North Carolina Permit Test (DMV Knowledge Test) Practice Test
Frequently asked questions
How many North Carolina Permit Test (DMV Knowledge Test) practice questions are here?+
A full bank of original North Carolina Permit Test (DMV Knowledge Test) practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.
What is the North Carolina Permit Test (DMV Knowledge Test) exam like?+
A multiple-choice exam. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.
Are these the real exam questions?+
No. Every question is 100% original, written from public primary sources with explanations. We never copy real exam questions or paid prep material.
Can I study in Chinese or Spanish?+
PrepPass practice is in English, 中文 and Español. The official exam is in English — switch the question language to English any time to rehearse the exact terminology you'll see on test day.
Sample practice questions
A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.
- 1. Traffic Signs & Signals
A red, eight-sided sign means:
- a.Slow down and yield
- b.Come to a complete stop, then go when it is safe
- c.Merge to the right
- d.Stop only for pedestrians
Answer: b
Explanation: The red octagon is a STOP sign; stop fully at the line or crosswalk before proceeding. (North Carolina Driver's Handbook, signs)
- 2. Traffic Signs & Signals
An upside-down (downward-pointing) triangle sign means:
- a.Yield the right of way
- b.Stop and remain stopped
- c.No entry
- d.One-way traffic
Answer: a
Explanation: The downward triangle is a YIELD sign; slow down and give the right of way, stopping if necessary. (North Carolina Driver's Handbook, signs)
- 3. Traffic Signs & Signals
A flashing yellow traffic signal means:
- a.Stop completely, as at a stop sign
- b.Slow down and proceed with caution
- c.The signal is out of service
- d.Turn left only
Answer: b
Explanation: A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed carefully; a flashing red means stop as at a stop sign. (North Carolina Driver's Handbook, signals)
- 4. Rules of the Road & Right of Way
When turning left at an intersection on a green light with no arrow, you must:
- a.Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn when safe
- b.Turn ahead of oncoming cars
- c.Wait for a red light to turn
- d.Stop in the intersection until traffic clears from behind
Answer: a
Explanation: A green light permits a left turn only after you yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. (North Carolina Driver's Handbook)
- 5. Rules of the Road & Right of Way
An emergency vehicle approaches with siren and flashing lights. You should:
- a.Stop immediately in your lane
- b.Pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes
- c.Speed up to clear the way
- d.Move to the left lane and continue
Answer: b
Explanation: Yield to emergency vehicles by pulling to the right and stopping until they pass. (North Carolina Driver's Handbook)
- 6. Safe Driving & Sharing the Road
Before changing lanes, a driver should:
- a.Rely on mirrors alone
- b.Change first and signal afterward
- c.Signal, check mirrors, and glance over the shoulder at the blind spot
- d.Speed up to close any gap
Answer: c
Explanation: Mirrors leave blind spots, so signal and look over your shoulder before moving over. (North Carolina Driver's Handbook)
- 7. Safe Driving & Sharing the Road
North Carolina's Move Over Law requires drivers to:
- a.Move over a lane if possible, or slow down, for stopped emergency and utility vehicles with flashing lights
- b.Stop behind every parked car
- c.Move over only for fire trucks
- d.Speed past stopped vehicles
Answer: a
Explanation: North Carolina requires moving over a lane when safe, or slowing down, for stopped emergency, law-enforcement, and utility vehicles displaying flashing lights. (North Carolina Driver's Handbook)
- 8. Speed & Driving Conditions
When it begins to rain after a dry spell, the road is often most slippery because:
- a.Water washes the road clean
- b.Rain cools the tires
- c.Water mixes with oil and dust to form a slick film
- d.Rain increases traction
Answer: c
Explanation: Early rain lifts oil and dust into a slippery film, so reduce speed and increase following distance. (North Carolina Driver's Handbook, driving conditions)
- 9. Alcohol, Drugs & North Carolina Licensing
In North Carolina, a driver age 21 or older is legally impaired at a BAC of:
- a.0.05 or higher
- b.0.10 or higher
- c.0.08 or higher
- d.0.12 or higher
Answer: c
Explanation: North Carolina's adult per se limit is 0.08; driving at or above it is impaired driving (DWI). (North Carolina Driver's Handbook, alcohol and driving)
- 10. Alcohol, Drugs & North Carolina Licensing
In North Carolina's Graduated Licensing System, the first stage held by a new teen driver is:
- a.Level 1, a Limited Learner Permit requiring a supervising adult at all times
- b.Level 3, full unrestricted license
- c.A commercial license
- d.A motorcycle endorsement
Answer: a
Explanation: Level 1 (Limited Learner Permit) requires a supervising licensed adult in the front seat whenever the teen drives. (North Carolina Driver's Handbook, GDL)