Where the Winston-Salem DMV office is located and when it's open

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in Winston-Salem is at 2707 North Pointe Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. This is the main location where you can renew your license, take a written test, do a road test, or handle most other driver's license transactions.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the office is closed on weekends and state holidays. The office does not take walk-ins for road tests — you must schedule a road test appointment in advance through the North Carolina DMV website or by calling the office directly at (336) 776-1411.

If you need a written test or a license renewal, you can typically walk in during business hours, though wait times vary. During busy periods (early morning, lunch hour, and late afternoon), you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour. Arriving early in the morning or mid-afternoon often means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Winston-Salem DMV office is at 2707 North Pointe Drive and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Road tests require an advance appointment; you cannot walk in for a driving test at this location.
  • Written tests and license renewals accept walk-ins, but wait times can exceed an hour during peak hours.
  • You can schedule a road test appointment online through the North Carolina DMV website or by calling (336) 776-1411.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any other documents required for your specific transaction before you go.

What documents you need to bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a license renewal, bring your current driver's license and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If your address has changed, also bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

For a written test (permit test or license test), bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, proof of your date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of your current address. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian present with their ID.

For a road test, bring your appointment confirmation, your current permit or license, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be tested in, and the vehicle's registration. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection — headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all must work.

If you are explore for a Real ID (the gold star on your license), bring everything above plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and a second form of ID such as a passport or military ID. Real ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

How to schedule a road test appointment

Road test appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer. You have two ways to book: online through the North Carolina DMV website (ncdmv.org) or by phone at (336) 776-1411.

Online booking is usually faster. Go to ncdmv.org, select "Schedule a Road Test," choose Winston-Salem as your location, and pick from available dates and times. You will need your permit number and a valid email address. The system will send you a confirmation email with your appointment details.

If you call, have your permit number ready and be prepared to wait on hold during busy times. Staff will confirm your appointment over the phone and may mail you a confirmation or email it depending on what you request.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so at least 48 hours before your appointment. Canceling through the website is when ready; by phone, call the same number. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your spot and have to wait weeks for the next opening.

Services available at the Winston-Salem location

The Winston-Salem office handles most driver's license and vehicle registration services. You can renew or replace your driver's license, take a written permit or license test, take a road test, change your address, add or remove a name, and request a duplicate license if yours is lost or damaged.

You can also handle some vehicle registration tasks here, such as renewing your registration or getting a replacement registration card. However, some services — like title transfers or commercial license work — may require a visit to a different office or online processing through the DMV website.

The office does not issue Real ID licenses on the spot. If you are explore for Real ID, you will submit your documents and pay the fee, but the license will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days. Bring all required documents in one visit to avoid a second trip.

Parking and accessibility at the North Pointe Drive location

The office has a parking lot with spaces for standard vehicles. Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance for people with mobility disabilities. The building itself is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms inside.

If you use a mobility device or have questions about accessibility before you go, call the office at (336) 776-1411. Staff can tell you about parking, entrance routes, and whether you can bring someone to information you during your transaction.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk or kiosk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. Bring all your documents and have them organized before you reach the counter — this speeds up the process.

For a written test, you will be seated at a computer and given 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes. You will get your result when ready.

For a road test, an examiner will inspect your vehicle, ask you to demonstrate basic controls (lights, wipers, horn), and then drive with you for about 20 to 30 minutes. You will be tested on turns, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You will know whether you passed before you leave.

Payment is by cash, check, or card. Fees vary by service — a license renewal is typically $20 to $30, a written test is $10, and a road test is $20. Ask the staff member what the exact fee is for your transaction before you pay.

Alternatives if you cannot visit in person

If you cannot get to the Winston-Salem office, you have a few options. License renewal can be done online through ncdmv.org if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change (like a name change or address change outside North Carolina). Online renewal costs less and takes about 5 business days.

If you need a road test but cannot schedule one in Winston-Salem, you can try other nearby DMV offices in the Piedmont region, though they may also have long wait lists. Call (336) 776-1411 to ask about availability at other locations.

Written tests and most other services require an in-person visit. There is no online option for taking a permit test or a road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test at a different time of day if morning slots are full?

Yes. The scheduling system shows all available times — morning, afternoon, and sometimes early evening. If your preferred time is booked, look at other days or times. Afternoon slots often have more openings than morning ones.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can schedule another road test as soon as the next available appointment, which may be weeks away depending on the season. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the road test fee again. Many people pass on their second or third try.

Do I need an appointment for a license renewal?

No. License renewals are walk-in only. Arrive during business hours with your documents. If you renew online instead, you do not need to visit the office at all.

Is the Winston-Salem office the only DMV location in the area?

It is the main full-service office. Some services may be available at other locations in Forsyth County or nearby areas, but the North Pointe Drive office handles all driver's license and road test services. Call (336) 776-1411 to ask about other options if you cannot visit this location.

Can I bring someone with me to help during my transaction?

Yes. You can bring a family member or friend to the office. If you are under 18 taking a written test, a parent or guardian must be present. For other transactions, a companion is allowed but not required.