NC DMV Permit Practice Test

At a steady red circular signal, when may you turn right?

Correct answer: A. After coming to a complete stop, unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted

A steady red circular signal means STOP, but unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted, a right turn may be made after coming to a complete stop. Turning vehicles must still yield to other traffic and to pedestrians. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 80)

What is a ramp meter traffic signal used for?

Correct answer: D. To control traffic entering a freeway from an interchange entrance ramp

A ramp meter signal is used to control traffic entering a freeway from an interchange entrance ramp. It releases vehicles onto the freeway a few at a time. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 82)

What does the DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign remind the driver to do?

Correct answer: C. Never stop on the railroad track for any reason

The DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign reminds the driver not to stop on the railroad track for any reason. Wait behind the tracks until there is room for your vehicle on the far side. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 86)

What exactly does the "two-second rule" measure?

Correct answer: D. The time between the vehicle ahead passing a given point and your vehicle reaching the same point

The two-second rule says you should allow two seconds between the time the vehicle ahead of you passes a given point and the time your vehicle reaches that same point. Following too closely is a leading cause of traffic crashes. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 54)

On a three-lane highway, where may you pass?

Correct answer: B. Only in the center lane, and only where that lane is marked for passing in your direction

On three-lane highways you must not pass except in the center lane, and then only where the center lane is marked for passing in your direction. The one exception is when the vehicle in the center lane is making a left turn. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 55)

Which vehicles must yield the right of way to a train at a railroad crossing?

Correct answer: B. All highway traffic, including police, fire and ambulance emergency vehicles

The handbook states that trains have the right of way over all highway traffic, including police, fire and ambulance emergency vehicles. A train cannot swerve and needs more than a mile to stop from 55 mph. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 60)

A breakdown forces you to stop on an interstate. After moving far off the road, what does the handbook tell you to do?

Correct answer: B. Tie a white cloth on the radio aerial or left-door handle and raise the hood

If a breakdown forces you to stop, move far off the road, tie a white cloth on the radio aerial or left-door handle and raise the hood. If the breakdown happens at night, engage the vehicle's emergency flashers or parking lights. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 64)

Which of these is listed in the handbook as a warning sign of drowsy driving?

Correct answer: B. You cannot remember the last few miles you have driven

Not remembering the last few miles driven is one of the listed warning signs, along with hitting a rumble strip or drifting from your lane, repeated yawning, and trouble keeping your eyes open. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 40)

How must a child under age 8 who weighs less than 80 pounds normally be secured?

Correct answer: C. In a weight appropriate child passenger restraint system

North Carolina law requires a child under age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds to be properly secured in a weight appropriate child passenger restraint system. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 44)

When does the law require you to use your headlights?

Correct answer: A. From sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is 400 feet or less

Headlights are required by law from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility is 400 feet or less. Night driving is more dangerous partly because you cannot see as well. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 71)

When are wildlife most active near roadways?

Correct answer: B. At dawn, dusk and in the first few hours after dark

Wildlife can appear anywhere at any time, but animals are most active at dawn, dusk and in the first few hours after dark. Stay alert during seasonal migrations in spring and fall too. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 74)

What happens if you refuse to perform a required chemical test after being charged with driving while impaired?

Correct answer: D. Your license is revoked immediately for at least 30 days, plus a minimum 12-month revocation by the DMV

Refusing any required test brings immediate revocation of the driver license for at least 30 days and an additional minimum 12-month revocation by the DMV. The fact that you refused is also admissible as evidence in court. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 31)

Unless a different limit is posted, what is the speed limit in North Carolina cities and towns?

Correct answer: C. 35 mph

The handbook states that unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 35 mph in cities and towns. Special speed limits may be posted for special areas, so always watch for signs. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 53)

Which signs are reserved strictly to identify highway work zones?

Correct answer: A. Orange signs with messages in black letters

The handbook says orange signs with black lettering are used only for work zones, both ahead of them and inside them to give drivers specific directions. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 70)

At an intersection with no curb, how far from the intersecting right of way lines must you stay when parking?

Correct answer: A. At least 15 feet

Where there is no curb, the handbook prohibits parking within 15 feet of the intersecting right of way lines. The 25-foot rule applies only where a curb line is present. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 56)

You have just driven through deep water and your brakes feel weak. How does the handbook say to dry them out?

Correct answer: D. Drive a short distance while applying light pressure to the brake pedal

The handbook says to dry wet brakes by driving a short distance and applying light pressure to the brake pedal. Keeping gentle pressure on while you roll is what works the water out of the brakes. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 75)

Which roadway conditions does the handbook name as more likely to cause a skid?

Correct answer: D. Wet roads, ice and packed snow

The handbook lists wet roads, ice and packed snow as conditions more likely to cause skids. On those surfaces you should reduce speed gradually rather than braking suddenly. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 77)

A school bus stops for passengers on a two-lane roadway. Who must stop?

Correct answer: B. All traffic from both directions

On a two-lane roadway, all traffic from both directions must stop when a school bus stops for passengers. Children getting on or off may cross the road in front of the bus. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 47)

During a traffic stop, what does state law require you to do?

Correct answer: C. Identify yourself and provide your drivers license and the vehicle registration

Under state law you are required to identify yourself and provide your drivers license and the registration for the vehicle. After establishing identification, you may choose whether or not to verbally respond to additional questions. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 50)

At night, what lighting does the law require on a bicycle?

Correct answer: C. A front light visible for at least 300 feet and a red light or reflector on the rear visible for at least 200 feet

At night a bicycle must have a front light visible for at least 300 feet and a red light or reflector on the rear visible for at least 200 feet. Visibility matters in daylight too, when a bicyclist can be hidden by other vehicles. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 90)

North Carolina defines a moped as a two or three wheeled vehicle with a motor of no more than 50 cubic centimeters and no external shifting device. Legally, its top speed cannot exceed:

Correct answer: C. 30 miles per hour

A moped's top speed cannot legally exceed 30 miles per hour in North Carolina. Some mopeds sold on the market go faster than that, but they are illegal to use in this state. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 93)

An approved driver education course for a young North Carolina applicant must consist of at least how much instruction?

Correct answer: C. 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours behind the wheel

The approved course must include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. You must present the certificate before you can take the test for a learner permit or license. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 12)

How long does a new resident have to obtain a North Carolina driver license or learner permit after establishing residence?

Correct answer: D. 60 days

A new resident has 60 days after establishing residence to get a North Carolina license or learner permit. The deadline is shorter for commercial drivers, who must apply for and receive an NC commercial license within 30 days of becoming a resident. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 25)

How many driver license points does a conviction for passing a stopped school bus carry in a non-commercial vehicle?

Correct answer: A. 5 points

Passing a stopped school bus carries 5 points, tied with aggressive driving as the highest value on the regular schedule. Reckless driving and illegal passing are each worth 4. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 34)

What is the minimum amount of liability insurance North Carolina requires for injuries to any one person in a crash?

Correct answer: A. $30,000

North Carolina sets the minimum liability coverage at $30,000 for injuries to any one person in a crash, so an insured driver can cover a single injured person's costs up to that amount. (NC Driver Handbook (2026), p. 99)