North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test 2024

Preparing for the North Carolina DMV permit test requires an understanding of specific rules and regulations that apply to driving within the state.

Not your state?
Number of questions:
20
Needed correct answers:
16

Our North Carolina permit practice test is explicitly created to help you focus on essential topics, closely mirroring the questions you'll encounter on the actual exam, such as road signs, speed limits, right-of-way laws, DUI regulations, and defensive driving strategies. To pass, you must answer at least 16 out of the 20 questions correctly. Each question includes a detailed explanation, ensuring you understand why each answer is correct rather than just memorizing the answers. This helps you build a strong foundation of knowledge needed to pass the real test and become a safer, more confident driver.

By taking our NC permit practice test multiple times, you can identify areas where you need improvement, giving you a clear idea of what to focus on before heading to the DMV to take your test. The questions are regularly updated to include the most current laws and regulations for NC, ensuring you're studying accurate and up-to-date material. In addition to using this practice test, we highly recommend studying the North Carolina Driver's Manual. The handbook is an invaluable resource, covering every topic you need to know, from basic road rules to more specific regulations. The combination of this practice test and the handbook is a powerful strategy to get an understanding of what to expect - regularly revisiting the practice test will also enhance your familiarity with the test format, building your confidence and preparing you to ace the actual exam.

Questions

When facing a green light at an intersection, you may proceed:

Before proceeding at an intersection, you're always required to yield to traffic already in the intersection. This applies even if you're facing a green light.

What can you be charged with for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in serious bodily injury or death?

Drivers convicted of leaving a crash scene resulting in death or personal injury will be charged with a Class F felony. A Class F felony in North Carolina is punishable by imprisonment for up to 7 years and expensive fines.

What information should you exchange with other involved parties in a car accident?

Exchange your name, address, driver's license information, insurance information and phone number with anyone else involved in the crash. After exchanging information, write down as much information about the crash as possible. This includes weather conditions, road conditions, time of the crash, and how the crash occurred. This will help determine who is at fault and help with insurance claims. Crashes in North Carolina must be immediately reported in incidents of injury, fatality, or vehicle- or property damage exceeding $1,000.

When may you turn right on a red light?

If the turn can be made safely, you may turn right on a red light in North Carolina after coming to a complete stop and yielding to any pedestrians/vehicles lawfully proceeding through the intersection. Look for signs that prohibit the turn.

What should you do if you crash into an unattended vehicle and you're unable to locate the owner?

If you crash into an unattended vehicle, you're expected to make a reasonable attempt to locate the owner of the vehicle. If unable to locate the owner, you should instead leave a note in a secure place with your contact information and details regarding the crash. In additon, you should take pictures of the scene (including damage to the other car and their license plate number), and notify your insurance company as well as the nearest police department about the accident. Crashes in North Carolina must be immediately reported in incidents of injury, fatality, or vehicle- or property damage exceeding $1,000.

How far away from a school bus loading or unloading passengers do vehicles have to stop?

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In North Carolina, drivers from both directions have to stop for school buses loading or unloading passengers. School buses use a mechanical stop arm and flashing red lights to indicate that the bus is stopped to load or unload school children. Do not proceed until the school bus has started driving again, the lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been retracted. A stop is not required when driving on the opposite side of a highway with four or more lanes with a median separation, or a roadway with four or more lanes with a center turn lane.

Are headsets or earplugs prohibited while driving?

In North Carolina, there is no prohibition on wearing headsets while driving. However, you should be very careful about covering your ears entirely as you will miss the visual queues otherwise present in the road environment.

When may you turn left on a red light?

Many states allow drivers to turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, but that is not the case in North Carolina. In North Carolina, you must not turn left on red under any circumstances.

For how long must you signal before turning or stopping at speeds of 45 mph or less?

Other drivers need to know what you're planning to do - so North Carolina law requires that drivers signal for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping when driving 45 mph or less. If the speed limit is more than 45 mph, signal for at least 200 feet.

Why must you be prepared to stop when driving behind a school bus and approaching a railroad crossing?

School & activity buses, vehicles carrying passengers for hire, any vehicle with a capacity for at least 16 persons, and vehicles transporting hazardous material must stop at all railroad crossings in North Carolina. If you are driving behind any of these vehicles, you should be prepared to stop as well.

Texting while driving is:

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Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers in North Carolina. This is because any such use will severely distract you and increase the risk of a crash. In addition, school bus drivers and novice drivers under 18 are prohibited from any use of a cell phone while driving. Regardless of age, drivers are recommended to pull off the road and stop if they need to make a call. Never use a phone when driving in hazardous conditions as you must focus all your attention on driving.

What is the standard maximum speed limit outside of cities and towns?

The maximum speed limit outside cities and towns in North Carolina is 55 mph. However, there may be other posted speed limits that you have to follow. On interstates, the speed limit is usually 70 mph.

You see a sign with this shape - can you tell what kind of sign it is?

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Warning signs are shaped like a diamond. When you see a warning sign, slow down and be prepared for hazardous conditions ahead.

Do you have to signal when turning left or right at an intersection?

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Always signal when turning, regardless of the direction. If you don’t, you may catch other road users off guard and cause a crash.

Is parking permitted here at 9am on a Tuesday?

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The sign indicates that time restrictions apply when parking. In this case, you may park for up to 2 hours between 8:30am - 5:30pm.

If you can’t see the truck driver in the truck’s side mirror, the truck driver ____.

In general, if you’re unable to see truck drivers in their side mirror, the truck drivers won’t be able to see you either.

On windy days, you should allow extra space when passing a motorcyclist or cyclist. Why is that?

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High winds may force a motorcyclist or cyclist to swerve or wobble. Be aware of this when driving near or passing them.

If you are shielded from the wind by trees or houses, you can look at nearby trees or flagpoles to get an indication of how heavy the wind is.

What does this sign mean?

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The main road curves to the left, and traffic may enter the main road from the right. Traffic on the main road has the right-of-way as indicated by the arrow. 

As the view is limited at this intersection, you should slow down and be prepared that traffic on the side road may enter the main road as they don’t see you coming.

Solid yellow lines:

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Solid lines indicate that passing is prohibited

Broken lines indicate that you may pass if you can do so safely.

Why should you brake lightly a couple of times after driving through a deep puddle?

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Braking lightly a couple of times evaporates the water and makes your brakes function properly again. Consider this a good safety precaution after driving through deep water or a deep puddle.

Zutobi is a trusted name in driver's education, with the biggest DMV prep app on the market, millions of downloads, and over seven years in business. Our team of experts in traffic laws and driver safety designs each question to be accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to your needs. Whether studying at home or on the go, Zutobi's practice tests and other study resources will help you massively. By preparing with Zutobi, you're not just learning to pass a test; you're building the foundation you need to become a responsible, informed driver.