North Carolina Permit Practice Test 2
25 questions, the same length as the NCDMV test. You need 20 correct to pass. Pick an answer to see whether you are right and why.
Questions from the North Carolina Driver Handbook, last checked November 1, 2026. Your progress is saved on this device.
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Question 1 of 25 · Parking
You are on a highway outside any city limits, and a fire truck is working at a fire. How near to it may you park?
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Correct answer: C. Not within 400 feet
Outside city limits, parking is not allowed within 400 feet of a fire or fire truck. The one-block distance applies inside city limits.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Basic Driving Skills and Rules”, page 56. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-PRK-0013
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Question 2 of 25 · Speed limits
A NC driver is convicted of speeding at a speed above 75 mph in certain cases. What may happen to the driving privilege?
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Correct answer: B. It is taken for 60 days
Speeding above 75 mph, in certain cases, is listed among the offenses that can cost a driver 60 days of driving privilege.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Suspensions”, page 36. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SPD-0012
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Question 3 of 25 · Road signs
A blue sign at a North Carolina railroad crossing lists a crossing ID number and a phone number. What is its purpose?
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Correct answer: B. To report emergencies or problems directly to the railroad
The Emergency Notification System sign gives the crossing's identification number and the railroad's emergency phone number so you can report emergencies or faulty signals or gates.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “TIP”, page 62. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SIG-0001
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Question 4 of 25 · Right of way
Two cars coming from different roads arrive together at an intersection that has no signs or signals. Which driver goes first?
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Correct answer: B. The driver who is on the right
At an uncontrolled intersection, when two vehicles arrive at the same moment, the driver on the right goes first. Size and speed do not matter.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “TIP”, page 57. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-ROW-0009
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Question 5 of 25 · Sharing the road
A moped rider reaches an intersection where cars are parked along the curb and other traffic is moving. Which action should the rider never take?
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Correct answer: C. Riding into the narrow gap between parked cars and moving vehicles
Moped riders are told never to squeeze between parked cars and moving traffic at an intersection, because drivers cannot easily see them there.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Recreational Vehicles and Trailers”, page 94. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SHR-0019
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Question 6 of 25 · Safe driving practices
What is the best way to approach and drive through a curve in the road?
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Correct answer: D. Slow down before entering so you do not need to brake in the curve
Reduce your speed before the curve so you need not brake while turning. Then gradually add speed to keep the traction needed for control.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Basic Driving Skills and Rules”, page 53. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0031
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Question 7 of 25 · Licensing rules
An NC vehicle owner loses the certificate of title and applies for a duplicate with the fee. How soon can DMV issue the duplicate title?
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Correct answer: A. Not until 15 days after applying
A duplicate title cannot be issued until 15 days have passed since DMV received the application and fee.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Tag & Tax Together”, page 100. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0078
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Question 8 of 25 · Licensing rules
A new NC resident holds a commercial license from another state and wants to keep a commercial license. How soon must the NC commercial license be obtained?
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Correct answer: C. Within 30 days
Commercial license holders have a shorter deadline of 30 days after becoming residents, not the 60 days given for regular licenses.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Moving to North Carolina”, page 25. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0024
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Question 9 of 25 · Alcohol & drugs
A North Carolina driver's chemical test shows a BAC under 0.08 percent, but the officer saw clear signs that drugs had weakened the driver's physical and mental abilities. Can the driver be convicted of DWI?
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Correct answer: B. Yes, DWI can be proven by showing appreciable impairment from alcohol, drugs, or both
NC law allows DWI to be proven either by a BAC at or above the limit or by showing that alcohol, drugs, or a mix of them noticeably impaired the driver. A low test result does not prevent a conviction.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Alcohol and the Law”, page 31. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-ALC-0019
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Question 10 of 25 · Sharing the road
A moped has no electric turn signals installed. How should its rider let others know about a turn or a stop?
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Correct answer: A. Use hand signals when turning or stopping
If a moped lacks electric turn signals, the rider must communicate turns and stops with hand signals.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Recreational Vehicles and Trailers”, page 94. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SHR-0021
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Question 11 of 25 · Right of way
You are approaching a roundabout and see cars and a bicyclist already circulating in it. What should you do?
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Correct answer: A. Yield to the vehicles and bicyclist already inside
Traffic already in a roundabout has priority. Drivers entering must give way to vehicles and bicyclists already circulating.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “TIP”, page 59. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-ROW-0012
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Question 12 of 25 · Speed limits
Which statement about the posted speed limit on a road is correct?
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Correct answer: B. It is a maximum, and conditions may call for going slower
You should never drive faster than the posted limit, and you often need to drive slower when conditions require it.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Basic Driving Skills and Rules”, page 53. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SPD-0023
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Question 13 of 25 · Road signs
A truck ahead displays placards showing it carries hazardous materials, and you are nearing a railroad crossing. What should you be ready for?
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Correct answer: B. The truck may be required to stop at the crossing
Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, which are marked with placards, must stop at railroad crossings, so drivers behind them should be prepared to stop too.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “TIP”, page 61. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SIG-0019
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Question 14 of 25 · Signals & pavement markings
You come to an intersection where the traffic lights are dark because of a power outage, and no officer is directing traffic. How should you proceed?
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Correct answer: A. Treat it as if every approach has a stop sign
When a signal has failed and nothing else is controlling traffic, drivers must treat the intersection as an all-way stop, so each driver stops and then proceeds when it is safe.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings”, page 81. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SGM-0008
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Question 15 of 25 · Road signs
You are lost and need extra time to read road signs and decide on your route. What is the safest thing to do?
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Correct answer: D. Pull onto the shoulder when safe and work out your route
Stopping in the roadway endangers other drivers. When it is safe, move off to the shoulder and take time to figure out where you are and which route to take.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Traffic Signs”, page 85. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SIG-0030
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Question 16 of 25 · Safe driving practices
After you stop for a traffic stop in NC, where should you keep your hands while the officer approaches your vehicle?
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Correct answer: D. On the steering wheel, in plain view
The driver should place both hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see them at all times, and passengers should also keep their hands visible.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “MOVE OVER”, page 50. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0009
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Question 17 of 25 · Alcohol & drugs
In NC, a DWI conviction with which blood alcohol level would require an ignition interlock device to be installed on the driver's vehicle?
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Correct answer: A. 0.15 or more
A DWI conviction with a BAC of 0.15 or higher requires an ignition interlock device. Another DWI conviction within the previous seven years also requires one.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Alcohol and the Law”, page 32. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-ALC-0010
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Question 18 of 25 · Safe driving practices
In NC, you must turn on your headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility falls to what distance?
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Correct answer: A. 400 feet or less
North Carolina law requires headlights at night and also when conditions limit your sight to 400 feet or less.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Hazardous Driving”, page 71. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0056
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Question 19 of 25 · Licensing rules
A driver in NC cannot afford to pay a traffic fine right now and wants to avoid suspension for failure to pay. What should the driver do first?
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Correct answer: D. Fill out a Motion for Relief and give it to the court clerk
A driver who cannot pay files a Motion for Relief with the court clerk and requests a hearing. A judge may reduce the amount, set a payment plan, or waive it.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Suspensions”, page 38. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0053
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Question 20 of 25 · Safe driving practices
At night an oncoming driver is not dimming high beams. You blinked your own high beams once, and the driver still has not dimmed. What should you do next?
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Correct answer: C. Keep your own headlights on low beam
After one reminder blink, you should simply stay on low beam. Escalating with bright lights only adds to the glare for both drivers.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Hazardous Driving”, page 71. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0057
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Question 21 of 25 · Licensing rules
A gasoline-powered light-duty car is registered in an NC emissions county. Which situation makes it exempt from the emissions part of the inspection?
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Correct answer: A. It is within the three newest model years and under 70,000 miles
Emissions testing is waived for vehicles in the three most recent model years with fewer than 70,000 miles on the odometer; they get a safety-only inspection.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Vehicle Emissions & Safety Inspection”, page 102. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0083
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Question 22 of 25 · Safe driving practices
In NC, a crossing gate is down and warning signals are flashing. How far from the nearest rail must you stop?
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Correct answer: C. Between 15 and 50 feet
NC law requires stopping within 50 feet of the nearest rail but no closer than 15 feet, and not proceeding until it is safe.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “TIP”, page 60. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0035
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Question 23 of 25 · Licensing rules
A North Carolina driver wants to get the annual vehicle inspection done early. How far ahead of the tag expiration date may the inspection be performed?
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Correct answer: D. Up to 90 days before
NC allows a vehicle inspection as early as 90 days before the registration (tag) expires.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Vehicle Emissions & Safety Inspection”, page 101. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0076
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Question 24 of 25 · Safe driving practices
When are you most likely to encounter deer and other wildlife crossing the road, and how should you use high beams then?
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Correct answer: B. At dawn and dusk; use high beams only with no oncoming traffic or animals ahead
Animals are most active around dawn, dusk, and the first hours after dark. High beams are appropriate only when no traffic is oncoming and no animals are directly ahead, since they can make animals freeze.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Hazardous Driving”, page 74. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0048
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Question 25 of 25 · Licensing rules
An applicant wants to use a birth certificate as proof of identity and date of birth. Which version will the NC DMV accept?
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Correct answer: C. A certified copy from the state's vital statistics office
A birth certificate must be a certified copy filed with the vital statistics office or equivalent agency. Uncertified photocopies, laminated copies, and plastic replicas are refused.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Required Documents”, page 16. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0039