North Carolina DMV Test Evaluation

4.7 out of 5 (4257 votes)
80% Passing score
10 Questions
2 Mistakes allowed
Getting ready for the North Carolina permit test sounds tidy enough, right up until you remember the DMV is involved, and the DMV does not care that you “basically know how driving works.” This NC permit practice test is a quick way to see whether your knowledge is solid or just confidently floating around in your head, looking useful but not always showing up when asked. This first practice test gives you 10 multiple-choice questions on the stuff North Carolina actually expects new drivers to know: traffic laws, safe driving habits, right-of-way rules, and road signs. Nothing wildly dramatic, no trick circus, but still enough to expose the little gaps. You need 8 correct answers to pass this practice round, which lines up with the 80% passing standard used on the official written knowledge test. The real NC DMV permit test, though, is bigger — 25 questions, with 20 correct answers required. So passing this one is a good sign. It is not, unfortunately, a signed permission slip from the universe. And then there is the road signs test, which deserves its own tiny groan. North Carolina does not just want you to recognize a stop sign because, well, everyone recognizes a stop sign. You may need to identify signs by color and shape, then explain what they mean, which is where people sometimes discover that “yellow diamond thingy” is not an official answer. Applicants can miss no more than 3 questions on the road signs portion, so brushing it off is a bold little gamble. Once you finish this DMV practice test, you’ll get immediate feedback showing what you missed and what the correct answers were. That part matters more than the score, honestly. A wrong answer here is cheap. A wrong answer at the DMV can cost you another trip, another chunk of time, and, if you fail the Class C written knowledge test, a mandatory 7-calendar-day wait before you can retake it. So use this North Carolina practice permit test as a reality check, not a victory lap. If you pass easily, great, keep going. If you barely squeak through, also great, sort of — at least the practice test was rude enough to warn you before the official one did.
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Sample North Carolina Permit Test Questions

Question 1

What is the best way to prepare for a sharp curve?

When you approach a sharp curve in the road, you should:
  1. A Wait until you are in the curve before braking hard
  2. B Reduce speed before entering the curve
  3. C Accelerate into the curve and brake while exiting
  4. D Accelerate throughout the curve to increase traction

Correct answer: B – Reduce speed before entering the curve

Reduce speed before reaching the curve so that braking is normally unnecessary while turning. The driver handbook recommends gradually increasing speed as you round the curve to maintain traction and control. If braking becomes necessary in the curve, apply the brakes gradually rather than making an abrupt application that could contribute to a loss of control.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Rounding a Curve”

Question 2

As you approach a North Carolina traffic circle, which traffic must you yield to?

  1. A Vehicles already within the circle
  2. B Vehicles waiting to enter on your right
  3. C Vehicles approaching behind you
  4. D Vehicles waiting to enter on your left

Correct answer: A – Vehicles already within the circle

A driver approaching a traffic circle must yield to vehicles already within it. Enter only after there is a safe opening in circulating traffic. Once inside, follow the marked lane and use the proper signal before exiting or making any permitted lane movement.

Source: G.S. 20-155(d) — Right-of-way, North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Traffic Circles and Roundabouts”

Question 3

A driver charged with an implied-consent offense willfully refuses the requested chemical analysis. What happens to the driver’s license?

A police officer stops you because he suspects you are DUI. You refuse to take a chemical test. What happens now?
  1. A The driving privilege is subject to revocation
  2. B Only an additional traffic fine is imposed
  3. C The driver permanently loses the right to post bail
  4. D The vehicle is automatically forfeited

Correct answer: A – The driving privilege is subject to revocation

Under North Carolina’s implied-consent law, refusal results in license revocation for one year and can produce a longer revocation in specified circumstances. The driver is also subject to an immediate civil revocation lasting at least 30 days. These license consequences apply to a willful refusal after the statutory testing procedures and required notice of rights have been followed.

Source: G.S. 20-16.2(a), (c), (d) — Implied consent to chemical analysis; mandatory revocation of license in event of refusal; right of driver to request analysis, G.S. 20-16.5(b), (e) — Immediate civil license revocation for certain persons charged with implied-consent offenses

Question 4

On a North Carolina public road, you strike an unattended parked vehicle. If you cannot find the owner and do not give your information to a peace officer, what must you do immediately?

If you hit a parked car and cannot find the owner, you:
  1. A Leave without providing any information
  2. B Wait at the scene until the owner returns
  3. C Place the required written information conspicuously on or in the vehicle
  4. D Move the damaged vehicle without the owner’s permission

Correct answer: C – Place the required written information conspicuously on or in the vehicle

When the owner cannot be readily found, the responsible driver may give the required information to the nearest available peace officer. The alternative is to place a written notice conspicuously on or in the damaged vehicle. A driver using the notice option must also comply within 48 hours with the owner-reporting requirements, including providing identifying, vehicle, and collision information.

Source: G.S. 20-166(c1) — Duty to stop in event of a crash; furnishing information or assistance to injured person, etc.; persons assisting exempt from civil liability, G.S. 20-166.1(c) — Reports and investigations required in event of accident

Question 5

While stopped and waiting to begin a left turn, how should you position your vehicle?

You are waiting in the intersection to complete a left turn. You should:
  1. A Signal and turn the front wheels sharply left
  2. B Signal and keep the front wheels aimed straight ahead
  3. C Keep the wheels straight but do not signal
  4. D Turn the front wheels to the right

Correct answer: B – Signal and keep the front wheels aimed straight ahead

Give the required left-turn signal and keep the front wheels aimed straight ahead while stopped. Before beginning the turn, check traffic in every direction and verify that the movement can be made safely. North Carolina law also requires a driver to signal when turning from a direct line if another vehicle’s operation may be affected.

Source: G.S. 20-154(a) — Signals on starting, stopping or turning, North Carolina Commercial Driver License Manual — § 13.1.1, “Turns”

Question 6

Why should you maintain a margin of safety around your vehicle whenever practical?

Should you try to keep a "space cushion" around your vehicle whenever possible?
  1. A It provides time and room to respond to hazards or other drivers’ errors
  2. B It allows you to prevent other vehicles from entering your lane
  3. C It eliminates the need to check mirrors or blind spots
  4. D It is useful only when driving on city streets

Correct answer: A – It provides time and room to respond to hazards or other drivers’ errors

A margin of safety includes adequate room ahead, behind, and beside your vehicle. Space ahead provides time to react if traffic stops suddenly, while side clearance can preserve an escape route or room to avoid a hazard. The driver handbook advises staying near the middle of the lane, maintaining safe following distance, and leaving yourself an available way out.

Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Ch. 4, “Keeping a Margin of Safety”; Ch. 4, “Following”

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