North Carolina DMV Permit Test Cheat Sheet - USA DMV PREMIT PRATICE TEST

Q: How old do I have to be to get a learner’s permit in North Carolina?

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a limited learner permit (Level 1).

Q: How many questions are on the test?

The test has 25 questions . You must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.

Q: Can I take the permit test online?

As of now, the test must be taken in person at a DMV office.

Q: How much does it cost?

The fee for a limited learner permit is $21.50 .

Q: How do I prepare for the test?

Start by reading the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook , then take multiple free practice tests to reinforce what you’ve learned.

Q: What if I fail?

You can retake the test , but you’ll need to wait and pay the fee again.

Q: How long is the permit valid?

The limited learner permit is valid for 18 months .

North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Tests Part 3

Embarking on the journey to obtain your North Carolina DMV Permit Test ? Our comprehensive DMV practice tests are designed to closely mirror the actual NC DMV exam, ensuring you’re fully prepared. Every question is based on the latest North Carolina Driver’s Handbook and covers essential topics like road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving techniques

355 votes, 5 avg

396

DMV Permit Practice Test Part 3

1 / 30

Which of these road surfaces is most slippery when wet?

A) Dry asphalt

B) Snow

C) Fresh gravel

D) Wet leaves or newly rained-on asphalt

2 / 30

Before turning right on a red light, you must:

A) Slow down and proceed

B) Come to a complete stop and yield to all traffic and pedestrians

C) Only yield to pedestrians

D) Yield only to other vehicles

3 / 30

When you see a construction zone with workers and a reduced speed limit sign, you should:

A) Maintain your speed

B) Only slow down if workers are present

C) Honk to alert workers

D) Obey the posted speed limit

4 / 30

If your accelerator sticks while driving, you should:

A) Turn off the engine immediately

B) Pull the accelerator pedal up with your foot

C) Shift to neutral and apply brakes

D) Continue driving and hope it unsticks

5 / 30

Before changing lanes, you should:

A) Speed up to pass the vehicle ahead

B) Check mirrors and blind spots

C) Honk as a warning

D) Signal only if traffic is heavy

6 / 30

You must notify the DMV within 5 to 10 days if you:

A) Get a traffic ticket

B) Renew your registration

C) Plan to buy a new car

D) Change your address or name

7 / 30

What does a blue curb indicate

A) Emergency vehicles only

B) No parking at any time

C) Disabled parking

D) Passenger loading only

8 / 30

A child under 8 years old must be secured in a car seat or booster seat unless:

A) They are sitting in the front seat

B) They refuse to sit in it

C) They are 4 feet 9 inches or taller

D) They're riding in a taxi

9 / 30

When backing out of a parking space, you should:

A) Back quickly

B) Use only your rearview camera

C) Turn your head and look through the rear window

D) Rely only on your mirrors

10 / 30

What is the meaning of a diamond-shaped sign?

A) Railroad crossing

B) School zone

C) Regulatory information

D) Warning or hazard ahead

11 / 30

When may you legally cross a double solid yellow line?

A) To pass slower traffic

B) To turn left into or from a driveway or alley

C) Never

D) To make a U-turn

12 / 30

What does a red curb mean?

A) No stopping, standing, or parking

B) Parking allowed for up to 15 minutes

C) Passenger loading zone

D) Temporary parking allowed

13 / 30

What is the “three-second rule” used for?

A) Emergency braking

B) Passing other vehicles

C) Determining safe following distance

D) Changing lanes

14 / 30

If another driver cuts you off in traffic, you should:

A) Speed up and tailgate them

B) Stay calm and give them space

C) Honk and flash your headlights

D) Yell or gesture at the driver

15 / 30

When parking uphill with a curb, your wheels should be turned:

A) To the right

B) Away from the curb

C) Toward the curb

D) Straight ahead

16 / 30

If you are being tailgated, the best thing to do is:

A) Speed up

B) Slam on your brakes

C) Move over and let them pass

D) Ignore them

17 / 30

If you're involved in a minor collision with a parked vehicle, you must:

A) Ignore it if damage is small

B) Notify the police only if damage exceeds $1,000

C) Leave the scene immediately

D) Try to find the owner or leave a note

18 / 30

Which of the following increases the chance of a crash?

A) Using your turn signal

B) Maintaining safe following distance

C) Driving below the speed limit

D) Sudden lane changes

19 / 30

What is the correct hand signal for a left turn?

A) Left arm straight out

B) Right arm straight out

C) Left arm bent downward

D) Left arm bent upward

20 / 30

You should dim your headlights when you are:

A) All of the above

B) Following another vehicle within 300 feet

C) Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle

D) Driving in fog

21 / 30

When two vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, who has the right of way?

A) The vehicle on the left

B) The faster vehicle

C) The vehicle on the right

D) The larger vehicle

22 / 30

A solid white line on the right edge of the highway slants toward the left. This shows that:

A) The road is narrowing

B) The road is ending

C) You are approaching a construction zone

D) There is an upcoming sharp curve

23 / 30

A traffic signal with a green arrow and a red light means:

A) Stop, then go

B) Turn only after yielding

C) You must wait for the green light

D) You may only go in the direction of the green arrow

24 / 30

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

A) Stop before proceeding

B) Proceed with caution

C) Yield to all traffic

D) School zone ahead

25 / 30

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

A) Steer in the direction you want the car to go

B) Turn opposite to the skid

C) Brake hard immediately

D) Accelerate to gain traction

26 / 30

What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

A) Turn off the engine immediately

B) Pump the brakes and use the parking brake

C) Honk your horn and continue driving

D) Shift into park

27 / 30

When approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights on an undivided road, you must:

A) Continue if you're in a hurry

B) Stop only if children are visible

C) Slow down and pass carefully

D) Stop regardless of your direction

28 / 30

What should you do if an oncoming car drifts into your lane?

A) Slam on the brakes

B) Speed up and pass it

C) Swerve left

D) Honk and steer to the right

29 / 30

What does a flashing red light at an intersection mean?

A) Traffic light malfunction

B) Yield

C) Proceed with caution

D) Stop completely, then proceed when safe

30 / 30

When driving in fog, you should use:

A) Parking lights only

B) Hazard lights only

C) High beams

D) Low beams

Your score is

The average score is 9%

What to Expect on the Official North Carolina DMV Permit Test

Number of
questions

Correct answers
needed to pass

Passing
score

80%

Length
of test

25 min

Frequently Asked Questions About Free North Carolina Permit Practice Tests

How old do I have to be to get a learner’s permit in North Carolina?

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a limited learner permit (Level 1).

What documents do I need?

You’ll need proof of identity, Social Security Number, North Carolina residency, and a Driver’s Education certificate (if under 18).

How many questions are on the test?

The test has 25 questions. You must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.

Can I take the permit test online?

As of now, the test must be taken in person at a DMV office.

How much does it cost?

The fee for a limited learner permit is $21.50.

How do I prepare for the test?

Start by reading the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook, then take multiple free practice tests to reinforce what you’ve learned.

What if I fail?

You can retake the test, but you’ll need to wait and pay the fee again.

How long is the permit valid?

The limited learner permit is valid for 18 months.

Are there any restrictions?

Yes, for drivers under 18:

You must drive with a supervising driver (licensed for at least 5 years)
You can only drive between 5 AM and 9 PM for the first 6 months

North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test: Your Road to Success

Are you getting ready to take the North Carolina DMV learner’s permit test? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. The official test can be challenging if you don’t prepare properly. That’s why we’ve created this free, North Carolina-specific permit practice test to help you pass on your first try. Whether you’re a teen applying for your very first permit or an adult getting back behind the wheel, our practice tools are designed using the latest North Carolina Driver’s Handbook—so you can study smarter, not harder.

What You’ll Learn from These Free North Carolina Permit Practice Tests

Our North Carolina DMV practice tests are carefully designed to mirror the North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Tests and include questions on:

North Carolina traffic laws and penalties
Road signs and their meanings
Safe driving techniques
Rules for sharing the road with other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians
Impaired driving laws (alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications)
Right-of-way rules, turning, and proper signaling
Handling emergencies and defensive driving strategies

Each question includes a clear explanation, so you’ll not only know the correct answer—but also understand why it’s correct.

Tips for Passing the North Carolina Learner’s Permit Test

To pass the North Carolina permit test, begin by thoroughly studying the official North Carolina Driver’s Handbook. Then, reinforce your understanding by using our North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Tests

📝 Test-taking tips:

Simulate real test conditions by taking full-length practice exams
Focus on understanding driving rules—not just memorizing answers
Learn from your mistakes to strengthen weak areas
Stay calm, take your time, and read each question carefully

With consistent practice, you’ll walk into your DMV appointment confident and ready to pass on your first try.

Why Our North Carolina Practice Tests Work

Our free NC DMV Permit Practice Test are designed to closely match the official exam format, using question types and topics taken directly from the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook.

Here’s what makes them effective:

✅ Realistic multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
✅ Instant feedback with clear, helpful explanations
✅ Unlimited attempts—practice as often as you need
✅ 100% free and mobile-friendly

It’s a smarter, more efficient way to study and pass your North Carolina permit test the first time.

Why Practice Tests Matter for NC DMV Success

Reading the handbook is essential—but practice tests are what really help you remember and apply the knowledge. Here’s why:

✅ Mimic the real DMV format—no surprises
✅ Help retain information through repetition
✅ Identify weak areas to study more efficiently
✅ 100% free, mobile-friendly, and accessible anytime

📺 For Visual Learners

Check out our YouTube permit test walkthroughs with real questions and answers explained step-by-step.

How to Get Your North Carolina Learner’s Permit

If you’re at least 15 years old and live in North Carolina, you can apply for a limited learner permit (Level 1). Here’s how: North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test

🟢 Eligibility Requirements
You must:

Be at least 15 years old
Complete a Driver’s Education course (if under 18)
Provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security Number
Pass a vision screening
Pass the written knowledge test
Pay the applicable DMV fee
Have a parent or guardian present (if under 18)

📘 How to Prepare for the Permit Test

Study the 2025 North Carolina Driver’s Handbook
Take multiple free practice tests
Use flashcards and watch video walkthroughs
Review traffic signs, signals, and safe driving techniques

🗓 Test Day Info

The permit test includes 25 multiple-choice questions
You must answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass
Bring all required documents
Arrive early and take your time during the test

🚘 After You Pass
You’ll receive your North Carolina limited learner permit. Here’s what to know:

You must drive with a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front seat
No driving from 9 PM to 5 AM for the first 6 months
No use of mobile devices while driving
The permit is valid for 18 months

✅ Quick North Carolina DMV FAQ

Q: How many questions are on the permit test?
A: 25 questions. You need at least 20 correct to pass.

Q: How much does the permit cost?
A: Around $20, depending on the county and type.

Q: Can I take the test online?
A: No. The permit test must be taken in person at an NC DMV office.

Q: What happens if I fail?
A: You can retake the test, but you may need to wait and pay the fee again.

Q: Is the test available in other languages?
A: Yes, North Carolina offers the test in multiple languages including Spanish.

🔑 Final Tip
Preparation is key! Study the handbook, take practice tests, and go into the DMV confident and ready. With the right tools and a little focus, you’ll be driving on North Carolina roads in no time.

👉 Start practicing now