Amends GS 20-7 (Issuance and renewal of drivers licenses). Enacts new subsection (e1), directing the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue Class C driver's licenses to applicants present in the United States who meet seven listed requirements, including that the applicant is not lawfully present in the United States and without a criminal history (as defined). Licenses under (e1) expire on the licensee's birthday on the second year following the year of issuance, with renewed licenses expiring two years after the date of expiration of the license being renewed. Licenses under (e1) are not eligible for remote renewal. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to set the fee for the initial issuance of such licenses no lower than the actual cost of processing the application and issuance. Imposes a $30 renewal fee. Provides requirements for the appearance of and information on (e1) licenses, including that they be printed in a vertical format. Directs the DMV to establish and conduct, or authorize a third-party vendor to establish and conduct, a driver orientation course required for persons seeking to qualify for (e1) licenses. Requires applicants to pay a fee of up to $100 for the course. Provides requirements for course materials.

Amends GS 20-15 to authorize the DMV to cancel an (e1) driver's license on determination that the licensee does not qualify for licensure under (e1) requirements.

Amends GS 20-19 to provide that (e1) licencees whose licenses are revoked under GS 20-28.2 (regarding impaired driving offenses) are not eligible for license restoration or limited driving privileges.

Amends GS 20-30(5), regarding use of a false or fictitious name or address in an application for a driver's license, to make that offense a Class I felony (currently, Class 1 misdemeanor).

Enacts new GS 143B-967. Directs the Department of Public Safety to provide the DMV with the criminal history of applicants seeking to qualify for an (e1) license, along with other specified information. Provides requirements for conducting a state and federal criminal history check, and requires the DMV to keep information obtained under this statute confidential. Authorizes the Department of Public Safety to charge a fee to offset the cost to conduct the criminal record check, not to exceed actual cost. Authorizes the Department of Public Safety to enter a contract with a third party to conduct the criminal history check.

Directs DMV to begin to develop the driver orientation course described above, and provides requirements for the development of the course, including consultation with law enforcement agencies and community organizations, effective when the bill becomes law.

Except as otherwise described, effective January 1, 2018, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.