What is the initial penalty for a driver convicted of a first-time DWI in terms of license revocation?

For a driver convicted of a first-time Driving While Impaired (DWI) offense in North Carolina, the initial penalty regarding license revocation is indeed 12 months. North Carolina law stipulates that upon conviction for a first DWI, a driver's license is automatically revoked for this duration.

This penalty acts as both a deterrent to impaired driving and a public safety measure. The 12-month revocation period serves to emphasize the seriousness of driving while impaired, as it endangers not only the driver's life but also the lives of passengers and others on the road. Following the revocation, certain conditions may apply for reinstatement, which could include completing a substance abuse assessment or enrolling in treatment programs, reinforcing the state’s commitment to reducing impaired driving incidents.

The other options, such as 6 months, 10 months, and 18 months, do not align with established regulations for first-time DWI offenders in North Carolina, thereby confirming the accuracy of the 12-month revocation period as the correct answer.