Frequently Asked Questions
Who Needs Driver Education?
In North Carolina, anyone under the age of 18 who wishes to obtain a learner’s permit or driver’s license must complete a Driver Education course. The course includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
In Cumberland County, Driver Education is offered outside the regular school day and is not part of the school curriculum.
Course Structure
Driver Education consists of two phases:
Classroom Instruction: 30 hours of coursework and an eye exam
Behind-the-Wheel Training: 6 hours of supervised driving
Upon completion, students receive a Driver Education Certificate (Form 452), which is required to apply for a Level One Limited Learner Permit—the first step in North Carolina’s Graduated Licensing Process for drivers under 18.
Special Circumstances
Students Age 18 or Older before the behind-the-wheel portion
Students who are 18 years old and still enrolled in a public, private, charter, or licensed home school in Cumberland County may still take Driver Education. However:
They must first apply for a North Carolina Learner’s Permit at the DMV.
A copy of the permit must be submitted to the driver education teacher or office.
Once received, the student will be placed on the “ready-to-drive” list.
Students 18 or older must bring their permit to all behind-the-wheel lessons.
Can I retake Driver Education if I fail or drop out?
No. If you fail or drop out of a Cumberland County Schools driver education course, you are not eligible to re-enroll in the public program. You must attend a commercial driving school.
Do I have to wait until I’m 18 to get my license?
No. A student who:
Takes Driver Education at 14½
Applies for a Limited Learner Permit at 15
Is then eligible for a Limited Provisional License at 16
How do I get a Driver Education Certificate (Form 452)?
You’ll receive Form 452 from your behind-the-wheel instructor after completing:
30 hours of classroom instruction
6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving
Does Form 452 expire?
No. The Driver Education Certificate – Form 452 never expires.
What is a Driver Eligibility Certificate (DEC)?
As of October 1, 2026, the DEC is no longer required. Driver Education itself is still required, so you will still need an NC Driver Education Certificate.
I took Driver Education in another NC county. Do I have to retake it?
Call the Driver Education Center at 910-678-2526 for help with transferring your records.
I’m under 18 and have a permit from another state. Do I need to take Driver Education in Cumberland County?
Driver Education requirements vary by state. Call 910-678-2526 to determine if your course meets North Carolina standards.
I have a Driver Education certificate from another state. Can it be converted to a NC certificate?
Call the Driver Education Center at 910-678-2526 to determine eligibility for conversion to Form 452.
I completed Driver Education and have a learner’s permit from another state. Will North Carolina count that time toward the one-year permit requirement?
This is a DMV matter. Please contact a North Carolina DMV office for an official answer.
What is a Restricted Instruction Permit (RIP)?
A RIP documents approval of the student’s vision and medical screening and authorizes driving with a Driver Education instructor during behind-the-wheel training. It does not authorize practice driving with a parent or guardian.
Can private school and home-school students participate in Cumberland County’s program?
Yes. Eligible students enrolled in public, private, charter, or licensed home schools within Cumberland County may participate. Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
After I complete the 30 hour classroom portion what is next?
After successfully completing classroom instruction, you must submit all required paperwork and complete the vision screening before being scheduled for 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Once these requirements are met, you will be placed in the scheduling rotation. An instructor will contact you to arrange driving dates and times. Behind-the-wheel training can take up to four months.
Quick Links
Contact Us
1014 Gillespie Street
Fayetteville, NC 28306
Morris Hargrove
morrishargrove@ccs.k12.nc.us
Coordinator
Bookkeeper Tracey Taylor
traceytaylor@ccs.k12.nc.us
910-678-2526
Rhonda Miller
910-678-2563