Getting a driver’s license in North Carolina is now a slightly more complex process than it was a month ago. Since December 1, 2025, Senate Bill 526 has put the spotlight on new drivers. Specifically, teenagers. The educational requirements for obtaining a driver’s license have been increased. The goal? To put an end to the rising accident rates involving younger drivers.
North Carolina cracks down on young drivers
Until now, getting a driver’s license in North Carolina was something of a bureaucratic formality. It was as simple as accumulating a certain number of hours and doing a few practice sessions. However, that is no longer enough. Data shows that new drivers in North Carolina are involved in more accidents than they were a few years ago. This is despite the fact that they are apparently driving safer cars with driver assistance features.
These drivers’ lack of experience behind the wheel is compounded by distractions. Smartphones and in-vehicle screens mean that these drivers are not paying enough attention to the road. For this reason, Senate Bill 526 tightens the requirements for minors under the age of 18 to obtain a driver’s license.
From now on, these young people will have to attend at least 30 hours of theory and 6 hours of practical training. However, what really changes is the subject matter taught in both classes. Until now, the theoretical part revolved around vehicle mechanics and traffic rules. With SB 526, the subject matter focuses on defensive driving and mindfulness on the road. In addition, specific modules have been integrated to raise awareness of the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. Until now, this topic has been dealt with in a very superficial way.
As for the practical classes, the six hours of driving will be supervised by certified instructors from schools such as Road Ready Driving School. In addition, the practical classes will focus more on real traffic scenarios.
Other changes in SB 526
The main objective of SB 526 is to make young people aware that they cannot use their cell phones while driving. The previous regulations were too lax on this issue, which led many young people to develop the habit of using their cell phones while stopped at traffic lights or in slow traffic.
The new law is clear and simple. The use of any wireless communication device is completely prohibited for drivers under the age of 18. And beware, because the use of hands-free technology is also prohibited. The only exception is in the case of an emergency.
On the other hand, training has also become more expensive. The average cost of the course will be around $450 in 2026. This is a significant increase compared to previous years.
But perhaps the most subtle and impactful change is the redefinition of what the state considers an “inexperienced driver.” Until recently, a young driver was no longer considered high risk by insurers and the state after approximately three years of a clean driving record.
But that is about to change. With the new regulation, this period has been extended to 8 years. This means that the initial investment in these 36 hours of training is critical: a mistake made due to a bad habit acquired today will haunt the driver (and their parents’ insurance premiums) for almost a decade.
North Carolina is not the first state to crack down on cell phone use while driving. Other states, such as Iowa, have taken measures with the same goal in mind. However, North Carolina’s strategy seeks to educate drivers rather than punish them with fines. In any case, we hope these measures will bear fruit. Regardless of whether the process of obtaining a driver’s license is now more cumbersome, we must look to the future and consider it an investment in reducing danger and distractions on our roads.