Teen Road Test FAQ

Q:  Who can take the road test at a commercial driving school?

A:  Any teenager between that age is 16 years old and has not yet turned 18 who is attempting to move from their provisional 1 (learner’s permit) to their provisional 2 driver’s license. 

Q: Is there a fee for this?

A: Yes, Choppy’s Driving Academy charges $60 per attempt for each individual to take the road test.

Q: If the student passes, do they still have to go to the DMV?

A: Yes, when a student passes the road test at a commercial driving school, they will receive paperwork showing they have passed the road test in a sealed envelope to present to the DMV. Students have 180 days to go to the DMV to get their license. 

Q: Can I drive my own car?

A: Yes, students are encouraged to drive their own car for the road test. However, if the car provided by the student does not meet state standards for the road test, students can use a car provided by the driving school for a minimal charge. 

Q: What are the state standards for my car to qualify for use on the road test.

A: Each car must be able to pass inspection in North Carolina. Specifically, the items that will be inspected before the road test are: tires, front and rear signals, left, right, and center brake lights, valid inspection sticker (where applicable) and license plate, windshield wipers, headlights, and rear lights (when needed), vehicle registration card, horn, doors, door handles, seatbelts, and brakes that when depressed remains at least 1 inch from the floor and returns to normal when released. 

Q: What forms do I need to bring with me to the road test?

A: Students will need to bring their valid permit with them to show proof that they have had their permit for a minimum of 9 months. 

Q: Can a student stop by during business hours to take the road test?

A: No, students must schedule an appointment to take the road test. Each driving school is required by law to give the DMV a 24 hour notice for each road test that is being completed. We will need at least a 48 hour notice prior to the desired day so we can make preparations and inform the DMV.

Q; Who can bring the student to take the road test?

A: The student will need a parent or legal guardian and supervising driver to complete the paperwork. In most cases, the same person fills both roles. 

Q: If the student does not pass, how long do they have to wait to retake the road test?

A: Students who do not pass will have to wait 48 hours to retake the road test with a commercial driving school. However, they can go immediately to the DMV to take the road test without any time in between. These students will also receive a form showing the areas they did not pass and driving skills that need to be improved in an attempt to obtain their license. 

Q. Can the parent or legal guardian ride with their child during the road test?

A. No. The only people allowed in the car during a road test are the student taking the test, the examiner, the owner of the driving school, and / or a DMV representative. 

Q. Where does the road test take place?

A. The current policy requires that all road tests start and end at the commercial driving school which in this case would be Choppy’s Driving Academy. 

Q. What are the next steps?

A. On our website, go to the registration page and complete the required information. Under the “List of Classes” dropdown, choose “Teen Road Test”. Then in the special concerns or modifications section, please give the date your child was issued their permit and the desired date for the road test. Keep in mind day of and next day appointments are not available due to planning and the required 24 hour notice to DMV.