Restricted Instruction Permit
Due to the constraints and restrictions Covid has caused, NCDMV offices are only permitted to perform Essential Services. This no longer includes the vision screening required for the restricted instruction permit.
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The School Bus and Traffic Safety Section of the DMV will be offering free eye exams for the restricted instruction permit. The dates and location are listed below.
No appointment is necessary.
Please note social distancing, facial coverings, and other precautions will be required. They can accommodate no more than two people in the building at a time; you will have to wait outside and six feet apart.
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Alternatively, you may submit an optometrist exam completed within the last 6 months. The exam must include visual acuity (in terms of 20/20 etc.), and note any corrective lenses. Eye exam must be on Dr's letterhead, not RIP form.For visual acuity worse than 20/40 with no corrective lenses noted, they will need to submit a vision form directly to the DMV (DL77 fax number located on form).
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Tunnel Rd DMV Office (600 Tunnel Rd. Asheville 28805)
August 3, 6, 10, or 13
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
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***NOTE – Only use the side door that says the DMV has moved.
Macon County at the Smoky Mtn Performing Arts Center (Fun Factory) 1028 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
July 30
Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Only 1 student is allowed out of the vehicle at a time and students must wear a mask.
Swain High School - Outside Gym (1415 Fontana Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713)
July 30
Hours: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
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Only 1 student is allowed out of the vehicle at a time and students must wear a mask.
Henderson DMV (125 Baystone Dr., Hendersonville NC 28791)
Back of building
31 Jul 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4 Aug 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
11 Aug 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
14 Aug 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
21 Aug 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Only 1 student is allowed out of the vehicle at a time and students must wear a mask.
This form is how the students are added to the list to complete the driving portion after the class.
To access the form and view instructions to fill it, students must log into the course and select the Restricted Instruction Permit (RIP) page, or download it here.
Complete the form in BLUE or BLACK ink.
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We are able to accept optometrist eye exams done within 6 months of submission, and they must include visual acuity (in terms of 20/20 etc.), and note any corrective lenses. Eye exam must be on Dr's letterhead, not RIP form.
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Send the eye exam WITH the RIP form.
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Once you have your vision tested at the DMV, mail the RIP to Mountain Professionals. The address is below, MPI will verify a grade and send it to a driver in your area. DO NOT take form to high school or driver, it must be mailed in for grade verification.
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Our office manager will send a confirmation email letting you know we received the RIP once session is completed and grades are in.
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Please list which session you are in and the dates at the top of the form.
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Instructors will call the number listed on the form when it is the students turn to drive. Please make sure you list a number that will be answered.
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The section below "RECORD OF LESSONS IN THE CAR" is filled out by the driving instructor.
Once the instructor receives the restricted permit, you will be scheduled to drive by birth order, oldest first. Typically, you will receive a call from an instructor within 30 to 90 days after receipt of the RIP, depending on your age and the number of students in your district. This may take longer for younger students.
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