According to the New York new driver's brochure, a motorist with a learner's permit, junior permit or junior license may drive outside of New York State if it is allowable by the laws of the other state(s).

If you drive out of New York, you must obey that state's learner or junior permit and license restrictions that may apply. The NYS DMV suggests that you check with the police or motor vehicle authorities of the states which you plan on visiting in your automobile.

From what we have read any nonresident driving in North Carolina who is at least 16 years old and is abiding by the restrictions on their learner’s permit or license as required by the issuing State is authorized to drive in NC. We contacted the NC Department of Transportation (DOT) to verify this information.

The representative that responded stated that yes, you can operate a vehicle in North Carolina at age 16 with your New York learner's permit however you will be required to obey all restrictions on your permit.

According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, no matter what age you are, if you hold a learner permit, you may not drive:

• Unless accompanied by a supervising driver at least age 21 who has a license valid for operating the type of vehicle you are driving. For example, only a person with a motorcycle license may supervise a motorcycle learner.
• In a DMV road test area.
• On any street within a park in New York City, or any bridge or tunnel under the jurisdiction of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.
• On the Cross County, Hutchinson River, Saw Mill River, or Taconic State parkways in Westchester County.

So these are the restrictions you have on your NYS permit. The only one that really seems as if it would transfer though is the requirement to have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has a full valid driver's license for the type of vehicle you are driving with you as passenger in the vehicle.

We would advise that you contact the NC DOT to if you have any other questions about driving in North Carolina and the conditions or restrictions you will have to follow.