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
10. Test 10

Printable NC practice test with answer key

40 sample 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. 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 1

2. 2. Before passing another vehicle, what must a driver be able to ensure?

   1. That the driver can return to the original lane before meeting oncoming traffic
   2. That the vehicle ahead will speed up to create room
   3. That the road is empty for exactly 100 feet
   4. That the driver can pass without checking behind
   Show answer

   That the driver can return to the original lane before meeting oncoming traffic. A pass is safe only when the driver can see far enough ahead to return to the original lane before meeting oncoming traffic. Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. A North Carolina driver's chemical test shows 0.08 percent. What happens to the driving privilege?

   1. Nothing until the court date
   2. A warning is issued
   3. It is revoked immediately, and the limit is 0.04 for a commercial motor vehicle
   4. It is suspended only if a crash occurred
   Show answer

   It is revoked immediately, and the limit is 0.04 for a commercial motor vehicle. If your blood alcohol concentration test shows a BAC of 0.08 percent or more, or 0. Full explanation in Test 3

4. 4. What should a driver do when an authorized emergency vehicle approaches with its warning equipment operating?

   
   1. Speed up to clear the lane
   2. Move right and stop until it passes
   3. Stop in the center of the intersection
   4. Follow immediately behind it
   Show answer

   Move right and stop until it passes. The emergency response rule requires a driver to yield room for the authorized vehicle by moving toward the right side and stopping until it Full explanation in Test 4

5. 5. What action is required at a flashing yellow traffic signal?

   1. Stop and remain stopped until a green signal appears
   2. Speed up to clear the intersection
   3. Slow down and proceed with caution
   4. Turn around before entering the intersection
   Show answer

   Slow down and proceed with caution. The flashing yellow signal has the same meaning as a warning sign. Full explanation in Test 5

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

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

8. 8. When driving through changing areas such as open country, residential communities and school zones, what should a driver do?

   1. Watch for changing conditions and adjust speed accordingly
   2. Accelerate whenever entering a residential community
   3. Use the interstate speed in every school zone
   4. Keep the posted speed regardless of conditions
   Show answer

   Watch for changing conditions and adjust speed accordingly. The handbook warns that driving conditions change as a trip moves through open country, residential communities and school zones. Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. 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 9

10. 10. How should a North Carolina driver steer while backing to keep the fullest view behind the vehicle?

    1. Look through the side window while steering with the right hand
    2. Use both mirrors without turning the head
    3. Use the left hand and look over the right shoulder through the back window
    4. Turn around only after the vehicle begins moving
    Show answer

    Use the left hand and look over the right shoulder through the back window. For backing, the handbook directs the driver to steer with the left hand and look over the right shoulder through the back window. Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. 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 15 but less than 18 years old
    4. At least 18 but less than 25 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 1

12. 12. What alcohol concentration restriction applies after a North Carolina DWI conviction in a commercial motor vehicle?

    1. 0.00
    2. 0.02
    3. 0.04
    4. 0.08
    Show answer

    0.00. North Carolina sets a 0.00 alcohol concentration restriction when a person is convicted of DWI in a commercial motor vehicle, of driving aft Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. Two facing vehicles arrive together, one going straight and one turning left. Which vehicle must wait?

    
    1. The straight moving vehicle must yield to the turning vehicle
    2. Both vehicles must reverse from the intersection
    3. The vehicle turning left must wait for the straight moving vehicle
    4. The vehicle with the brighter headlights may turn first
    Show answer

    The vehicle turning left must wait for the straight moving vehicle. When facing drivers arrive together and one intends to turn left while the other travels straight, the left turning driver waits. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. Why does the North Carolina handbook say the closure time is quicker when approaching farm equipment?

    1. Farm equipment always has priority at intersections
    2. The equipment is required to use high beams
    3. Farm equipment can legally exceed the posted limit
    4. The equipment travels slowly
    Show answer

    The equipment travels slowly. Farm equipment moves slowly, so a vehicle approaching from behind closes the distance quickly relative to that equipment's progress and may Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. 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 5

16. 16. 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 6

17. 17. What happens to a North Carolina driver's license points when the driving privilege is reinstated after a suspension?

    1. They are doubled
    2. They stay for three more years
    3. All previous driver license points are canceled, though insurance points are not affected
    4. Half are removed
    Show answer

    All previous driver license points are canceled, though insurance points are not affected. When a North Carolina driving privilege is reinstated, all earlier driver license points are canceled. Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. What lane practice is required while traveling inside a multi-lane roundabout in North Carolina?

    1. Do not change lanes while in the roundabout
    2. Use the shoulder to pass slower traffic
    3. Change lanes at every exit
    4. Drive across the center island before exiting
    Show answer

    Do not change lanes while in the roundabout. Drivers should choose the appropriate lane before entering a multi-lane roundabout and then remain in that lane while circulating. Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. 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

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

    
    1. Yield because the pedestrian has the right of way
    2. Yield only when the pedestrian is running
    3. Use the horn and continue through the crosswalk
    4. Proceed first if the vehicle arrived first
    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 10

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

    
    1. A route where passing is required
    2. The beginning of a no-passing zone
    3. The end of every posted speed limit
    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 1

22. 22. How long must a North Carolina Level One Limited Learner Permit be held before applying for a Limited Provisional License?

    1. At least six months
    2. At least three months
    3. At least nine months
    4. At least twelve months
    Show answer

    At least nine months. The Level One permit must be held for nine months before the driver may apply for a Limited Provisional License. Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. Which speed rule applies even when a driver is traveling below the posted limit?

    1. Never drive at a speed that is unreasonable or unwise given existing conditions
    2. Always drive exactly at the posted limit
    3. Drive faster than the limit when traffic is light
    4. Use the posted limit without regard to weather
    Show answer

    Never drive at a speed that is unreasonable or unwise given existing conditions. North Carolina’s handbook says a driver must never travel faster than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is unreasonable or unwise gi Full explanation in Test 3

24. 24. What is the recommended response when the brakes fail on a vehicle with an automatic transmission?

    1. Turn off the engine and coast in neutral
    2. Apply the emergency brake and move the gear lever into low range
    3. Pump the accelerator to restore braking
    4. Shift into reverse at highway speed
    Show answer

    Apply the emergency brake and move the gear lever into low range. For brake failure in an automatic vehicle, the handbook recommends applying the emergency brake and moving the gear control lever into the l Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. 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

26. 26. Where does the North Carolina handbook direct drivers for information about the state's toll roads?

    1. The N.C. Quick Pass office or website
    2. The State Highway Patrol
    3. The county sheriff
    4. The local DMV office
    Show answer

    The N.C. Quick Pass office or website. For information about North Carolina's toll roads, the handbook says to call the N.C. Quick Pass office at 1-877-769-7277 or visit www. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. Without a supervising driver or any immediate-family or household passengers aboard, how many other passengers under 21 may a North Carolina Level Two driver carry?

    1. No more than one
    2. None, regardless of the destination
    3. Three if the driver has held the license for six months
    4. Two in every circumstance
    Show answer

    No more than one. An unsupervised Level Two driver may carry no more than one passenger under 21 from outside the immediate family and household. Full explanation in Test 7

28. 28. A hearing does not resolve your North Carolina license revocation. How long do you have to appeal to Superior Court?

    1. Within 10 days
    2. Within 90 days
    3. Within 30 days
    4. Within one year
    Show answer

    Within 30 days. If a North Carolina driver believes a revocation was wrong and the DMV hearing does not help, the driver may appeal within 30 days to the Su Full explanation in Test 8

29. 29. 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 lane is reserved for railroad traffic
    4. The lanes move in the same direction
    Show answer

    The lanes move in the same direction. White lines separate travel lanes moving in the same direction. Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. On a highway with only one lane in your direction, how should you proceed when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with warning lights activated?

    1. Stop completely and remain beside the emergency vehicle
    2. Use the opposite lane at full speed to pass quickly
    3. Maintain the posted speed until the vehicle is no longer visible
    4. Slow to a reduced, safe speed until completely past the emergency vehicle
    Show answer

    Slow to a reduced, safe speed until completely past the emergency vehicle. When a highway has only one lane moving in your direction, North Carolina requires a driver to slow down and travel at a reduced, safe speed Full explanation in Test 10

31. 31. What is the first priority when a vehicle breaks down on a roadway?

    1. Move the vehicle completely onto the shoulder
    2. Stand behind it to direct traffic
    3. Leave it blocking the lane with no lights
    4. Repair it in the travel lane
    Show answer

    Move the vehicle completely onto the shoulder. For a breakdown, the handbook says to exit the main part of the road and move the vehicle completely onto the shoulder. Full explanation in Test 1

32. 32. A North Carolina provisional licensee is convicted of a fourth moving violation within 12 months. What suspension can follow?

    1. Six months
    2. One month
    3. 90 days
    4. Two years
    Show answer

    Six months. For a provisional licensee under 18, North Carolina's escalating suspensions are 30 days for a second moving violation within 12 months, 90 Full explanation in Test 2

33. 33. On a divided highway with four or more lanes and a median, a school bus stops for passengers. Who must stop?

    
    1. Only traffic following the bus
    2. Only traffic traveling toward the front of the bus
    3. No one if the median is paved
    4. All traffic in both directions
    Show answer

    Only traffic following the bus. On a divided highway of four or more lanes with a median separation, only traffic following the school bus must stop when it stops for passe Full explanation in Test 3

34. 34. How many driver license points may trigger assignment to a driver improvement clinic in North Carolina?

    1. Seven points
    2. Eight points
    3. Five points
    4. Twelve points
    Show answer

    Seven points. Accumulating seven driver license points may lead to assignment to a driver improvement clinic. Full explanation in Test 4

35. 35. During rain, what following distance does the handbook recommend?

    1. One car length regardless of speed
    2. The same distance used on dry pavement
    3. Half the normal distance so other vehicles cannot merge
    4. At least twice the normal following distance
    Show answer

    At least twice the normal following distance. Rain makes pavement slippery and increases stopping distance, so the handbook advises allowing at least twice the normal following distance. Full explanation in Test 5

36. 36. 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 6

37. 37. When a traffic control device requires a stop at an intersection and a marked stop line is present, where must the driver stop?

    
    1. At the center of the intersecting street
    2. Past the intersection where the road is widest
    3. Beside the nearest parked vehicle
    4. At the appropriately marked stop line
    Show answer

    At the appropriately marked stop line. When a stop sign, traffic light, flashing light, or another traffic control device requires a stop, the driver must stop at the appropriatel Full explanation in Test 7

38. 38. What driving error does the North Carolina handbook say to avoid by watching for a DO NOT ENTER sign?

    
    1. Parking beside a fire hydrant
    2. Traveling the wrong way on an interstate
    3. Passing a school bus with red lights
    4. Stopping on railroad tracks
    Show answer

    Traveling the wrong way on an interstate. The handbook places the DO NOT ENTER reminder in its interstate-driving guidance, where a driver may accidentally enter a ramp or roadway in Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. 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. A replacement catalytic converter
    4. An ignition interlock device
    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 9

40. 40. What do red reflective pavement markers indicate to motorists in North Carolina?

    1. A nearby fire hydrant
    2. A lane reserved for buses
    3. Wrong-way movements
    4. A legal passing area
    Show answer

    Wrong-way movements. Red reflective markers identify wrong-way movements for motorists. Full explanation in Test 10