carolina Driving School students can use our insured driver education car for their North Carolina DMV road test.
Can I take my North Carolina road test with a driving school instead of the DMV?
+
Yes. Carolina Driving School is certified by the NC DMV to give private road tests to teens moving from a learner permit to a provisional license and to adults moving from a learner's permit to a driver license. Call us or send a request to schedule.
What is a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) class?
+
A DIP class is a defensive driving course for drivers who have received traffic tickets. Completing one may be requested by a court or attorney to help reduce the impact on your license and insurance. Carolina Driving School offers AAA-certified DIP classes.
How can I tell if an older parent is still safe to drive?
+
A professional senior driving evaluation gives an objective assessment on real roads. Carolina Driving School provides respectful evaluations for seniors and medical or insurance needs, with clear recommendations for the family.
Do you offer refresher lessons for licensed drivers?
+
Yes. Carolina Driving School offers remedial and defensive driving lessons for anyone with a permit or license who wants to improve skills, fix habits or rebuild confidence.
Ready to get behind the wheel?
Lessons seven days a week. Free home pick-up for licensed drivers.