North Carolina Driver’s Permit Practice 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 Driver’s Permit Practice Test 5

Embarking on the journey to obtain your North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Tests ? 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

344 votes, 5 avg

367

DMV Permit Practice Test Part 5

1 / 30

Before turning left at an intersection, you must:

A) Speed up to beat traffic

B) Honk to warn others

C) Signal and turn immediately

D) Yield to all oncoming vehicles

2 / 30

When merging onto a freeway, you should:

A) Stop on the ramp

B) Accelerate to match the speed of traffic

C) Drive slower than traffic

D) Wait for a green light

3 / 30

You must stop your vehicle for a pedestrian:

A) Only in marked crosswalks

B) When they are halfway across the street

C) If they are in a crosswalk or about to enter one

D) Only at traffic lights

4 / 30

What should you do if you miss your exit on the freeway?

A) Pull over and check directions

B) Get off at the next exit

C) Make a U-turn

D) Stop and reverse

5 / 30

When approaching a stop sign, you must:

A) Stop only if it’s a 4-way stop

B) Slow down and proceed if no cars are coming

C) Come to a full stop at the limit line

D) Honk to alert others

6 / 30

If you approach a red light and want to turn right, you must:

A) Wait for a green arrow

B) Drive through the light

C) Come to a complete stop, then turn if it’s clear

D) Stop only if pedestrians are present

7 / 30

What should you do if fog becomes so thick you can’t see?

A) Turn on your high beams

B) Pull completely off the road

C) Keep driving slowly

D) Follow other cars closely

8 / 30

If you are drowsy while driving, you should:

A) Drive faster to stay alert

B) Open the window

C) Turn on music

D) Pull off the road and rest

9 / 30

On a multi-lane road, which lane is used for passing?

A) The left lane

B) Any lane

C) The center lane

D) The right lane

10 / 30

You may not park your car:

A) On a sidewalk

B) All of the above

C) More than 18 inches from the curb

D) Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant

11 / 30

A school bus is stopped with red lights flashing. You are on the opposite side of a two-lane road. What should you do?

A) Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing

B) Stop only if children are crossing

C) Continue driving

D) Proceed slowly

12 / 30

What is the meaning of a red X above a lane?

A) Merge left

B) You may use the lane

C) Lane is about to close

D) Lane is closed

13 / 30

What’s the most common cause of rear-end collisions?

A) Weather

B) Following too closely

C) Road construction

D) Speeding

14 / 30

When two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time, who goes first?

A) The car on the left

B) The car on the right

C) The car going straight

D) The faster vehicle

15 / 30

When driving in work zones, you should:

A) Speed up to avoid delays

B) Only slow down for police

C) Ignore cones if no workers are present

D) Follow posted speed limits and signs

16 / 30

If an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens on, you should:

A) Ignore it if you’re in a hurry

B) Pull over to the right and stop

C) Stop where you are

D) Speed up to get out of the way

17 / 30

What is a blind spot?

A) A blocked road

B) A heavily wooded area

C) A part of the road you cannot see in your mirrors

D) A broken taillight

18 / 30

A diamond-shaped sign means:

A) Warning

B) School crossing

C) Speed limit

D) Regulatory

19 / 30

A green arrow at a traffic light means:

A) Proceed in the direction of the arrow

B) You must stop and yield

C) Stop and wait for the next signal

D) Turn only after checking mirrors

20 / 30

What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for adult drivers

A) 0.10%

B) 0.05%

C) 0.15%

D) 0.08%

21 / 30

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

A) Speed up

B) Traffic light is broken

C) Proceed with caution

D) Stop immediately

22 / 30

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

A) Flash headlights

B) Honk and speed up

C) Brake hard and steer right

D) Swerve left

23 / 30

If your accelerator sticks, what should you do first?

A) Shift to park

B) Turn off the engine

C) Slam the brakes

D) Try to lift the pedal with your foot

24 / 30

What does a yellow pentagon-shaped sign mean?

A) Yield

B) School zone or school crossing

C) Construction zone

D) Railroad crossing

25 / 30

When can you use a center left-turn lane?

A) To pass traffic

B) To merge into traffic

C) Anytime

D) To make a left turn

26 / 30

If traffic signals are not working at an intersection, you should treat it as:

A) A yield sign

B) A green light

C) A pedestrian crossing

D) A 4-way stop

27 / 30

What does it mean when a road is marked with solid white lines?

A) Turn lane begins

B) You are approaching an intersection

C) Stay within your lane

D) Lane changing is allowed

28 / 30

The best way to avoid hydroplaning is to:

A) Reduce speed during heavy rain

B) Use cruise control

C) Keep tires overinflated

D) Drive faster on wet roads

29 / 30

What is the safest hand position on the steering wheel with airbags?

A) 10 and 2

B) 12 and 6

C) 9 and 3

D) 8 and 4

30 / 30

If you see orange construction signs and cones on the road, you should:

A) Slow down and follow directions

B) Stop immediately

C) Ignore them unless workers are present

D) Change lanes quickly

Your score is

The average score is 7%

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 Driver’s Permit Practice Test 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 Driver’s Permit Practice Test

📝 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 North Carolina Driver’s 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