NC DMV Practice Questions
Ten sample questions from the official NC Driver's Handbook — try them now, no app or sign-up required.
These are the kinds of multiple-choice questions you'll face on the North Carolina DMV knowledge (permit) test. Read each one, pick your answer, then reveal the correct choice and a short explanation.
Want all 355 questions, topic-by-topic study, a readiness score, and full exam simulation? The Drive Prep NC app has them — $0.99 one-time, fully offline, in 11 languages.
The NC DMV knowledge test at a glance
- 25
- questions on the official NC knowledge test
- 80%
- score needed to pass (20 of 25 correct)
- 15
- minimum age for a NC limited learner permit
- 355
- practice questions in the Drive Prep NC app
- Topic: Speed limits
1. Unless a different limit is posted, what is the speed limit inside a North Carolina city or town?
- A.25 mph
- B.35 mph
- C.45 mph
- D.55 mph
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 35 mph
Why: Inside municipal limits the statutory speed limit in NC is 35 mph unless a sign says otherwise. Outside city limits the default is 55 mph.
- Topic: Alcohol & driving
2. If you are under 21, what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is legal while driving in NC?
- A.0.08
- B.0.04
- C.0.02
- D.0.00
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 0.00
Why: NC has zero tolerance for drivers under 21 — any detectable alcohol is illegal. For drivers 21 and older the limit is 0.08.
- Topic: Right-of-way
3. On a two-lane road, a school bus stops with its red lights flashing and its stop arm out. What must you do?
- A.Stop only if you are behind the bus
- B.Stop in both directions
- C.Slow to 20 mph and pass
- D.Pass carefully on the left
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Stop in both directions
Why: On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop and stay stopped until the bus's red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn.
- Topic: Intersections
4. When entering a roundabout, who has the right-of-way?
- A.Vehicles entering the roundabout
- B.Vehicles already in the roundabout
- C.The larger vehicle
- D.Whoever arrives first
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Vehicles already in the roundabout
Why: Yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout, then enter when there is a safe gap. Travel counterclockwise.
- Topic: Traffic signals
5. A steady yellow traffic light means:
- A.Speed up to clear the intersection
- B.Stop if you can do so safely; the light is about to turn red
- C.Stop only if a car is ahead of you
- D.The signal is out of order
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Stop if you can do so safely; the light is about to turn red
Why: A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely — do not try to beat the light.
- Topic: Safe driving
6. In good conditions, what is the recommended minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?
- A.1 second
- B.2 seconds
- C.3 seconds
- D.Half a car length
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 3 seconds
Why: Use the three-second rule: you should pass a fixed point no sooner than three seconds after the vehicle ahead. Increase the gap in rain, fog, or at higher speeds.
- Topic: Bad weather
7. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet road, you should:
- A.Brake hard
- B.Press the accelerator
- C.Ease your foot off the gas and steer straight
- D.Turn the wheel sharply
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Ease your foot off the gas and steer straight
Why: If you hydroplane, ease your foot off the accelerator and keep the wheel straight until the tires regain traction. Do not brake hard or turn suddenly.
- Topic: Traffic signals
8. At a red light, a right turn is:
- A.Never allowed
- B.Allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it
- C.Allowed without stopping
- D.Allowed only with a green arrow
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it
Why: In NC you may turn right on red after a complete stop, yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic — unless a 'No Turn on Red' sign is posted.
- Topic: Safe driving
9. You approach a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder. NC's 'Move Over' law requires you to:
- A.Maintain your speed
- B.Move over a lane if safe, or slow down if you cannot
- C.Come to a complete stop
- D.Sound your horn
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Move over a lane if safe, or slow down if you cannot
Why: NC's Move Over law requires you to change lanes away from a stopped emergency or utility vehicle with flashing lights when it is safe. If you cannot move over, slow down and pass with caution.
- Topic: Safe driving
10. Before changing lanes, in addition to checking your mirrors you should:
- A.Sound your horn
- B.Glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot
- C.Speed up first
- D.Turn on your hazard lights
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot
Why: Mirrors do not show everything. Signal, then glance over your shoulder to check the blind spot for vehicles, motorcycles, or bicycles before you change lanes.
These sample questions are for study only and are written from the official NC Driver's Handbook. They are not the exact questions used on the real exam. Always confirm current rules with the NCDOT. Official NC Driver's Handbook ↗
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