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To earn your motorcycle license in North Carolina, you must pass a knowledge test and an on-cycle skills test. The knowledge test questions cover content in the North Carolina Motorcycle Handbook. They require that you know and understand road rules, driving laws and safe riding practices. The North Carolina motorcycle test consists of 25 questions. A score of at least 20 (80%) is required to pass.
1.
In a lane of traffic, how many lane positions are available to a motorcycle?
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Four
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Two
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One
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Three
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2.
When riding with a passenger:
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your stopping distance will decrease.
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you are not permitted to pass other vehicles.
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your motorcycle will take longer to stop.
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you are not allowed carry cargo.
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3.
You can be sure another driver will yield to you when:
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they make eye contact with you.
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they are beginning to slow down.
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You can never be sure a driver will yield to you.
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you are legally entitled to the right-of-way.
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4.
You should adjust your side mirrors:
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at a designated service center.
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while riding your motorcycle.
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before mounting your motorcycle.
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before starting your motorcycle.
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5.
To increase your visibility to other drivers, you should:
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Reduce your following distance.
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Wear reflective clothing.
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Avoid wearing reflective clothing.
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Use your high beam.
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6.
If you are chased by a dog:
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stop until the animal loses interest.
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swerve around the animal.
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approach the animal slowly, then speed
up.
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kick it away.
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7.
To avoid hazardous situations and reduce their risk, experienced riders:
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pull in the clutch when turning.
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swerve often.
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scan the road ahead.
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avoid carrying passengers.
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8.
Other drivers are most likely to try and share the lane with a motorcycle when:
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the motorcycle rider is preparing to turn at an intersection.
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traffic is heavy.
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they want to pass the motorcycle.
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All of the above.
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9.
Your motorcycle fits you if:
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you can reach the foot pegs.
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you can reach the handlegrips.
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both of your feet can reach the ground while you are seated.
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All of the above.
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10.
The rear brake is operated by:
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a button on the right-hand lever.
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the left-hand lever.
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the right-hand lever.
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the right foot pedal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Teens between 15 and 18 years old must adhere to the age requirements of the Graduated Driver License law to obtain a class C driver license:
- Limited learner’s permit ? You must be at least 15 and less than 18 and have completed a driver education course.
- Limited provisional license ? You must be at least 16 and less than 18 and have held the limited learner’s permit for 12 months without any traffic violations in the previous 6 months.
- Full provisional license ? You must be at least 16 and less than 18 and have held the limited provisional license for at least 6 months without any traffic violations.
If you are 18 years old, you may apply for a learner permit and obtain a full driver's license after completing the knowledge, vision, and driving tests.
Make an appointment online for the DMV written test by selecting the nearest driver license office. You can choose dates and times based on your preferences and the available options at different North Carolina DMV locations.
First time applicant must bring the following documents:
- One proof of identity and age.
- One proof of a Social Security number.
- One proof of North Carolina residency (two for an NC REAL ID).
- One proof of legal presence (for applicants not born in the U.S.).
If you're under 18, you also need to show:
- Driving Eligibility Certificate and a Driver's Education Certificate.
- Proof of high school graduation or a GED.
You can check all the required documents here.
North Carolina provides DMV written tests in various languages. Additionally, oral tests can be requested if needed. Although language options are provided, it is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since road signs are always in English.
The best way to prepare for the DMV written test is by reading the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook, which contains information about road signs, safe driving practices, and road rules. After studying the manual, verify your preparation with our free practice tests!
For individuals under 18, it’s not permitted to use a cell phone while driving unless in emergency situations.
Other restrictions apply. If you have a limited learner’s permit:
- You can drive only with a supervising driver (parent/legal guardian) who has held a license for at least five years.
- For the first six months, you may drive only between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.; afterward, you may drive anytime under supervision.
- Both your passengers and you must wear seat belts or child safety restraints.
If you have a limited provisional license:
- You can drive alone from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- You may drive anytime under the supervision of a parent/guardian/driver approved by your parent/guardian who has held a license for at least five years. It's possible for you to drive alone anytime for work, volunteer fire, or emergency medical service activities.
- Both your passengers and you must wear seat belts or child safety restraints.
- You can transport no more than one passenger under 21, except for siblings.
A limited learner's permit is valid until your 18th birthday. If you need to renew it, visit a North Carolina DMV office.
If you don't pass your DMV written test, you can retake it after seven calendar days. Use this week to prepare for your next attempt by reviewing the sections of the manual that you didn't study accurately. If you find the exam difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.