North Carolina Permit Practice Test

How to use this NC practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the North Carolina Driver Handbook, which is what the examiners use.
4. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

NC practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable NC practice test with answer key

40 sample practice questions from the NC bank

Every question below comes from the North Carolina question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. What does the North Carolina handbook say to do before a curve while traveling downhill?

   1. Shift to neutral
   2. Shift to a lower gear and begin braking earlier
   3. Speed up to carry momentum
   4. Brake hard in the middle of the curve
   Show answer

   Shift to a lower gear and begin braking earlier. When you meet a curve while traveling downhill, consider the pull of gravity, shift to a lower gear before moving downhill, and begin to bra Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What maximum speed does the North Carolina handbook list for a school bus?

   1. 55 mph
   2. 35 mph
   3. 45 mph
   4. 70 mph
   Show answer

   45 mph. The maximum speed limit listed for a school bus is 45 mph. Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, school buses and emergency vehicles

3. 3. A North Carolina driver turning right on red fails to yield to a pedestrian starting to cross in front of stopped traffic. What penalty applies?

   1. A warning only, with no penalty
   2. A penalty of not less than $100 and not more than $500
   3. A flat $25 infraction
   4. A penalty of $1,000 to $2,000
   Show answer

   A penalty of not less than $100 and not more than $500. North Carolina allows a right turn on red after stopping unless a sign prohibits it, but the turning driver must yield to other traffic and Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and pavement markings

4. 4. What testing accommodation is available on request for a North Carolina applicant who has difficulty reading?

   1. A waiver of the traffic law examination
   2. An audio version of the knowledge test
   3. A road test that replaces the knowledge test
   4. Automatic passage without answering questions
   Show answer

   An audio version of the knowledge test. Applicants who have difficulty reading may request an audio test for the knowledge examination. Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: License tests, teen phone ban and full provisional license

5. 5. How early may a North Carolina driver renew a license, and how often is online renewal allowed?

   1. Up to one year early, online every time
   2. Up to six months before expiration, online every other renewal
   3. Only in the last 30 days, in person only
   4. Any time, online every time
   Show answer

   Up to six months before expiration, online every other renewal. North Carolina drivers may renew a license up to six months before its expiration date. Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Keeping your license: points, suspensions and renewal

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

   1. 25 mph in cities and towns
   2. 35 mph in cities and towns
   3. 45 mph in cities and towns
   4. 55 mph in cities and towns
   Show answer

   35 mph in cities and towns. The handbook table gives 35 mph as the default maximum in cities and towns unless another limit is posted. Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and stopping distance

7. 7. A 16-year-old North Carolina driver is driving. Whom may the teen call on a cell phone in an emergency?

   1. Emergency responders, a hospital or clinic, law enforcement, or a parent, legal guardian, or spouse
   2. Anyone, if the call is hands free
   3. Only friends in the car
   4. No one, even in an emergency
   Show answer

   Emergency responders, a hospital or clinic, law enforcement, or a parent, legal guardian, or spouse. North Carolina bars drivers under 18 from using a cell phone or related technology while driving, with an exception for emergency calls to a Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Graduated licensing: learner permit to full license

8. 8. Where is very slow driving especially dangerous?

   1. Just after the crest of a hill or around a curve
   2. In a parking lot
   3. On a straight road with no traffic
   4. In a school zone during school hours
   Show answer

   Just after the crest of a hill or around a curve. Very slow driving is especially dangerous just after you have passed the crest of a hill or rounded a curve, because faster vehicles can cra Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and stopping distance

9. 9. For a driver age 21 or older, which BAC level is the North Carolina per se DWI threshold?

   1. A BAC of 0.08 percent or more
   2. A BAC of 0.05 percent or more
   3. A BAC of 0.10 percent or more
   4. A BAC of 0.15 percent or more
   Show answer

   A BAC of 0.08 percent or more. North Carolina treats a BAC of 0.08 percent or more as one way to prove impaired driving for the ordinary driver. The 0. Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Driving while impaired and alcohol limits

10. 10. What does the North Carolina handbook call the safest way to pass a bicyclist?

    1. Change lanes
    2. Sound the horn and pass closely
    3. Pass on the right
    4. Squeeze by in the same lane
    Show answer

    Change lanes. The safest way to pass a bicyclist is to change lanes, and to pass lawfully a driver must follow the vehicle passing laws in the General Sta Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Bicycles, mopeds, trucks and insurance

11. 11. Where does a North Carolina highway work zone begin and end?

    1. Only where workers are present on the road
    2. From the first cone to the first flagger
    3. From the first work zone sign to the last one
    4. Within 500 feet of any construction equipment
    Show answer

    From the first work zone sign to the last one. The handbook defines a highway work zone as the area between the first sign showing the beginning of the work zone and the last sign showing Full explanation in Test 11

12. 12. A bicyclist in North Carolina has been drinking. Do the state's DWI laws apply to the rider?

    1. Yes, bicycles are vehicles under the law
    2. No, DWI rules are written for car drivers
    3. Only if the rider is on a highway
    4. Only if the bicycle has a motor
    Show answer

    Yes, bicycles are vehicles under the law. North Carolina law considers bicycles to be vehicles, so bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other drivers, and the handbook says Full explanation in Test 12

13. 13. You are already crossing the tracks when the warning lights begin flashing. What does the North Carolina handbook say to do?

    1. Stop right away on the tracks and wait
    2. Back up off the tracks as fast as possible
    3. Keep moving and finish crossing
    4. Stop and get everyone out of the car
    Show answer

    Keep moving and finish crossing. The handbook is clear that if you are already crossing when the warning lights start flashing or the gates begin to come down, you should no Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings and funeral processions

14. 14. This sign is posted at an intersection where you wanted to turn around. What does it require?

    
    1. Make a U-turn only after stopping
    2. U-turns are allowed for cars, not trucks
    3. Turn left only, then make a U-turn
    4. Do not make a U-turn here
    Show answer

    Do not make a U-turn here. Rectangular and square regulatory signs, normally black and white or red and white, show speed limits and other rules. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Sign shapes and colors

15. 15. The temperature is just above freezing and the road feels wet but not icy. You are approaching a bridge. What should you expect?

    1. Bridges stay warmer than the road
    2. Ice forms on bridges only at night
    3. The bridge may freeze before the road does
    4. Bridges are salted, so they are always safe
    Show answer

    The bridge may freeze before the road does. The handbook says to watch for shady spots, bridges, and overpasses, because these places are often the first to freeze as the temperature d Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Turn signals, headlights and bad weather

16. 16. As you approach a railroad crossing, the flashing lights come on and the gates start to come down. What must you do?

    1. Speed up so you clear the tracks before the gates are down
    2. Stop before the gates lower across your side of the road
    3. Drive around the gate if no train is visible
    4. Slow down and cross once the gates finish moving
    Show answer

    Stop before the gates lower across your side of the road. Many crossings have flashing red lights alone or flashing lights with gates. Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings and funeral processions

17. 17. Police are working a crash on your street, and you want to park and wait for a friend. How close to the stopped police car may you park?

    1. Right behind it with flashers on
    2. No closer than 100 feet
    3. No closer than 25 feet
    4. Anywhere if you stay in the car
    Show answer

    No closer than 100 feet. The handbook says not to park within 100 feet of an emergency vehicle that has stopped to investigate an accident or to give assistance. Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, school buses and emergency vehicles

18. 18. Your gas pedal sticks while you are driving. Which response does the North Carolina handbook list?

    1. Turn the engine off and steer to the median
    2. Pump the brakes rapidly while in drive
    3. Pull the parking brake as hard as possible
    4. Shift to neutral and brake firmly
    Show answer

    Shift to neutral and brake firmly. If your gas pedal sticks, the handbook lists three steps: tap the gas pedal or lift it with your foot to try to free the throttle linkage, s Full explanation in Test 18

19. 19. You are driving beside a tractor-trailer and cannot see the driver's face in the truck's side mirror. What does that tell you?

    1. The driver is looking straight ahead
    2. You are too far away to matter
    3. The truck driver probably cannot see you
    4. The truck is about to change lanes
    Show answer

    The truck driver probably cannot see you. A general rule for sharing the road with a tractor-trailer is that if you cannot see the truck driver in their side-view mirror, they cannot Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Bicycles, mopeds, trucks and insurance

20. 20. What can happen if a vehicle towing a trailer has to brake suddenly?

    1. The trailer might jackknife sideways
    2. The trailer will stop sooner than a car
    3. The towing vehicle gains extra traction
    4. Nothing, since trailers have their own brakes
    Show answer

    The trailer might jackknife sideways. Vehicles towing trailers need special care from everyone around them. Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Bicycles, mopeds, trucks and insurance

21. 21. You pass a car on a two-lane road, but the driver you passed has to brake to let you back into the lane. What does this mean?

    1. The other driver was going too slowly
    2. You did not leave enough room to pass safely
    3. You passed correctly, since you got back in
    4. The other driver broke the law by braking
    Show answer

    You did not leave enough room to pass safely. The handbook says you have not passed safely if the vehicle you passed must slow down to allow you back into your correct lane. Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Passing, backing and parking

22. 22. When entering a North Carolina interstate from an on-ramp, how should you use the acceleration lane?

    1. Stop at its end and wait for a large gap
    2. Use it to match the speed of traffic, then merge
    3. Merge right away at the start of the lane
    4. Drive slowly so traffic can see you coming
    Show answer

    Use it to match the speed of traffic, then merge. The handbook's interstate rules say to use the acceleration lane until your vehicle's speed matches the speed of the other traffic, and then Full explanation in Test 22

23. 23. A bike lane runs along the right side of the street. When you plan to turn right at an intersection, what crash risk does the handbook point out?

    1. A cyclist turning left across your path from ahead
    2. A cyclist going straight beside you as you turn
    3. A cyclist stopping suddenly in the bike lane
    4. A cyclist riding against traffic on the sidewalk
    Show answer

    A cyclist going straight beside you as you turn. When a bike lane or path runs on or next to the road, the handbook asks for special attention at intersections. Full explanation in Test 23

24. 24. On a city street with curbs, you see a parking space that starts 20 feet from the curb line of a cross street. May you park there?

    1. Yes, 20 feet is plenty of room
    2. No, you must stay at least 25 feet away
    3. Yes, if you are on the right side
    4. No, you must stay 100 feet away
    Show answer

    No, you must stay at least 25 feet away. On streets with curbs, the handbook says not to park within 25 feet of the curb line of an intersecting street, or within 15 feet of the int Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Passing, backing and parking

25. 25. It has not rained for weeks, and a light shower has just started. When is the road likely to be most slippery?

    1. After an hour of steady rain
    2. Only once puddles have formed
    3. Only after the rain stops
    4. During the first 10 to 15 minutes
    Show answer

    During the first 10 to 15 minutes. Roads turn especially dangerous right after rain starts, the handbook warns, most of all after a dry spell. Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Turn signals, headlights and bad weather

26. 26. What must every vehicle in a North Carolina funeral procession display?

    1. Nothing special
    2. High beams only
    3. A flag on the antenna
    4. Headlights on, and hazard warning signals if equipped
    Show answer

    Headlights on, and hazard warning signals if equipped. Every vehicle in a North Carolina funeral procession must have its headlights on, and the hazard warning signals must also be on if the vehi Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings and funeral processions

27. 27. When leaving a parallel parking space, what should a North Carolina driver do before pulling into traffic?

    1. Move out immediately because parked vehicles have priority
    2. Use the right turn signal and leave without checking behind
    3. Sound the horn while backing into the nearest travel lane
    4. Check for approaching traffic and give a left turn signal
    Show answer

    Check for approaching traffic and give a left turn signal. A driver leaving a parallel space should first check for approaching traffic and signal left before pulling out. Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Passing, backing and parking

28. 28. After a North Carolina crash with no injuries, at what amount of apparent property damage must the driver immediately report it to law enforcement?

    1. $100 or more
    2. $5,000 or more
    3. Only when a vehicle must be towed
    4. $1,000 or more
    Show answer

    $1,000 or more. North Carolina requires an immediate report to the nearest law enforcement officer or agency when anyone is killed or injured, or when the t Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Blowouts, breakdowns and crashes

29. 29. What license suspension does North Carolina list for prearranged racing with another vehicle on the highway?

    1. A 30-day suspension
    2. 90 days
    3. 1 year
    4. 3 years
    Show answer

    3 years. North Carolina lists a 3 year suspension for prearranged racing on the highway, and the same 3 years for watching, betting on, or lending a Full explanation in Test 4

30. 30. In which direction do vehicles travel around a traffic circle or roundabout?

    1. To the right around the circle in a counterclockwise direction
    2. Straight across the center whenever traffic is light
    3. In either direction according to the driver’s preferred lane
    4. To the left around the circle in a clockwise direction
    Show answer

    To the right around the circle in a counterclockwise direction. Vehicles in a traffic circle travel to the right around the circle in a counterclockwise direction until reaching the road where they intend Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way at intersections and roundabouts

31. 31. Which headlights does the North Carolina handbook say to use when driving at night in a city?

    1. High-beam headlights
    2. Parking lights only
    3. Low-beam headlights
    4. No headlights where streetlights are on
    Show answer

    Low-beam headlights. The North Carolina handbook separates city and open road lighting. When you drive at night in a city, use low beam headlights. Full explanation in Test 6

    Study this in the handbook: Turn signals, headlights and bad weather

32. 32. How long is the first suspension under North Carolina's point system?

    1. 30 days only
    2. 60 days
    3. 6 months
    4. 12 months
    Show answer

    60 days. A North Carolina point system suspension can be 60 days for the first, 6 months for the second, and 12 months for the third. Full explanation in Test 7

    Study this in the handbook: Keeping your license: points, suspensions and renewal

33. 33. What does the DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign shown remind you to do?

    
    1. Stop on the tracks only if traffic ahead is stopped
    2. Stop on the tracks to look for trains
    3. Speed up and cross every track without looking
    4. Do not stop on the railroad tracks for any reason
    Show answer

    Do not stop on the railroad tracks for any reason. The DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS sign reminds drivers not to stop on a railroad track for any reason. Full explanation in Test 8

34. 34. Before a North Carolina driver under 18 may take the learner permit or license test, what driver education instruction is required?

    1. Ten classroom hours and two road hours
    2. At least 30 classroom hours and six behind-the-wheel hours
    3. Six classroom hours and 30 road hours
    4. Twenty classroom hours with no driving instruction
    Show answer

    At least 30 classroom hours and six behind-the-wheel hours. The handbook requires a certificate for an approved driver education course with at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours be Full explanation in Test 9

35. 35. In North Carolina, how far to the left must a passing driver pass the vehicle being overtaken?

    1. At least two feet
    2. At least six inches
    3. At least one foot
    4. At least ten feet
    Show answer

    At least two feet. The passing rule requires the driver to pass at least two feet to the left of the vehicle being passed. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Passing, backing and parking

36. 36. An ambulance with lights and siren approaches from the opposite direction on a four-lane, limited-access highway with a center median. Must you yield?

    1. Yes, traffic both ways must pull over and stop
    2. Yes, but only if the ambulance uses the left lane
    3. No, opposite traffic on that highway need not yield
    4. No, ambulances never get the right of way on highways
    Show answer

    No, opposite traffic on that highway need not yield. North Carolina requires all vehicles, whatever their direction, to yield to an approaching emergency vehicle. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, school buses and emergency vehicles

37. 37. When may a driver use the emergency warning flashers?

    1. To show you are driving slowly in the far left lane
    2. To warn of danger or a stopped or disabled vehicle
    3. To park in a no-parking zone for a short time
    4. To drive through a red light in an emergency
    Show answer

    To warn of danger or a stopped or disabled vehicle. Vehicles have an emergency warning device that flashes all four turn signal lights. Full explanation in Test 12

38. 38. You have a green light when you hear a siren and see a fire engine with flashing lights coming toward the intersection from the side. Who has the right of way?

    1. You, since your green light gives you priority over any vehicle
    2. Whoever reaches the crossing first
    3. The fire engine, but only if your light turns red
    4. The fire engine, even though your light is green
    Show answer

    The fire engine, even though your light is green. Police cars, ambulances, fire engines and rescue vehicles with flashing lights and sirens always have the right of way, according to the han Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, school buses and emergency vehicles

39. 39. When does a motorcycle usually stop more slowly than normal?

    1. When it is traveling uphill
    2. When carrying a second rider
    3. When the rider uses both brakes
    4. When the road is dry and smooth
    Show answer

    When carrying a second rider. The handbook notes that most motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, but they stop more slowly when carrying a second rider or when tra Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Bicycles, mopeds, trucks and insurance

40. 40. Fast-moving water about six inches deep is flowing across the road ahead after a storm. What should you do?

    1. Do not drive into it; it can sweep a car away
    2. Drive through slowly in a low gear
    3. Drive through quickly before it rises
    4. Follow the pickup truck ahead through it
    Show answer

    Do not drive into it; it can sweep a car away. The handbook cites reports that six inches of fast-moving water can sweep a car off the highway, and 12 inches can float a car or turn it ov Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Turn signals, headlights and bad weather