In North Carolina, teens under 18 years of age are required to complete 30 hours of classroom driver education and 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction to be eligible to obtain a Level 1: Limited learner permit. Teens must be at least 14 ½ to begin driver education classes.

https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Pages/graduated-licensing.aspx

A young adult over 18 can obtain a driver permit at the local DMV without prior classroom instruction. The individual will need to pass a 25 question test regarding rules of the roadway and legal driving requirements, the road sign test and vision test to be eligible for their permit. Two forms of identification (original birth certificate and social security card preferred) will be required. A $25.50 fee is also required.

Individualized Intervention

Special Needs Teens and young adults with cognitive, behavioral, physical or visual challenges may require individualized intervention to achieve driving independence. We have great success in aiding special needs individuals in their pursuit of independent driving.

Students referred for services will first complete a comprehensive driver evaluation. During this evaluation functional skills are assessed, adaptive equipment needs are determined, and training interventions are outlined. Assessments include testing of a student’s physical skills, vision and perceptual functioning, cognitive capacities, and behind the wheel abilities.

During behind the wheel testing, adaptive equipment may be trialed if warranted. Equipment available for trial includes a variety of styles of hand-controls, left foot accelerator, pedal extenders, booster seats, and steering orthotics.

Obtaining Services

If it is probable that driving is a realistic goal, the special need teens should complete their classroom driver’s education through their local high school prior to being seen by Driver Rehabilitation Services to complete a comprehensive driver evaluation. Often the school system is the referring and funding source. DRS has contracts with many high school driver education programs across the state.

If there is a concern regarding driver potential, the driver evaluation may be completed prior to enrolling in a classroom driver’s education course. This testing will aid in determining the best course of action.

Referrals are accepted from the teen’s parent/guardian, driver education teacher/coordinator, Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation Services) counselor or other school system personnel. We will assist the student in determining if the school system will pay for the driver evaluation. If classroom driver’s education has been completed, a copy of the teen’s restricted instruction permit (SBTS-800 form) from the teen’s school system is required prior to scheduling services.

If adaptive equipment is required, the assessment concludes with:

a) A preliminary vehicle modification prescription for anticipated vehicle modification needs.
b) Initiation of communication with DMV medical evaluation program to start the process for getting the needed adaptive equipment endorsement on the license by STEP 4.
c) Training recommendations to assure safe use of the equipment.
d) Counsel regarding appropriate stowage of mobility devices such as a walker or wheelchair.
e) Guidance regarding proper interface of all controls and devices for modification in the client’s vehicle.

Evaluations are provided by appointment only at one of our office locations.

Outcomes

Safety behind the wheel is the most important goal and is achieved through specialized intervention strategies and training outlined at the evaluation. For teens under 18, the goal is to provide sufficient behind the wheel experience that the teen and a licensed driver/parent can continue to build driving skills as required by the state of North Carolina graduated licensing process. For teens over 18, the goal is often to aid the young adult in obtaining their license by passing of the DMV road test as part of their driver training. Safe driving and independent decision making is emphasized. Specific skills required to pass the road test are coached during the training process.