North Carolina Permit Practice Test 4
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 · Alcohol & drugs
In North Carolina, what is the minimum age at which a person may legally buy an alcoholic drink?
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Correct answer: C. 21 years old
NC sets the minimum purchase age for any alcoholic beverage at 21. Anyone younger who buys or tries to buy alcohol is breaking the law.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Alcohol and the Young Driver”, page 33. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-ALC-0011
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Question 2 of 25 · Signals & pavement markings
You must signal a right turn by hand from the driver's window. Which arm position is correct?
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Correct answer: A. Left arm straight out, forearm and hand up, palm forward
For a right turn, the driver extends the left arm straight out, bends the forearm upward, and faces the palm forward. Pointing down means slowing or stopping.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Defensive Driving”, page 69. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SGM-0001
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Question 3 of 25 · Alcohol & drugs
A North Carolina driver is convicted of DWI for the first time. What is the mandatory penalty for the driver's license?
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Correct answer: D. Revocation for one year
A first DWI conviction carries a mandatory one-year license revocation. Longer revocations apply to repeat offenses.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Alcohol and the Law”, page 32. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-ALC-0007
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Question 4 of 25 · Safe driving practices
When merging onto an interstate from an entrance ramp, how should you use the acceleration lane?
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Correct answer: B. Speed up until you match traffic speed, then merge
The acceleration lane is meant for building speed so you match the flow of other traffic. You then merge safely instead of entering at a slower speed.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “TIP”, page 64. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0038
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Question 5 of 25 · Road signs
What is the name of the X-shaped sign that marks a railroad grade crossing in NC?
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Correct answer: B. Crossbuck sign
The X-shaped sign placed at the railroad crossing itself is called a crossbuck sign.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “TIP”, page 61. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SIG-0020
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Question 6 of 25 · Speed limits
You are driving slowly and a line of vehicles is building up behind you on a road where passing is unsafe. What is the wise thing to do?
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Correct answer: B. Pull to the side, stop, and let the vehicles go by
When traffic collects behind you, the handbook advises moving off to the side of the road and stopping so others can pass instead of forcing them to take risks.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Basic Driving Skills and Rules”, page 53. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SPD-0021
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Question 7 of 25 · Road signs
You see a diamond-shaped warning sign with black symbols on an orange background. What does the color combination indicate?
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Correct answer: C. A construction or maintenance area is ahead
Black on orange diamond signs warn of road construction or maintenance. Black on yellow diamonds are general warnings, so orange signals work-zone conditions and calls for extra care.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Traffic Signs”, page 84. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SIG-0005
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Question 8 of 25 · Right of way
In NC, you reach an intersection with no traffic signals and no painted crosswalk lines. A pedestrian steps off the sidewalk to cross. Who has the right of way?
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Correct answer: A. The pedestrian, because sidewalk lines extended across the street count as a crosswalk
At intersections without signals, a crosswalk exists even if unpainted, running across the street in line with the sidewalks. Pedestrians in it have the right of way, so drivers must yield.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “General Driving”, page 46. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-ROW-0021
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Question 9 of 25 · Licensing rules
Form DL-123, an insurance binder, or a certificate is used as proof of liability insurance for a driver license. For how long after it is issued is it valid for this purpose?
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Correct answer: D. 30 days
These insurance documents are only good for 30 days from the date they were issued, so applicants should not get them too far ahead of their visit.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Liability Insurance Requirement”, page 23. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0045
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Question 10 of 25 · Sharing the road
In NC, a driver wants to pass a bicyclist riding in the lane ahead. Which approach is the safest way to do this?
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Correct answer: C. Change lanes to go around, with plenty of clearance
The handbook says the safest way to pass a bicyclist is by changing lanes. The driver also needs ample clearance and no oncoming traffic in that lane.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Sharing the Road”, page 90. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SHR-0011
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Question 11 of 25 · Licensing rules
A person with a learner permit is driving on a public highway. Who must be in the vehicle with that driver?
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Correct answer: D. A licensed driver seated beside the permit holder
A permit holder must have a person licensed for that type of vehicle in the seat next to them while driving on highways. Being nearby or in the back seat does not meet the rule.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Your License”, page 8. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0005
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Question 12 of 25 · Road signs
A black-on-orange sign far ahead tells you to shift into another lane. When is the best time to make that move?
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Correct answer: B. Soon after the sign, since it gives you enough advance notice
Advance work zone signs give notice early enough for you to react in time. Waiting until the last minute is unnecessary and creates problems for traffic.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Hazardous Driving”, page 71. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SIG-0011
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Question 13 of 25 · Licensing rules
A North Carolina driver with seven license points is assigned to a driver improvement clinic and completes it satisfactorily. How many points come off the record?
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Correct answer: A. Three points
Finishing the clinic satisfactorily lowers a driver's point total by three. The other points remain on the record.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Your Driving Privilege”, page 34. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0056
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Question 14 of 25 · Licensing rules
A person with no valid license sits behind the wheel of a parked car with the engine running but never moves it. Is this legal in NC?
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Correct answer: B. No, it is illegal without a valid license
NC law bans sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle with the engine running if you lack a valid license. The car does not have to be moving for this to be a violation.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Your License”, page 8. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0006
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Question 15 of 25 · Safe driving practices
What is the maximum speed recommended when backing your vehicle?
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Correct answer: B. 10 mph
A vehicle is harder to control and stop in reverse, so you should back very slowly, at no more than 10 mph.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Basic Driving Skills and Rules”, page 56. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0024
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Question 16 of 25 · Safe driving practices
In NC, a tire suddenly blows out while you are driving on a two-lane road. What is the best way to keep control of the vehicle?
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Correct answer: B. Grip the wheel firmly, keep straight, and ease off the gas
After a blowout you should hold the wheel tightly, keep the car straight, and slow by lifting off the accelerator. Braking too early can make you lose control.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Emergencies”, page 76. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0062
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Question 17 of 25 · Sharing the road
You are traveling in the same direction as a funeral procession. Under what condition may you legally pass it?
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Correct answer: A. When the road is marked for two or more lanes in your direction
Passing a funeral procession going your way is allowed only when the highway has two or more marked lanes of moving traffic in that direction.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Basic Driving Skills and Rules”, page 52. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SHR-0009
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Question 18 of 25 · Licensing rules
A driver's NC license is restricted to wearing corrective lenses. The driver gets behind the wheel without glasses or contacts. How is the driver treated under NC rules?
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Correct answer: A. As driving without a license
A restricted license is only valid when the driver stays within the restriction. Ignoring it means the driver is treated as unlicensed.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Required Documents”, page 15. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0036
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Question 19 of 25 · Safe driving practices
Your car begins to skid on an icy road, and the rear of the vehicle slides to the right. What should you do with the steering wheel?
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Correct answer: B. Turn it to the right, the way the rear is sliding
In a skid you ease off the gas and steer in the direction the back end is sliding. When the car starts to straighten, steer back the other way so you do not over-steer.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Crashes”, page 77. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0066
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Question 20 of 25 · Speed limits
What is the highest speed limit that NC sets for driving on an interstate highway?
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Correct answer: C. 70 mph
The handbook lists 70 mph as the maximum speed limit for interstates in NC.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Basic Driving Skills and Rules”, page 53. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SPD-0014
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Question 21 of 25 · Safe driving practices
An oncoming vehicle crosses the center line into your lane. Which action is advised, even if it means leaving the pavement?
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Correct answer: B. Stay to the right
If a vehicle comes at you from across the center line, slow down, sound your horn, and keep to the right. You should do this even if it means running off the road.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Crashes”, page 77. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0067
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Question 22 of 25 · Licensing rules
Which of these offenses counts as a moving violation that can lead to suspension of a provisional licensee's license in NC?
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Correct answer: A. Passing a stopped school bus
Passing a stopped school bus is listed among moving violations that count toward suspension of a provisional license. The other choices are not listed as moving violations.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Driver License Restoration”, page 39. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-LIC-0052
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Question 23 of 25 · Right of way
While driving along a street, you see the car ahead starting to pull out from a parallel parking space. What should you do?
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Correct answer: B. Slow down and be ready to stop for it
A vehicle leaving a parallel parking space may enter your lane, so you should slow down and be prepared to stop rather than trying to beat it.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “Basic Driving Skills and Rules”, page 56. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-ROW-0020
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Question 24 of 25 · Safe driving practices
You are already on the tracks when the warning lights begin flashing and the gates start lowering. What should you do?
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Correct answer: C. Keep moving and drive through the crossing
Warning signals give enough time to clear the crossing, and a gate arm is flexible. Stopping or reversing risks stalling on the tracks.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “TIP”, page 61. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-SAF-0025
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Question 25 of 25 · Parking
You warm up your parked car in winter and exhaust backs up into the cabin. Why is carbon monoxide so hard for the people inside to notice?
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Correct answer: B. It is an invisible gas with no smell, taste, or color
Carbon monoxide gives no sensory warning because it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. It is still poisonous and can be deadly, which is why a blocked exhaust is dangerous.
Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook, “General Driving”, page 46. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in NC-PRK-0018