What is the minimum age to obtain a driver's license in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the minimum age to obtain a full, unrestricted driver's license is indeed 18 years old, but individuals can start the process earlier. To clarify, a person can apply for a limited provisional license at 16 years old after meeting the state's requirements, which include holding a learner's permit for at least 12 months and completing a driver education course. This provisional license allows a teen to drive unsupervised at certain times, but specific restrictions still apply until they reach 18 and obtain a full license. Therefore, while 16 years old is the age at which a teen can first receive a provisional license, unrestricted driving is permitted only after they turn 18.

In the context of the options provided, if the question specifically refers to obtaining a limited provisional license to begin driving, then the age of 16 is indeed the correct answer. However, understanding the distinction between retrieving different types of licenses is crucial for grasping the rules surrounding driver licensing in North Carolina.