North Carolina DMV Permit Practice Test 7

4.9 out of 5 (483 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
Getting ready for the North Carolina permit test is not exactly anyone’s idea of a thrilling afternoon, but here we are. And honestly, it is worth taking seriously, because driving in NC is not just “know what a stop sign looks like and try not to panic.” You might be dealing with Charlotte traffic one day, winding Blue Ridge Parkway roads another day, and some flat coastal stretch where everyone seems either very relaxed or very late. North Carolina gives you variety. Sometimes too much variety. This seventh NC permit practice test is built to help you get a better grip on the stuff that actually shows up on the North Carolina DMV written test: traffic laws, safe driving rules, right-of-way situations, traffic circles, road signs, and yes, the legal requirement to carry proof of insurance. Not glamorous, no. Important, annoyingly yes. The official written knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need 20 correct answers to pass. That is the famous 80% passing score, which sounds friendly until you remember that five wrong answers can sneak up on you if you are guessing your way through the weird little details. The real permit exam also includes a road signs test, where you identify signs by color and shape and explain what they mean. You can miss no more than 3 on that part, so signs deserve more than a sleepy once-over. Adult applicants also have to pass a vision test, which feels obvious, but the DMV is not in the business of assuming things. This NC DMV practice test gives you 20 questions with immediate feedback and explanations, so you are not just staring at a score wondering what went wrong. You can retake it as many times as you need, which is helpful when one topic keeps being rude — maybe right-of-way, maybe insurance rules, maybe traffic circles, because traffic circles do enjoy making people feel briefly foolish. The actual permit test must be taken in person at an NCDMV office. Online testing is not available, but any North Carolina DMV office is fine. The permit fee is $25.50, and if you fail, you have to wait 7 calendar days before trying again. So, yes, practicing first is the boring little insider move that can save you a week of muttering at yourself.
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Sample North Carolina Permit Test Questions

Question 1

Flashing red lights are operating at a railroad grade crossing. What must you do?

  1. A Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail and proceed only when safe
  2. B Stop only after seeing the train
  3. C Reduce speed but cross without stopping
  4. D Cross if the train is not yet visible

Correct answer: A – Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail and proceed only when safe

In North Carolina, an electrical or mechanical signal warning of an approaching train or on-track equipment requires a stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. Do not proceed until the crossing can be made safely. Never drive through, around, or under a gate while it is closed or moving.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-142.1(a)(1), (b) – Obedience to railroad signal

Question 2

The posted speed limit is 45 mph, but most traffic is traveling at 50 mph. What is the highest lawful speed under normal conditions?

  1. A 50 mph because that is the traffic flow
  2. B Any speed from 45 to 50 mph
  3. C 45 mph

Correct answer: C – 45 mph

A posted 45 mph limit remains the maximum even when surrounding vehicles are moving faster. North Carolina's speed law also prohibits driving faster than is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions. Weather, visibility, traffic, or roadway hazards may require driving below 45 mph, but traffic flow does not authorize exceeding the limit.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-141(a), (d)–(f) – Speed restrictions

Question 3

Your traffic signal turns green. What must you do before entering the intersection?

  1. A Wait five seconds before moving
  2. B Enter immediately to avoid delaying traffic
  3. C Proceed with care while respecting vehicles and pedestrians still using the intersection
  4. D Enter immediately because green gives an absolute right-of-way

Correct answer: C – Proceed with care while respecting vehicles and pedestrians still using the intersection

A steady green signal permits a driver to proceed with due care, subject to the rights of pedestrians and other vehicles. Check that the path is clear and allow anyone lawfully using the intersection or crosswalk to complete the movement. Green is permission to proceed cautiously, not an absolute right-of-way.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-158(b)(2a) – Vehicle control signs and signals, North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 5, “Traffic Signals”

Question 4

Which driving behavior is a leading cause of rear-end crashes?

  1. A Checking the rearview mirror regularly
  2. B Following the vehicle ahead too closely
  3. C Maintaining a steady speed
  4. D Remaining in one lane

Correct answer: B – Following the vehicle ahead too closely

Following too closely reduces the time available to react when the vehicle ahead slows or stops. State law requires a reasonable and prudent following distance based on speed, traffic, and highway conditions. The driver handbook recommends using the two-second rule under ordinary conditions and increasing the gap when conditions require more stopping distance.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-152(a) – Following too closely, North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Following” and “The Two-Second Rule”

Question 5

When may a motor vehicle cross a sidewalk?

You may drive across a sidewalk to:
  1. A To avoid a speed bump
  2. B When using a permanent or temporary driveway
  3. C To make a U-turn
  4. D To bypass stopped traffic

Correct answer: B – When using a permanent or temporary driveway

North Carolina prohibits driving on a sidewalk or sidewalk area except upon a permanent or temporary driveway. When entering or leaving a driveway, alley, building entrance, or private road, the driver must yield to pedestrians and people riding bicycles who are approaching on the sidewalk or walkway.

Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-160(b) – Driving through safety zone or on sidewalks prohibited, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-173(c) – Pedestrians' right-of-way at crosswalks

Question 6

Which location does the driver handbook identify as a place where you should not park?

  1. A Where a NO PARKING sign is posted
  2. B In a lawful commercial space during its permitted hours
  3. C In a disability space when the vehicle displays a valid qualifying placard

Correct answer: A – Where a NO PARKING sign is posted

The North Carolina Driver Handbook lists locations with NO PARKING signs among the places where drivers should not park. Parking restrictions may be established and enforced through state, Department of Transportation, or municipal rules. A driver should follow the posted sign rather than relying on a curb color that may be used differently under local practices.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Parking”, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-162.1(a) – Prima facie rule of evidence for enforcement of parking regulations

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