House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.

Removes proposed GS 20-11.2, which would have required applicants for a driver’s license age 18 and older to take an alcohol and drug abuse awareness course unless they have a license from another state or have completed a Department of Public Instruction drivers education course. Makes the following changes instead. 

Enacts new GS 20-330 requiring the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (Commissioner) to adopt rules to establish a course of driver education that will be offered by licensed commercial driver training schools to unlicensed people age 18 and up to prepare them for licensure. Requires the course to promote traffic safety and provide three hours of instruction on (1) state laws relating to the operation of a motor vehicle, (2) the physiological and psychological consequences of using alcohol and drugs and their effects on a driver, and (3) high-risk driving behaviors. Requires the course to be offered both online and in person and to ensure that there is a way to demonstrate successful completion of the course. 

Amends GS 20-7 to require completion of the course described in GS 20-330 in order to obtain a drivers license. Specifies that the course does not have to be completed before obtaining a learner's permit. Excludes applicants who hold or have previously had a license, or those who have completed the drivers education course under GS 115C-215. 

Applicable to applications for drivers licenses submitted on or after October 1, 2025.

Amends the act's long title.