North Carolina Permit Practice Test 2

4.8 out of 5 (1748 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
Getting ready for the North Carolina DMV permit test is one of those things that sounds simple until you start realizing there are rules, documents, fees, retake windows, and a small mountain of “wait, do I need that too?” details. This NC permit practice test is here to make that whole process feel a little less like you wandered into an office with a folder full of almost-right paperwork and a nervous smile. The real DMV written test has to be taken in person at an NCDMV office. No online version, no couch-based shortcut, unfortunately. You can take it at any North Carolina DMV office, though, which is at least one small mercy. This North Carolina practice permit test helps you study before that official visit, with questions covering everyday driving laws, road safety, and the kind of permit-test material that tends to look obvious right up until the answer choices start staring back at you. Each question includes an explanation, because simply being told “wrong” is not especially educational, or emotionally generous. The goal is to help you understand why an answer works, not just memorize enough random bits to survive the DMV permit test practice round and then immediately forget all of it in the parking lot. There are a few practical details worth keeping in your brain, too. The North Carolina permit fee is $25.50, and if you fail, you must wait 7 calendar days before trying again. Applicants need proof of identity and date of birth, proof of Social Security number, one proof of North Carolina residency, and the fee. If you are under 18, the DMV gets a bit more interested in your life: you will need a Driving Eligibility Certificate from your school, a Driver’s Education Certificate, and a parent or guardian present. The minimum age for a North Carolina learner’s permit is 15. Driver education is required for Level 1 applicants, but adults do not need it. The test is offered in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages, with oral tests and free interpreter assistance available by request. Use this NC DMV practice test as your quiet little advantage before test day. Not magic. Not a certified driver’s ed course. Just a very useful way to find the weak spots before the DMV finds them for you.
FREE DMV Practice Test App
Study for your North Carolina permit test or driver’s license with the NextDoorDriving app. 700+ DMV questions and answers, 100% free!
Download on the App Store

Sample North Carolina Permit Test Questions

Question 1

At a curbside space officially marked for 30-minute parking, you may park:

  1. A Only while responding to an emergency
  2. B Only while a passenger enters or exits
  3. C For no longer than the posted time limit
  4. D Only outside business hours

Correct answer: C – For no longer than the posted time limit

North Carolina law allows cities to regulate curbside parking and establish maximum parking periods. A driver using a limited-time space must comply with the restriction shown by the official parking control. A 30-minute designation permits parking for no more than 30 minutes.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 160A-301 – Parking

Question 2

Unless you have a valid limited driving privilege or conditional restoration, what may you do while your license is revoked?

  1. A Drive during an emergency
  2. B Drive directly to work or school
  3. C Not operate a motor vehicle on a highway
  4. D Drive with a licensed adult beside you

Correct answer: C – Not operate a motor vehicle on a highway

A person whose license is revoked generally may not drive on North Carolina highways unless legally authorized by a limited privilege or conditional restoration. Ordinary driving while revoked is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Driving during an impaired-driving revocation is a Class 1 misdemeanor and can add one year for a first offense, two years for a second, or a permanent revocation for a third or later offense.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-28(a), (a1) – Unlawful to drive while license revoked, after notification, or while disqualified

Question 3

What steps should you take before moving into another lane?

  1. A Check the mirrors and immediately move over
  2. B Signal, check the mirrors and look over your shoulder for traffic in the blind spot
  3. C Signal only after beginning the lane change
  4. D Accelerate, sound the horn and move over

Correct answer: B – Signal, check the mirrors and look over your shoulder for traffic in the blind spot

Before changing lanes, check the side and rearview mirrors and look over your shoulder to verify that the blind spot is clear. Signal the intended movement in advance and move only after confirming that it can be made safely. North Carolina law requires a vehicle to remain within its lane until the driver has ascertained that changing lanes is safe.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-146(d)(1) – Drive on right side of highway; exceptions, North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Changing Lanes”

Question 4

When traffic ahead requires you to slow or stop, what helps warn a close-following driver?

  1. A Turning around to watch the driver
  2. B Moving toward the center of the roadway
  3. C Signaling the slowdown well in advance by braking smoothly
  4. D Keeping your left foot on the brake while driving

Correct answer: C – Signaling the slowdown well in advance by braking smoothly

The driver handbook advises signaling well in advance when slowing or stopping to warn drivers who may be following too closely. Smooth, early braking activates the stop lamps and gives following traffic more time to respond. Drivers should also check their mirrors regularly for vehicles that are following too closely.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Keeping a Margin of Safety”, North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Vehicle Equipment—Lights”

Question 5

Even when you legally have the right-of-way, what should you do?

  1. A Proceed without checking because other traffic must stop
  2. B Assume any signaling driver will turn as indicated
  3. C Remain alert and take reasonable care to avoid a collision
  4. D Yield only to vehicles larger than yours

Correct answer: C – Remain alert and take reasonable care to avoid a collision

Right-of-way rules establish who should proceed, but they do not guarantee that everyone will follow the rules. The driver handbook directs motorists to use care to avoid striking other vehicles and pedestrians even when they have the right-of-way. Defensive driving includes recognizing and responding to mistakes made by others.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Right-of-Way at Intersections”, North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Defensive Driving”

Question 6

In addition to checking your mirrors, what should you do before pulling away from a parallel parking space?

  1. A Sound the horn continuously
  2. B Turn on the emergency flashers
  3. C Turn your head and check the blind spot for approaching traffic
  4. D Watch only the inside rearview mirror

Correct answer: C – Turn your head and check the blind spot for approaching traffic

Mirrors leave blind spots near the rear corners of a vehicle, so turn your head and look before moving into traffic. The driver handbook also directs drivers leaving a parallel parking space to check for approaching traffic and signal. Begin moving only after verifying that the path is clear.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Parking”, North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Defensive Driving—Scanning”

More North Carolina DMV Practice Tests