The first 10 days (no driving allowed)
You cannot drive at all for the first 10 days after your charge. There are no exceptions during this period.
The first 30 days, step by step
Days 10–30 (limited driving may be possible)
After the first 10 days, you may be eligible for a Pretrial Limited Driving Privilege.
This allows you to drive for:
- Work or school (any time needed)
- Household needs (Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Examples of household purposes:
- Grocery store
- Doctor appointments
- Bank visits
- Childcare
If you prefer, you can wait the full 30 days and skip this step entirely.
How to get a Limited Driving Privilege
To apply, you'll need:
- A substance abuse assessment
- A copy of your driving record
- Proof of insurance
- Work schedule documentation (if working outside standard hours)
Then:
- 1.A petition is prepared and filed
- 2.A judge reviews and signs it
- 3.You pay a $100 court fee
Most people work with an attorney for this step to avoid delays or mistakes.
Getting your full license back (after 30 days)
Once the 30-day revocation period ends:
- Pay $100 to the Clerk of Court
- If you had a limited privilege, there is an additional $100 fee
After payment:
- You get your physical license back
- The DMV officially lifts the suspension shortly after
Worth knowing
This is separate from your DWI case
The 30-day revocation is separate from the outcome of your DWI case itself. If you're convicted, your license could still be suspended later. That's exactly where the right assessment and a clear next step can make the biggest difference — we're here to help you get started.
Need help or want to handle it yourself?
These official North Carolina resources have the most up-to-date information:
Ready to take the next step?
We provide substance abuse assessments that satisfy DMV and court requirements — completely virtual, in English or Spanish.