How to Pass Your North Carolina Road Test: A Complete Guide

You’ve probably spent months studying the rules of the road and practicing your driving skills with a licensed driver. You’ve completed your paperwork, passed your knowledge exam, and gotten through your vision test. There’s only one step left: to pass your North Carolina road test.

Even though you may be completely ready to pass with flying colors, the prospect of having an examiner watch you carefully while you drive can be scary.

Here are some tips about what to do before, during, and after your road test to help you make sure you have everything ready for the big day.

Requirements Before the Taking North Carolina Road Test

In NC, the driving test requirements will vary depending on your age. Consult the relevant checklist below to see what applies to you.

Requirements for Teenagers Under 17

• Received a Driving Eligibility Certificate and a Driver’s Education Certificate from an approved driver education course.
• Hold limited learner’s permit for one year.
• Accrue 60 hours of driving practice with 10 hours at night.
• Pass written knowledge exam.
• Pass traffic signs test.
• Pass vision test.
• Bring proof of identity.
• Bring social security card.
• Bring one proof of state residency.
• Pay required fees.

Requirements for Adults 18+ Years

• Pass written knowledge exam.
• Pass traffic signs test.
• Pass vision test.
• Bring proof of identity.
• Bring social security card.
• Bring two proofs of state residency.
• Pay required fees.

How to Schedule Your Driving Test

You must make an appointment for all services requiring an in-person visit to the licensing bureau using this online booking service provided by the NCDMV.

The Day of the North Carolina Road Test

On the day of your appointment, be sure you bring a valid registration card, a valid insurance card, a licensed driver, and a safe and road-worthy vehicle.

Note: You don’t want to arrive at the NCDMV less than 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive too late, you may be turned away from the exam.

Vehicle Safety Check

Before you can take your driving test, your vehicle must be 100% road legal, and it will be checked by the NCDMV examiner. To pass the vehicle check, you must have all required parts, such as:

• Current registration
• Active insurance
• Operable seat belts
• Clear windshield
• Working tail lights and headlights
• Proper working brake pads
• Appropriate tire tread and pressure
• Working doors
• No service or warning lights

What’s Tested on the Driving Test in North Carolina?

You will be tested on your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in the state. Remember, your examiner wants you to pass! Luckily for you, you can practice what you need to know before taking the exam.

The following maneuvers are tested on the road test in North Carolina:

• Multipoint turns
• Maintaining a safe speed
• Quick stops
• Parking & Reversing
• Approaching intersections, stop signs, and traffic signals
• Stopping, starting, and parking
• Turn signals and using the horn
• Use of lanes
• Following another vehicle
• Passing and being passed
• Yielding the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles
• Three-point turnabouts

After the Exam

After completing the exam, your test administrator will let you know if you’ve passed or failed. If you’ve passed, congratulations! Your new license or renewal will be processed immediately.

What Happens if You Fail the Road Test?

In NC, you are able to retake the road exam after 7 calendar days. You will fail if you cannot complete the majority of the above-mentioned maneuvers. If you fail, don’t worry – most people pass on their second time.

That’s It!

That’s all there is to passing the road test in North Carolina! Remember to practice early and often to ensure you get the best score possible. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.