North Carolina FREE DMV Test & Permit Practice
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#1. What should you use the area in the center of this road for?
On certain multi-lane highways, a special center lane is reserved exclusively for two-way left-turn movements in both directions. The two-way left-turn lane must not be used for passing another vehicle or for the purpose of merging into traffic.
These lanes are marked on each side by a solid yellow and dashed yellow line.
You may only drive a short distance in the lane.
#2. What is the first thing you should do before backing a vehicle?
Before entering your vehicle, check behind it for small objects or children. Once you are in the driver’s seat, it is hard to see them
#3. If it starts to drizzle while you are driving, you should do which of the following?
II. Allow at least twice the normal following distance
Roads are more dangerous just after rain has begun to fall, especially if it has not rained for a while. For the first 10 to 15 minutes, rain combines with oil from asphalt and vehicles, and with dirt, dust, and rubber to create a slick surface. You should drive with extreme caution.
Stopping distances on slippery pavement increases from two to 10 times farther than on dry pavement, therefore, slow down and allow yourself at least twice the normal following distance.
#4. If the rear of your vehicle starts to skid left, you should:
Take your foot off the accelerator. Slow down gradually. Do not apply the brakes. Turn the front wheels only enough to keep them pointed in the direction of the skid and the direction you want to go. Be prepared for a secondary skid in the opposite direction.
#5. In North Carolina, you must use seat belts:
II. When backing a vehicle
Seat belts are required when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway, not when backing up.
#6. If there is a speed limit posted in a work zone, you must obey posted speed limit:
It is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle greater than the speed limit that is set and posted while driving in a work zone. There is a penalty for speeding in a work zone if a sign is posted at the beginning of the work zone listing the penalty. This penalty is in addition to any other penalties for the speeding conviction.
#7. Which is true about the use of a horn?
II. A horn should always be used when passing a horse-drawn vehicle
The horn must be used as a reasonable warning device. You should not use the horn unnecessarily or unreasonably.
The law requires drivers to use the horn whenever a pedestrian may be affected by a turn, stop, or start from a parked position.
When passing another vehicle, blow the horn to signal the driver ahead. The horn signal places the driver of the vehicle you are passing under a legal obligation to help you pass. (Handbook, chapter 4)
Do not use your horn:
- Close to bicyclists, unless to avoid an accident.
- When passing a horse-drawn vehicle or horseback rider.
#8. If an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaches from the opposite direction on a four-lane limited-access highway with a center median, you should:
All vehicles, regardless of direction of travel, must yield right of way to an approaching emergency vehicle. This does not apply to vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of the emergency vehicle when traveling on a four-lane limited-access highway with a center median.
#9. When can you drive around a lowered gate at a railroad crossing?
Many crossings have flashing red lights or flashing red lights with gates. If the warning signal activates, you must stop before the gates lower across your side of the road.
It is unlawful to move through a railroad crossing when the gates are lowered.
#10. A trucker's ability to take evasive action to avoid a dangerous situation is hampered by:
Motorists lingering in the NO-ZONES hamper the trucker’s ability to take evasive action to avoid a dangerous situation.
#11. Which of the following is a likely effect of drinking alcohol?
Alcohol slows brain functions so that you cannot respond to situations, make decisions, or react quickly. It reduces your ability to judge how fast you are moving or your distance from other cars, people, or objects. It makes it harder to do more than one thing. While you concentrate on steering, you could miss seeing traffic lights, cars entering from side streets or pedestrians.
#12. Vehicles in a traffic circle always travel in:
All vehicles in the traffic circle travel in one direction (counterclockwise).
#13. A pedestrian hybrid beacon will show a circular green signal:
Hybrid beacons may be used to control traffic at mid-block crosswalks and entrances to emergency response facilities. The beacons remain dark until activated by pedestrians or emergency response personnel.
When a pedestrian presses the button, approaching drivers will see a flashing yellow signal for a few seconds, indicating that the signal has been activated. The flashing yellow is followed by a steady yellow signal, indicating that drivers must reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
#14. If you are driving slowly and traffic is collecting behind you, it is wise to:
II. Pull over to the side of the road, stop, and allow the vehicles to pass
If traffic is collecting behind you, it is wise to pull over to the side of the road, stop and allow the vehicles to pass.
#15. When driving at night, you should:
II. Make sure that you can stop within the distance you can see ahead
Night driving is more dangerous than daytime driving. Adjust your speed and never drive at a speed at which you cannot stop within the distance you can see on the road ahead.
#16. After stopping and yielding, you may turn right at a red light unless:
A steady red circular signal means STOP. Unless there is a sign indicating NO TURN ON RED, a right turn can be made after coming to a complete stop. All vehicles turning right shall yield the right of way to other traffic and pedestrians using the intersection and to pedestrians in reasonably close proximity to the intersection and who are starting to cross in front of the traffic that is required to stop at the red light. Failure to yield to a pedestrian under these circumstances will result in a penalty of not more than $500 and not less than $100.
#17. Under the North Carolina point system, which violation will result in a higher point value?
Four points is assessed for reckless driving.
Running through red light or stop sign will result in three points.
Failure to dim headlights (other moving violation) will result in two points.
#18. What happens when a driver's license is restored after a driver's first DWI conviction?
A blood alcohol concentration restriction will be required when a license is restored following a revocation for DWI or when a Limited Driving Privilege is issued following a DWI conviction.
#19. Car tires must have a minimum tread depth of:
Tires are considered unsafe if they are cut, cracked, or worn so as to expose the tire cord, or when they have visible tread separation, chunking or less than 1/16-inch-tread depth (2/32 of an inch).
#20. After stopping for a stopped school bus, you must remain stopped until:
II. The flashing red lights are turned off
When a school bus displays its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights to receive or discharge passengers, the driver of any other vehicle approaching the school bus must stop and not attempt to pass the school bus until the mechanical stop signal is withdrawn, the flashing red lights are turned off and the bus has started to move.
#21. Always signal to other drivers when you:
II. Plan to stop
Anytime you plan to slow down, stop, turn, change lanes or pull away from the curb, you should signal your intention. Be in the habit of signaling your movements even when you do not see others on the road. Before you signal, you must first see that your movement can be made safely.
#22. When driving on an interstate, the right lane should be used for:
Use the proper lane at all times. The left lane is for passing. The right lane is for slower traffic, vehicles traveling only short distances, and vehicles preparing to exit.
#23. If you must use your cell phone when you are on the road, you should:
If you must use your phone, do so at a safe time and place.
#24. If a driver is backing from a driveway onto the street ahead, you should:
If you are driving and notice that a vehicle ahead of you is pulling out from a parallel parking space or driveway, slow down and be prepared to stop.
#25. Which can be warning signs of drowsy driving?
II. Drifting between lanes
Some warning signs of drowsy driving include:
- You cannot remember the last few miles driven.
- You hit a rumble strip or drift from your lane.
- You yawn repeatedly.
- You have difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open.
| This North Carolina DMV Practice Test | |
|---|---|
| Questions on each test: | 25 |
| Question pool: | 500+ |
| Type of test: | Random multiple-choice |
| North Carolina DMV Written Test | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on exam: | 25 questions |
| Passing score: | 80 percent |
| Correct answers to pass: | 20 |
| Allotted time to complete test: | No limit |
| Wait time before retest: | 7 days |
North Carolina Practice Tests
This practice test focuses on North Carolina road rules, traffic laws, and safe driving. It has 25 questions and matches the second part of your written knowledge examination for a permit or full driver’s license.
When you apply for a North Carolina driver’s license or learner’s permit, you must pass an examination with two tests.
A road sign identification test.
A written knowledge test about rules and laws.
The first, the road signs test, will check your understanding of common regulatory and warning signs. You must identify 12 signs by color and shape and explain each. You can practice for the road sign identification test here: NC Road Sign Practice Test
The second part of your examination is the tricky one. It has 25 questions about rules and laws with a passing score of 80% (20 correct answers).
The Question Format
The purpose of this practice test is to help you verify your knowledge and level of readiness for the exam. But it also enables you to understand what questions you will likely see on the test and the format used.
Like all DMV tests in the United States, it is a multiple-choice test, mainly with four alternatives.
Nowadays, only one alternative is correct.
Look at these DMV written test answers:
Question 1: Which of the following statements about horns and sirens is/are correct?
- A. Every licensed motor vehicle must have a horn.
- B. Only law enforcement and emergency vehicles may have sirens.
- C. Both A and B.
- D. Neither A nor B.
Question 2: Which of the following statements about horns and sirens is/are correct?
I. Every licensed motor vehicle must have a horn.
II. Only law enforcement and emergency vehicles may have sirens.
- A. I only
- B. II only
- C. Both I and II.
- D. Neither I nor II.
You might not spot the difference immediately, but in the old example (Question 1) C. Both A and B. are the correct and the best choices. But only the last option (D) is incorrect. In other words, a poor test question and, unfortunately, still common in other states.
In the new version of the test (Question 2), you must evaluate two statements. Again, both can be correct, like in this case. But the choices are different. You need to decide if each statement is accurate or not. You have one option that says that only the first statement is correct, one that says that only the second one is correct, and one that says that both are correct or incorrect.
Not two answers can be correct in this version.
Expect at least a handful of questions in this format on your test.
How to Study for the Test
Always start by getting the latest version of the Driver Handbook. Get it from your nearest DMV office or download from ncdot.gov .
Use the handbook to learn all the facts for your driver’s examination. North Carolina draws everything on your test from this handbook.
Be prepared for questions about laws and what will happen if you break the law, especially the consequences for Driving While Impaired (DWI). North Carolina DMV also emphasizes safely sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles.
You will likely pass the test with a good understanding of the handbook’s contents.
The person who will be your supervising driver should also read the handbook to reinforce safe and defensive driving techniques.
Use the practice test as a supplement to the handbook, not instead of it. Practice tests work best if you use them together with the guide.
DMV draws every question on the North Carolina test from the North Carolina Driver Handbook issued by North Carolina DMV. To prepare for the examination, you should always read the handbook.
Read more: Drivers Prep Help You Ace your Learners Permit Test .
How Long Should You Study for the DMV Test?
A general recommendation is to study at least two weeks before the examination.
Try to read only some chapters at a time. The more you spread your study sessions, the better your long-term recollection of facts. After all, you want this knowledge to stick. Not knowing some basic traffic rules can have serious consequences when you hit the road.
While last-minute cramming can help you pass a test, you will only remember the material briefly. It doesn’t make you a good driver.
Let’s say it will take you about 20 hours to learn everything you need to know. With 20 hours, it is better to study 2 hours every second day over three weeks than 20 hours in a few days.
Mixing is also a recommended study tactic. Read the handbook, take practice tests, and talk about driving rules. If you are taking a driving class, engage in the discussions and be active. Find someone you can discuss traffic rules with. It will help you more than you think.
What You Must Know about the North Carolina DMV Test
It is a closed-book test, and you cannot use books, papers, or electronic devices when taking the test.
North Carolina DMV does not offer online tests from home; you must take your knowledge examination at a DMV office. Appointments are currently mandatory.
The passing score on the North Carolina DMV rules test is 80%. You must correctly answer 20 of the 25 questions.
If you fail your first attempt, you must wait at least seven days before retesting. There is no fee for retesting.
The test has no time limit, so you have plenty of time to read all questions and answers carefully and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
The test is available in additional languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. If you have trouble understanding English, let someone help you to ensure you can get a test in your language.
If you have difficulty reading, DMV may offer an oral test. Make sure you contact your local DMV office in advance.
Who Must Pass the North Carolina DMV Written Test?
First-time Applicants
All first-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test for an original NC learner’s permit or driver’s license.
Drivers who let their license expire more than one year.
Drivers who had their license revoked.
If DMV revokes your license, you must wait until the revocation period ends before re-applying for a North Carolina driver’s license. You must pass all tests again before DMV issues a new license.
Drivers with a foreign driver’s license.
Drivers who move to North Carolina and hold a license from a country other than the United States or Canada must pass the knowledge test as part of the application process.
Is the North Carolina DMV Written Test Hard?
North Carolina DMV does not record or release failure rates on the knowledge test. Experts suggest that more than one-third fail the written exam, making the difficulty level on the exam “moderate.”
Most applicants, however, pass the road sign identification test, which is generally considered easy.
Study and Learn More
Visit Your NCDMV Office
Go early. Early morning and early afternoons are the least busy.
Lunchtime visit? Not so good.
Mid-week is better than Mondays and Fridays.
Avoid the last day of the month.
Remember to bring the correct documents for what you need to do.
This helped a lot. thank you for sharing.