NC 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. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

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

Printable NC practice test with answer key

First 40 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. When rain requires you to use windshield wipers in North Carolina, which lighting rule also applies?

   1. Use hazard flashers whenever the windshield wipers are operating
   2. Use headlights whenever the windshield wipers are operating
   3. Use high beams whenever rain continues for more than ten minutes
   4. Use parking lights only until the roadway becomes completely dry
   Show answer

   Use headlights whenever the windshield wipers are operating. North Carolina ties the lighting requirement directly to wiper use during inclement weather. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What BAC level can establish impaired driving for someone operating a commercial motor vehicle in North Carolina?

   1. 0.08 percent or more because commercial drivers use the ordinary limit
   2. 0.02 percent or more only when the vehicle carries passengers
   3. 0.04 percent or more for a commercial motor vehicle driver
   4. 0.15 percent or more unless the driver has a prior DWI
   Show answer

   0.04 percent or more for a commercial motor vehicle driver. Commercial motor vehicle operation uses a lower BAC threshold than ordinary driving. The handbook identifies 0. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. When vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection together, which vehicle has the right of way?

   1. The vehicle to the left
   2. The larger vehicle
   3. The vehicle to the right
   4. The vehicle going straight
   Show answer

   The vehicle to the right. When two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time and signs or signals do not decide the movement, the vehicle on the right recei Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. At a North Carolina railroad crossing, which road user has the right of way?

   1. A police vehicle approaching with warning lights
   2. The first automobile to reach the rails
   3. A vehicle facing a green signal on a nearby road
   4. The train over all highway traffic
   Show answer

   The train over all highway traffic. Trains have priority at railroad crossings, including over police, fire, and ambulance vehicles. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. 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. Automatic passage without answering questions
   3. A road test that replaces the knowledge test
   4. An audio version of the knowledge test
   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 1

6. 6. A driver is transporting passengers younger than 16 in North Carolina. What must the driver ensure?

   1. Each passenger under 16 is secured in an approved restraint or seat belt
   2. Only the front-seat child is restrained
   3. Children may ride unrestrained for short trips
   4. Only passengers under eight need any restraint
   Show answer

   Each passenger under 16 is secured in an approved restraint or seat belt. The driver must make sure every passenger under age 16 is properly secured in a child passenger restraint system or a seat belt meeting fede Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. Where should a driver generally park on a North Carolina road?

   1. On the right side of the road, except on a one-way street
   2. On the left side of every road
   3. Across the center of a two-way road
   4. On the shoulder whenever the road has two-way traffic
   Show answer

   On the right side of the road, except on a one-way street. North Carolina directs drivers to park on the right side of the road, with an exception for one-way streets. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. At 55 mph under ideal conditions, about how far does a North Carolina handbook example say a vehicle needs to stop completely?

   1. Approximately 55 feet
   2. Approximately 211 feet
   3. Approximately 100 feet
   4. Approximately 500 feet
   Show answer

   Approximately 211 feet. The example says a vehicle traveling 55 mph requires approximately 211 feet to stop completely, even under ideal conditions. Full explanation in Test 2

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

   1. 25 mph in cities and towns
   2. 45 mph in cities and towns
   3. 35 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 2

10. 10. What should a North Carolina driver check before entering a vehicle to back up?

    1. Only the rearview mirror
    2. The fuel gauge and dashboard lights
    3. The area behind the vehicle for small objects or children
    4. The lane on the opposite side of the street
    Show answer

    The area behind the vehicle for small objects or children. The handbook's backing rules begin before entering the vehicle: check behind it for small objects or children. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. When a driver under 18 must use a cell phone while the vehicle is moving, whom may the driver call about an emergency?

    1. A friend who is waiting for a ride
    2. A parent about a routine schedule change
    3. A business for a nonurgent appointment
    4. An emergency response operator
    Show answer

    An emergency response operator. North Carolina prohibits drivers under 18 from using a cell phone or related technology while operating a moving vehicle on a public street, Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. When a railroad crossing gate is lowered or a flagger signals an approaching train, how far from the nearest rail must a driver stop?

    1. Within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet
    2. Exactly 5 feet from the rail
    3. At least 100 feet away in every case
    4. After crossing the nearest track
    Show answer

    Within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet. North Carolina's railroad rule requires stopping within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail when a gate is lowered or Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. At the pictured YIELD sign, when is a complete stop required?

    1. Every time, even when the intersection is empty
    2. When stopping is needed to avoid interfering with traffic on the intersecting street
    3. Only when a police officer is present
    4. Never, because a yield sign requires continued motion
    Show answer

    When stopping is needed to avoid interfering with traffic on the intersecting street. A YIELD sign tells the driver to slow down and give the right of way. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. The pictured red slash over a turning arrow belongs to which sign category?

    1. A regulatory sign prohibiting a movement
    2. A guide sign showing a preferred route
    3. A warning sign for a road surface
    4. A service sign for a driver facility
    Show answer

    A regulatory sign prohibiting a movement. A red slash over a movement communicates that the movement is prohibited, which is a traffic regulation. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What type of instruction does a KEEP RIGHT sign provide?

    1. A regulatory instruction about roadway position
    2. A warning that the pavement is slippery
    3. A route shield for a numbered highway
    4. A notice that parking is reserved
    Show answer

    A regulatory instruction about roadway position. KEEP RIGHT is an instruction governing the way traffic uses the roadway, so it is regulatory. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What road condition does a pedestrian crossing warning sign tell you to anticipate?

    1. Pedestrians are prohibited from entering the roadway
    2. People may be crossing, so watch and prepare to yield
    3. A sidewalk is closed for maintenance
    4. Only school buses may use the next lane
    Show answer

    People may be crossing, so watch and prepare to yield. A pedestrian crossing warning calls attention to people who may be using the roadway ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. When diamond-shaped warning signs are orange with black messages, what do they warn about?

    1. Hospital entrances and telephone services
    2. Railroad crossings with multiple tracks
    3. Construction or maintenance areas
    4. The beginning of a city speed zone
    Show answer

    Construction or maintenance areas. Orange diamond-shaped signs with black messages warn about construction or maintenance areas. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What driving adjustment is recommended when approaching a curve?

    1. Brake hard only after reaching the middle
    2. Accelerate until the curve is complete
    3. Use the shoulder to straighten the path
    4. Slow down before entering the curve
    Show answer

    Slow down before entering the curve. North Carolina recommends slowing before entering a curve so you do not need to brake while traveling through it. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What does the yellow pennant-shaped sign mark?

    1. A route where passing is required
    2. The end of every posted speed limit
    3. The beginning of a no-passing zone
    4. A school crossing with reduced hours
    Show answer

    The beginning of a no-passing zone. The yellow pennant is positioned on the left side of the road and points to the beginning of a no-passing zone. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. A traffic light has malfunctioned because of a power outage. What should you do when approaching the intersection?

    1. Treat every approach as controlled by a stop sign
    2. Continue through if cross traffic is not visible
    3. Yield only to vehicles on your left
    4. Wait for the light to display green before moving
    Show answer

    Treat every approach as controlled by a stop sign. A dark or malfunctioning traffic light is handled as a stop sign on all approaches. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. How should the lap belt be positioned according to the North Carolina handbook?

    1. High across the stomach
    2. Under the abdomen and low across the hips
    3. Loose enough to fit a fist underneath
    4. Across the thighs only
    Show answer

    Under the abdomen and low across the hips. The lap belt should be worn under the abdomen and low across the hips, and the shoulder portion should come over the collarbone. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. If a blowout occurs, what should a driver do before applying the brakes?

    1. Press the brake pedal as hard as possible
    2. Reduce speed by lifting the foot from the accelerator
    3. Turn sharply toward the shoulder
    4. Shift into reverse immediately
    Show answer

    Reduce speed by lifting the foot from the accelerator. During a blowout, first hold the steering wheel tightly, try to keep the vehicle straight on your side of the road, and reduce speed by lift Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. A signal is flashing red as you approach an intersection. What action is required before entering?

    1. Stop and proceed only when you can enter without interfering with traffic
    2. Treat it as a flashing yellow and continue
    3. Speed through before another vehicle arrives
    4. Stop only if a pedestrian is present
    Show answer

    Stop and proceed only when you can enter without interfering with traffic. A flashing red signal has the same meaning as a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. A North Carolina driver going faster than 55 mph is convicted of exceeding the limit by more than 15 mph. For how long is the driving privilege revoked at minimum?

    1. At least 10 days
    2. At least 6 months
    3. There is no revocation for a first offense
    4. At least 30 days
    Show answer

    At least 30 days. North Carolina ties license revocation directly to high speed. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. What do white lines separating travel lanes indicate?

    1. The lanes always move in opposite directions
    2. Passing is prohibited in both directions
    3. The lanes move in the same direction
    4. The lane is reserved for railroad traffic
    Show answer

    The lanes move in the same direction. White lines separate travel lanes moving in the same direction. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. What age range must an applicant meet for a North Carolina Level One Limited Learner Permit?

    1. At least 14 but less than 16 years old
    2. At least 16 but less than 21 years old
    3. At least 18 but less than 25 years old
    4. At least 15 but less than 18 years old
    Show answer

    At least 15 but less than 18 years old. North Carolina says an applicant for a Level One Limited Learner Permit must be at least 15 years old but less than 18 and must reside in No Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. A North Carolina Level Two license holder driving without supervision may generally carry how many unrelated passengers under 21?

    1. Two in every circumstance
    2. None, regardless of the destination
    3. Three if the driver has held the license for six months
    4. One, with a second allowed when that passenger is a student driven directly to or from school
    Show answer

    One, with a second allowed when that passenger is a student driven directly to or from school. The ordinary unsupervised limit is one passenger under 21 who is not a household member. Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. After a North Carolina DWI conviction with a BAC of 0.15 or more, what vehicle equipment may be required?

    1. A second passenger side air bag
    2. A commercial vehicle speed governor
    3. An ignition interlock device
    4. A replacement catalytic converter
    Show answer

    An ignition interlock device. A DWI conviction with a BAC of 0.15 or more requires an ignition interlock device to be installed on the vehicle under the handbook’s listed Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. Within what period can accumulating as many as 12 North Carolina driver license points lead to suspension?

    1. Within six months only
    2. Within a three year period
    3. Within a five year period
    4. Within one calendar month
    Show answer

    Within a three year period. The handbook identifies as many as 12 points within a three year period as a possible basis for license suspension. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. When following another vehicle in ordinary conditions, how should a driver measure a safe gap?

    1. Allow two seconds between the vehicles passing the same point
    2. Stay one car length behind at every speed
    3. Keep exactly ten feet of space
    4. Follow closely until a passing opportunity appears
    Show answer

    Allow two seconds between the vehicles passing the same point. The two-second method uses a fixed point on the roadway rather than a guessed number of car lengths. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. When being passed on a North Carolina road, what must the driver of the vehicle being overtaken do?

    1. Accelerate to keep the other vehicle beside you
    2. Move to the right edge and never increase speed
    3. Move left to block the passing vehicle
    4. Brake hard in the travel lane
    Show answer

    Move to the right edge and never increase speed. When another driver is passing, the handbook requires the overtaken driver to help by moving to the right edge of the road and never increas Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. If a North Carolina driver is already inside a roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens, what should happen?

    1. Stop immediately in the circle
    2. Exit the roundabout first, then pull over for the emergency vehicle
    3. Reverse around the circle to make room
    4. Enter the roundabout again after stopping at the entrance
    Show answer

    Exit the roundabout first, then pull over for the emergency vehicle. A driver already in the roundabout should exit first and then pull over so the emergency vehicle can pass. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. What extra space should a driver allow when a passing vehicle needs to move into the gap ahead?

    1. Enough distance for the passing vehicle to move in safely
    2. No space, because the passing vehicle must remain outside the lane
    3. Exactly one car length regardless of speed
    4. A gap created only after the lead vehicle stops
    Show answer

    Enough distance for the passing vehicle to move in safely. On the open road, a driver should leave enough room between the vehicle ahead and the following vehicle so a passing vehicle can enter the s Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. How many hours must a North Carolina teen log on the Driving Log before a Level Two license, and how many at night?

    1. At least 40 hours, with 6 at night
    2. At least 50 hours, with 10 at night
    3. At least 30 hours, all in daylight
    4. At least 60 hours, with at least 10 at night
    Show answer

    At least 60 hours, with at least 10 at night. A Level One permit holder receives a Driving Log that must detail a minimum of 60 hours of operation, and at least 10 of those hours must oc Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. When has a North Carolina driver not passed safely?

    1. When the passing driver signals before moving left
    2. When the driver returns to the original lane before meeting oncoming traffic
    3. When the vehicle being passed must slow down to let the driver return to the correct lane
    4. When the passed vehicle maintains its speed
    Show answer

    When the vehicle being passed must slow down to let the driver return to the correct lane. A pass is not safe if the vehicle being passed must slow down so the passing driver can return to the correct lane. Full explanation in Test 7

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

    1. To the left around the circle in a clockwise direction
    2. Straight across the center whenever traffic is light
    3. In either direction according to the driver’s preferred lane
    4. To the right around the circle in a counterclockwise 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 8

37. 37. A flashing yellow signal has the same meaning as what type of sign?

    1. A stop sign
    2. A speed-limit sign
    3. A railroad-crossing sign
    4. A warning sign
    Show answer

    A warning sign. The handbook gives a flashing yellow signal the same meaning as a warning sign. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. When driving in fog in North Carolina, which headlights should a driver use?

    1. High-beam headlights only
    2. Parking lights without headlights
    3. Low-beam headlights
    4. Hazard flashers instead of headlights
    Show answer

    Low-beam headlights. The handbook directs a driver who must travel in fog to turn on low-beam headlights. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. A flashing red signal at a North Carolina intersection means you must first:

    1. Slow down but continue without stopping
    2. Turn around before reaching the intersection
    3. Stop and wait until entering will not interfere with approaching traffic
    4. Wait for the signal to become a steady yellow
    Show answer

    Stop and wait until entering will not interfere with approaching traffic. A flashing red signal carries the same stopping obligation as a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. How should a North Carolina driver handle a pedestrian in a crosswalk at an unsignalized intersection?

    1. Proceed first if the vehicle arrived first
    2. Yield only when the pedestrian is running
    3. Use the horn and continue through the crosswalk
    4. Yield because the pedestrian has the right of way
    Show answer

    Yield because the pedestrian has the right of way. At an intersection without signals, a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk formed by sidewalk lines has priority. Full explanation in Test 8