North Carolina FREE DMV Test & Permit Practice
Results
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#1. If you are having trouble remembering the last few miles, it is most likely a symptom of:
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.
#2. When driving at night, you must:
Night driving is more dangerous than daytime driving because you cannot see as well. Never drive at a speed at which you cannot stop within the distance you can see on the road ahead.
#3. When backing your car, you should do which of the following?
II. Keep both hands on the steering wheel
Before entering your vehicle, check behind it for small objects or children. They are hard to see once you are in the driver’s seat.
To maintain a full view of what is behind the vehicle, steer with your left hand and look over your right shoulder through the back window.
Do not depend on mirrors alone or looking through the side window.
Back very slowly, not more than 10 mph. Your vehicle is harder to control and to stop when it is backing.
#4. Your lane ends ahead, and there is a large truck in the lane beside you. What is the best thing to do?
Slow down and merge behind the truck. Cutting into the open space in front of a truck is dangerous. Trying to beat a truck through a single-lane construction zone, for example, removes the truck driver’s cushion of safety and places you in danger.
#5. Which light indicates that you can make an unprotected turn?
A flashing yellow arrow means that left turns are allowed, but first you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. You must carefully determine that there is an adequate gap in the oncoming traffic and ensure that there are no pedestrians in your path before making your turn.
This is known as an unprotected turn.
#6. When rounding a sharp curve, you should do which of the following?
II. Brake in the sharpest part of the curve
The best way to handle a curve:
- Slow down before you enter the curve so that you will not need to brake while you are in the curve .
- Gradually increase your speed to maintain the traction necessary for good control of the vehicle as you round the curve.
- If you must brake in the curve, apply the brakes gradually until you are sure it is safe to keep continuous pressure on the brake pedal.
- Begin to turn the vehicle just prior to the point where the road begins to turn.
- Stay on your side of the road and drive as far to the right as you can.
#7. You should stop before railroad tracks and not cross them if:
Never move onto a railroad track unless you are certain you can drive across safely. Be careful not to get trapped on railroad tracks by a line of vehicles backed up on the other side.
Crossing gates will not trap you, but stopping traffic might. Be sure the traffic ahead of you will not stop and block you in on the tracks.
#8. If you enter an interstate headed in the wrong direction, you should:
II. When the way is clear, turn around and head in the proper direction
If you enter an interstate headed in the wrong direction, pull over to the right shoulder of the road and stop. When the way is clear, turn around and head in the proper direction. (Avoid this error by watching for DO NOT ENTER signs.)
#9. When an official police vehicle approaches from behind and signals you to stop, you should:
II. Roll down the window and turn off the engine
When you see emergency lights and/or hear a siren behind you, stay calm, activate your turn signal, pull the vehicle always to the right, and off the travel portion of the highway at the nearest point where it is safe to do so. After the vehicle stops, you should place the vehicle in Park, roll down the window, turn off the engine, and silence any electronic devices and/or radio so that you can easily communicate with the officer.
#10. Where is it illegal to park a vehicle?
II. On a hill
Parking is not allowed in front of a public or private driveway.
#11. You should use your high-beam headlights:
II. When driving in the city at night
Use your high-beam headlights on the open road or dark city streets unless you are approaching or following another vehicle.
Dim your lights when necessary. Do not use high beams in fog, heavy rain, snow or when other vehicles are nearby.
#12. When exiting from a private driveway:
When exiting an alley, building entrance, private road, or driveway, stop and yield to all other vehicles and pedestrians.
#13. All the following practices can be dangerous while driving. Which is also specifically prohibited by law?
In North Carolina, it is unlawful to use a cell phone for email or text messages while operating a vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area.
#14. If a school bus with flashing red lights has stopped on your side of an undivided highway with four lanes, you must:
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.
When school bus stops on a divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation or a center turning lane, only traffic following the bus must stop.
#15. Which is true about Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)?
II. ABS can help improve vehicle stability
Anti-lock brakes, or ABS, can help improve vehicle stability (avoiding spin-outs), steerability (directing the vehicle where the driver wants it to go) and stopping capability (distance needed to stop the vehicle).
With ABS, it is important to brake hard and keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while stopping. Pumping the brake pedal or releasing the steady pressure on the brake pedal will reduce the effectiveness of the ABS.
#16. Which can distract you while driving?
II. Reading a map
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety.
Distractions cause drivers to react more slowly to traffic conditions or events. Also, distractions make it more difficult to conduct preventive or evasive moves to avoid a crash.
See the list of examples in the Driver’s Handbook.
#17. The Driver's Handbook recommends several tips on dealing with driving and social drinking situations. One of these tips is:
- Plan ahead and arrange alternative transport.
- Share a taxi with friends.
- Use public transportation.
- Stay overnight at a friend’s place.
- Ride with a driver who has not been drinking.
- Arrange for a friend or relative to give you a ride.
Remember, things like coffee, fresh air, exercise, or cold showers will not help. Only time can reduce the alcohol level and the effects from the body.
#18. Two solid yellow lines mean no passing. Do not drive to the left of these lines unless:
Two solid yellow lines mean no passing. Crossing these lines is allowed if you need to turn into or out of a private road or driveway.
#19. The driver ahead signals:
Right turn – left arm extended, with elbow bent upward, at about a 90-degree angle.
#20. If you have mechanical trouble and must stop beside the road, you can show others you need help by doing what?
Turn on the emergency flashers and parking lights. If you need help, tie a white cloth to the left door handle or the radio aerial and raise the hood of the vehicle. Stand off the road and away from the vehicle.
#21. When can you transport an opened bottle of alcohol in the passenger area of your car?
II. If it is under a seat where nobody sits
An open container of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited in the passenger area of any motor vehicle located on the highway – even if the vehicle is parked. Passenger area of a motor vehicle means the area designed to seat the driver and passengers and any area within the reach of a seated driver or passenger, including the glove compartment. In the case of a station wagon, hatchback or similar vehicle, the area behind the last upright back seat is not considered part of the passenger area.
#22. If your vehicle is equipped with airbags, you should:
The force of an airbag can hurt those who are too close to it. An airbag needs about 10 inches of space to inflate. Driver and front passenger seats should be moved as far back as practical, particularly for shorter-statured people.
#23. When driving on ice, you should:
It is recommended that you reduce speed by more than half for packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice. Use chains if necessary for better traction, but do not forget that even chains and snow tires can slide on ice and packed snow.
#24. It is recommended that you increase your following distance to about four seconds when:
II. Roads are slippery
There are situations where you need more space in front of your vehicle. To be safe, you should increase your following distance on slippery roads, when following motorcycles, when you have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer, when following emergency vehicle or large vehicles, and when approaching railroad crossings.
#25. A valid driver's license is always required when:
II. Steering a motor vehicle while it is being pushed
It is against the law to drive a motor vehicle on streets and highways without a valid driver license.
It is also illegal to sit in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle while the engine is running or to steer a motor vehicle while it is being pushed or towed by another vehicle if you do not have a valid driver license.
| 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.