Getting a Teen Driver’s Permit - our experience

My daughter just successfully got her teen level 1 driving permit. Here’s how we did it:

1. A few weeks ago, we got an appointment for October. This would serve as our safety-net appointment.

2. Today, we scheduled the entire day to go to a DMV office. We chose Carborro, because someone told us it was quick-ish there.

3. We arrived at 6:30 am, the line outside had about 45 people in it.

4. Just before 7, a nice lady from the ncdmv gave us the details. “You’ll get a ticket and give us your cell phone, We’ll text you when it’s time to come wait in the lobby. Do not miss this!”

5. At 7 they started letting people check in to get their ticket. After some computer issues, we got our ticket around 8.

6. We asked how long they thought it would take. She told us “at least 2-3 hours”

7. The DMV texted us a message including a link to our place in line. “You’ll are checked in and there are approximately 29 walk-in customers ahead of you in line”

8. We drove to a nearby coffee shop for an hour. Then we walked around UNC campus for 45 minutes. I checked our spot in line at 9:45: 15th. We decided to drive back because it seemed to be moving quickly.

9. At 11:30, we had moved up 5 spots to #10. That was slower than expected.

10. At 11:45, we were texted to come wait in the lobby.

11. At 12:36 our number was called

12. We both went to the desk, I provided her paperwork and my ID. I signed a paper and then was told to wait.

13. She finished the Vision and road sign tests at 12:45

14. She finished the multiple choice test at 12:55 and told me to join her at the desk

15. We paid and the nice man printed a 60 day temporary permit. The real one will arrive in the mail soon.

16. We celebrated with a huge lunch.