NC drivers license (insurance, buy, DMV)

[tropical]

Is it true that when you apply for a NC drivers license you need to provide proof of insurance???
I have a Jersey License & have 60 days to change to a NC license but I don't know when & if I will be purchasing a car. Does this mean I won't be able to change my drivers license until I buy a car??

[KellyCrash]

I don't know the answer to your question, but I wanted to let you know that you don't just "apply" for a license. You have to take the written test! Study the signs portion of the book!!! Read it over a few times before you take the test and you'll do fine.

NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles: Driver Handbook

[Claire_F]

Originally Posted by tropical

Is it true that when you apply for a NC drivers license you need to provide proof of insurance???
I have a Jersey License & have 60 days to change to a NC license but I don't know when & if I will be purchasing a car. Does this mean I won't be able to change my drivers license until I buy a car??

Proof of insurance is one of the requirements, but here's what they say if you don't yet own a vehicle:

Even if you do not own or drive a currently registered vehicle you may still apply for a license, but a restriction will be placed on your driver's license. This restriction limits you to only driving "fleet vehicles" and costs $10.00 when you are ready to remove it from your license.

[southernlady5464]

In other words, they figure you will be driving someone's vehicle...even if it isn't your's...it will be your parent's or spouse's. (I don't know how they figure a significant other). So they need proof that you have NC insurance on that vehicle.

IF you are a student, then different rules apply. Liz

[mm34b]

You don't need proof of insurance to have a operator's license, but the motor vehicle owner will need insurance to license a motor vehicle in NC. Two different things.

[southernlady5464]

NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles: Applying for a Driver's License or Learner's Permit?

3. Proof of Liability Insurance:

Proof of liability insurance includes providing insurance documents such as:

* DMV form DL-123;
* or an original liability insurance policy binder;
* or an insurance card with: your name, policy number, issue and expiration date.

The liability insurance documents must show your name, the effective date of policy, the expiration date of the policy, and the date the policy was issued.

Even if you do not own or drive a currently registered vehicle you may still apply for a license, but a restriction will be placed on your driver's license. This restriction limits you to only driving "fleet vehicles" and costs $10.00 when you are ready to remove it from your license.

For the complete description of liability insurance visit the Driver's Handbook: Chapter 1 - Requirements.

Apparently there is an exception clause, just found it

Form DL-123, binders and certificates are valid only for 30 days from the date of issuance. This does not apply to applicants who do not own currently registered motor vehicles and who do not operate nonfleet private passenger motor vehicles that are owned by other persons. In such cases it is required that a certification of exemption (DL-123A) be signed at the driver license office.

Liz

[mm34b]

Yep, the bottom line is that some do and some don't. Just depends on your personal circumstances and the type of vehicle you're driving.

[southernlady5464]

All *I* know is that we were HAD to have proof before we got ours this summer. I got mine in June, hubby in July...and since we couldn't find the copy of his we had to have it faxed to the DMV while waiting. Liz

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by southernlady5464

All *I* know is that we were HAD to have proof before we got ours this summer. I got mine in June, hubby in July...and since we couldn't find the copy of his we had to have it faxed to the DMV while waiting. Liz

Because you have an unrestricted operator's license. Had you not provided proof of insurance, they would have issued you a restricted license which would have limited your driving to fleet vehicles only such as rent-a-cars. It hasn't always been that way. The NC General Assembly made that change after some folks were involved in accidents in which the vehicle owner's insurance company refused to cover those not listed on the current insurance policy.

[tropical]

Thank you sooo much for all of the info......