North Carolina permit practice test

The NCDMV knowledge test is based on the North Carolina Driver Handbook. To pass you need 80%. Each free practice test here has 25 questions and a pass mark of 20, drawn from 50 questions written from the North Carolina Driver Handbook.

North Carolina practice test

North Carolina practice test

25 questions · 20 to pass

What does the law require when you come to this sign?
A stop sign means a complete stop, every time. Stay stopped until you are certain the way is clear, then go.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 85
What must you do as you approach this sign?
A yield sign tells you to slow and let other traffic go first. You stop only if traffic on the cross street makes it necessary.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 85
Where is this pennant-shaped sign posted, and what does it mark?
This yellow pennant is posted on the left-hand side, right where a no-passing zone starts. It backs up the DO NOT PASS sign.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 86
What is this round yellow sign telling you about the road ahead?
A round yellow sign with a black cross and the letters RR means a railroad crossing is coming up. Slow down, and stop if necessary to be sure you can cross safely.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 86
What does this five-sided sign warn you about?
A pentagon-shaped sign means a school zone or school crossing is near. Watch closely for children; many school zones have a lower speed limit during certain school hours.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 87
A railroad crossing has only this sign, with no lights or gates. Who must yield?
A train always has the right of way. Drivers must give way to it at every crossing, including one marked with nothing but a crossbuck.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 63
What should you do when you see this orange sign?
The Flagger sign warns that a flagger is controlling traffic at road work ahead. Stay alert and be ready to stop.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 72
A traffic light is dark because of a power outage and no officer is directing traffic. How should you treat the intersection?
When a traffic light is not working, treat the intersection as though a stop sign controls all approaches, unless an officer or another traffic control device is directing traffic.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 83
What does a flashing yellow arrow signal mean?
A flashing yellow arrow lets you make the turn, but only after you give way to oncoming vehicles and people on foot.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 83
You face a steady red circular signal. No sign prohibits turning on red. May you turn right?
Unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted, you may turn right on a steady red signal after a complete stop. You must yield to other traffic and to pedestrians.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 82
What do yellow lines on the pavement separate?
Yellow lines divide traffic going opposite ways. White lines divide lanes of traffic going the same way.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 90
What may the special center lane reserved for two-way left turns never be used for?
The center two-way left-turn lane is only for left turns. Do not use it to get around another vehicle or to merge into traffic.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 90
Two vehicles reach an intersection with no signs or signals at the same time. Who has the right of way?
At an intersection without signs or signals, drivers who arrive together give way to the one on the right.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 59
You are about to enter a roundabout. Who must you yield to?
Drivers entering a roundabout yield to vehicles and bicyclists already in it. Traffic moves counterclockwise, and those inside do not yield to approaching vehicles.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 61
An ambulance with flashing lights and a siren is coming up behind you on a two-lane road. What should you do?
Pull over to the right edge or curb and come to a full stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren. Stay stopped until it has passed.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 50
Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in North Carolina cities and towns?
City and town streets have a 35 mph limit when no other speed is posted. You may often need to go slower than that, but never faster.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55
Outside cities and towns and off the interstate, what is the maximum speed limit unless signs say otherwise?
The maximum speed limit outside cities and towns is 55 mph. For interstates it is 70 mph.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 55
How much slower should you drive on wet pavement than on dry pavement?
On wet roads, take at least five to 10 mph off the speed you would use when the road is dry. Pavement is slickest in the first minutes of rain.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 74
Where the speed limit is 45 mph or more, how far before a turn must you signal?
On roads posted at 45 mph or higher, your signal must be on for the final 200 feet or more. On slower roads the minimum is 100 feet.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 71
When you pass another vehicle, how much room does the law require on its left side?
State law sets a minimum gap of two feet between your vehicle and the one you are passing on its left side.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 57
Passing on a curve or hill is unsafe and usually illegal unless you can see how far ahead?
On a curve or hill you need a clear view of at least 500 feet ahead. Without it, passing is always unsafe and usually illegal.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 57
Where is passing on the right allowed?
Passing on the right is against the law except where it is specifically permitted, such as on highways with at least two lanes in each direction or on one-way streets.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 57
How close to a fire hydrant may you park?
Keep at least 15 feet between your parked vehicle and a fire hydrant. The same distance applies to the entrance of a fire station.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58
An intersecting street has a curb. How far from its curb line must you park?
Stay 25 feet or more back from the curb line of the cross street when you park. If the cross street has no curb, the distance is 15 feet from its right of way lines.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 58
An emergency vehicle has stopped to investigate a crash. How far away must you park?
Parking closer than 100 feet to an emergency vehicle that is working a crash or giving help is not allowed.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 50
What is the lowest blood alcohol concentration that proves driving while impaired for a driver 21 or older in a regular vehicle?
A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is proof of driving while impaired. For drivers of commercial motor vehicles the level is 0.04.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 33
What happens if a driver under 21 is convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol in their body?
For drivers under 21, any amount of alcohol or drugs in the body counts. A conviction means losing the license for one year.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 35
You are charged with driving while impaired and refuse the required breath or blood test. What happens to your license right away?
Refusing a required chemical test brings an immediate revocation of at least 30 days, plus an additional revocation of at least 12 months by the DMV.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 33
During the first six months with a Level One limited learner permit, when may you drive with your supervising driver?
A new Level One driver is limited to the hours from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., always with the supervising driver. After six months, supervised driving is allowed at any hour.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14
How long must you hold a Level One limited learner permit before applying for a Level Two limited provisional license?
Nine months with the Level One permit is required before you can apply for the Level Two Limited Provisional License.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14
How many hours of driving must the Level One driving log show, at a minimum?
The driving log must detail at least 60 hours of driving. The supervising driver signs it, and you turn it in when you apply for the Limited Provisional License.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14
How long must a supervising driver have been licensed?
Five years with a license is the minimum for a supervising driver, who must also hold a valid license now.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 14
A Level Two driver is unsupervised and not driving anyone to or from school. How many non-household passengers under 21 are allowed?
An unsupervised Level Two driver may carry one passenger under 21 who is not a member of the driver's household. One more is allowed only for a student riding directly to or from school.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 15
Your car has air bags. Who must still wear a seat belt while it is moving?
The driver and all passengers must have a seat belt fastened whenever the vehicle is in forward motion. Air bags do not replace seat belts.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 45
Children under what age may not ride in the open bed of a pickup truck, unless an exemption applies?
Riding in an open pickup bed is against North Carolina law for anyone under 16. A few exemptions apply, such as an adult supervising in the bed.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 47
Headlights are required once visibility drops to what distance?
Turn your headlights on between sunset and sunrise, and any time you can see only 400 feet or less.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 73
You turn on your windshield wipers because of rain. What else does North Carolina require?
In North Carolina, wipers on means headlights on. The rule applies whenever bad weather makes you use the wipers.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 75
North Carolina bars drivers below what age from using a cell phone while driving, except in an emergency?
Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone or related technology while driving, except in an emergency. Texting and email while driving are unlawful for every driver.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 43
A school bus stops for passengers on a four-lane road with no median. You are coming from the opposite direction. What must you do?
A four-lane road with no median does not shield oncoming traffic. Drivers going both ways have to stop while the bus loads or unloads.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 50
A school bus stops on a divided highway of four or more lanes with a median. Which traffic must stop?
A median on a divided highway with four or more lanes separates you from the bus. Only drivers behind the bus have to stop.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 50
An emergency vehicle is parked within 12 feet of the road with its lights on. You have two lanes going your way. What must you do?
With two or more lanes going your way, change to a lane away from the stopped emergency vehicle. With only one lane, slow down and pass at a reduced, safe speed.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 51
When a railroad signal warns that a train is coming, where must you stop?
When a signal, gate or flagger warns of a train, you must stop within 50 feet of the nearest rail but not closer than 15 feet, and wait until it is safe.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 62
The signal changes to yellow or red while a pedestrian is still crossing the street. What must drivers do?
A pedestrian who is still in the street when the light changes must be given time to finish crossing safely.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 48
Your vehicle starts to skid. Which way should you turn the steering wheel?
In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer the same way the back end is sliding. Steer back as the vehicle straightens so you do not over-steer.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 79
Your car begins to hydroplane on a wet road. What should you do?
If you hydroplane, take your foot off the gas pedal and do not brake. Keep the steering wheel straight until the tires grip the road again.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 74
A tire blows out while you are driving. What should you do?
In a blowout, hold the steering wheel tightly, keep the vehicle straight and lift your foot from the accelerator. Do not brake until the engine has slowed the vehicle.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 78
With no earlier suspension on your record, what is the lowest point total within three years that may get your license suspended?
Twelve points collected inside three years can cost you your license. After a suspension the bar is lower: eight points within three years of reinstatement.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 36
In a regular (non-commercial) vehicle, how many driver license points does a conviction for passing a stopped school bus carry?
Passing a stopped school bus puts five points on your driving record, the highest point value for a non-commercial driver.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 36
You are convicted of driving over 55 mph and more than 15 mph above the speed limit. What happens to your driving privilege?
Going faster than 55 mph and more than 15 mph over the limit brings a revocation of at least 30 days on conviction.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 38
A driver under 18 is convicted of a second moving violation within 12 months. How long may the license be suspended?
A provisional licensee (under 18) may be suspended for 30 days after a second moving violation within 12 months, 90 days after a third and six months after a fourth.

North Carolina Driver Handbook, page 41

Keys: A–D to answer, Enter for next

The real North Carolina test at a glance

Questions: —Not published by the NCDMV
Score to pass: 80%
Minimum permit age: 15 years
Handbook: Revised May 2025North Carolina Driver Handbook

Sources: ncdot.gov · ncdot.gov · ncdot.gov · ncdot.gov · reports.oah.state.nc.us · ncdot.gov · North Carolina Driver Handbook. Checked November 15, 2026.

What these 50 questions cover

Every question is tied to a page of the North Carolina Driver Handbook. After each answer you see the rule and the page.

The real test. Two tests taken at a driver license office and passed separately: a written knowledge test on traffic laws and safe driving, and a traffic signs test where Class C applicants must identify 9 of 12 signs.

If you fail. If you do not pass the knowledge test, you may retake it in seven calendar days.

Road signs7
Permit and license rules5
Safe driving5
Sharing the road5
Turning and passing4
Penalties4
Traffic signals3
Right-of-way3
Speed limits3
Parking3
Alcohol and drugs3
Emergencies3
Pavement markings2

Other states

North Carolina permit test questions

What score do you need to pass the North Carolina permit test?

80% or better. Two tests taken at a driver license office and passed separately: a written knowledge test on traffic laws and safe driving, and a traffic signs test where Class C applicants must identify 9 of 12 signs. Source: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

How old do you have to be to get a permit in North Carolina?

15 years. Source: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

What happens if you fail the North Carolina permit test?

If you do not pass the knowledge test, you may retake it in seven calendar days.

Are these the real North Carolina test questions?

No. The NCDMV keeps the real questions private. These 50 questions are written by our team from the North Carolina Driver Handbook (Revised May 2025), the book the real test is based on.

What it is: Practice questions for the NCDMV knowledge test.
What it is not: Not the official test and not the real test questions. Not affiliated with the NCDMV.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, Revised May 2025
Source checked: November 15, 2026
Made by: The Appcellent team
Updated: November 2026

North Carolina permit practice test

North Carolina practice test

What does the law require when you come to this sign?

What must you do as you approach this sign?

Where is this pennant-shaped sign posted, and what does it mark?

What is this round yellow sign telling you about the road ahead?

What does this five-sided sign warn you about?

A railroad crossing has only this sign, with no lights or gates. Who must yield?

What should you do when you see this orange sign?

A traffic light is dark because of a power outage and no officer is directing traffic. How should you treat the intersection?

What does a flashing yellow arrow signal mean?

You face a steady red circular signal. No sign prohibits turning on red. May you turn right?

What do yellow lines on the pavement separate?

What may the special center lane reserved for two-way left turns never be used for?

Two vehicles reach an intersection with no signs or signals at the same time. Who has the right of way?

You are about to enter a roundabout. Who must you yield to?

An ambulance with flashing lights and a siren is coming up behind you on a two-lane road. What should you do?

Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in North Carolina cities and towns?

Outside cities and towns and off the interstate, what is the maximum speed limit unless signs say otherwise?

How much slower should you drive on wet pavement than on dry pavement?

Where the speed limit is 45 mph or more, how far before a turn must you signal?

When you pass another vehicle, how much room does the law require on its left side?

Passing on a curve or hill is unsafe and usually illegal unless you can see how far ahead?

Where is passing on the right allowed?

How close to a fire hydrant may you park?

An intersecting street has a curb. How far from its curb line must you park?

An emergency vehicle has stopped to investigate a crash. How far away must you park?

What is the lowest blood alcohol concentration that proves driving while impaired for a driver 21 or older in a regular vehicle?

What happens if a driver under 21 is convicted of driving with any amount of alcohol in their body?

You are charged with driving while impaired and refuse the required breath or blood test. What happens to your license right away?

During the first six months with a Level One limited learner permit, when may you drive with your supervising driver?

How long must you hold a Level One limited learner permit before applying for a Level Two limited provisional license?

How many hours of driving must the Level One driving log show, at a minimum?

How long must a supervising driver have been licensed?

A Level Two driver is unsupervised and not driving anyone to or from school. How many non-household passengers under 21 are allowed?

Your car has air bags. Who must still wear a seat belt while it is moving?

Children under what age may not ride in the open bed of a pickup truck, unless an exemption applies?

Headlights are required once visibility drops to what distance?

You turn on your windshield wipers because of rain. What else does North Carolina require?

North Carolina bars drivers below what age from using a cell phone while driving, except in an emergency?

A school bus stops for passengers on a four-lane road with no median. You are coming from the opposite direction. What must you do?

A school bus stops on a divided highway of four or more lanes with a median. Which traffic must stop?

An emergency vehicle is parked within 12 feet of the road with its lights on. You have two lanes going your way. What must you do?

When a railroad signal warns that a train is coming, where must you stop?

The signal changes to yellow or red while a pedestrian is still crossing the street. What must drivers do?

Your vehicle starts to skid. Which way should you turn the steering wheel?

Your car begins to hydroplane on a wet road. What should you do?

A tire blows out while you are driving. What should you do?

With no earlier suspension on your record, what is the lowest point total within three years that may get your license suspended?

In a regular (non-commercial) vehicle, how many driver license points does a conviction for passing a stopped school bus carry?

You are convicted of driving over 55 mph and more than 15 mph above the speed limit. What happens to your driving privilege?

A driver under 18 is convicted of a second moving violation within 12 months. How long may the license be suspended?

Questions to review

The real North Carolina test at a glance

What these 50 questions cover

Other states

North Carolina permit test questions