Grimsley High

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Anyone operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle on public roadways in North Carolina must have a driver license or learner's permit. Driver test requirements include a vision test, a traffic signs test, a knowledge test and a driving test. To pass the signs test, you must identify the traffic signs by color and shape and explain what each means. The North Carolina DMV written test is about road rules and safe driving practices. Everything you need to know is covered in the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. The NC DMV test consists of 33 questions. To pass the North Carolina DMV test, you are allowed to miss 2 of the 8 questions about road signs, and 5 of the 25 questions about road rules.
1. When a stop is required at an intersection with no stop line or crosswalk:
Drivers are not required to stop.
Drivers should stop only at a place where the driver can see at least 100 feet on either side.
Drivers should stop at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before actually entering the roadway.
Drivers are required to slow down to make sure crossing traffic is clear.
2. A _________ is the termination of a licensee’s privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
suspension
restriction
revocation
termination
3. This road sign means:
flagger sign
End of construction zone.
Flagger ahead.
Start of construction zone.
Pedestrians ahead.
4. If you're involved in a crash:
You must call your insurance company only if the crash involves property damage.
You must report the crash to the police only if there are injuries.
You must stop only if someone has been injured.
You must stop and move your vehicle off the road, if possible.
5. As they approach the top of a hill, drivers should:
Make a U-turn if possible.
Speed up slightly.
Prepare to stop if needed.
Keep a steady speed.
6. If you miss your exit on a freeway, you should:
Signal other drivers to stop so you can turn.
Go to the next exit, get back on the freeway in the opposite direction and return to the exit you want.
Make a quick U-turn from your lane of travel.
Turn around or back up.
7. If your vehicle begins to skid, you should:
Immediately shift to a lower gear.
Take your foot off the gas pedal.
Turn your steering wheel in the opposite direction of the skid.
All of the above.
8. Slowing down just to look at collisions or anything else out of ordinary:
Improves traffic flow.
Is a responsible and safe driving behavior.
Causes traffic congestion.
Helps prevent rear-end collisions.
9. If your accelerator sticks to the floor, you should:
Pull off the road immediatly.
Shift to neutral and use the brakes.
Flash your high beams to warn other drivers.
Shift to a lower gear.
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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!

The DMV written test in North Carolina includes 33 questions. The questions cover various topics to ensure that applicants have a solid understanding of the rules of the road. Carefully study the manual to enhance your chances of passing the exam.

To pass the NC DMV written test, you may miss up to 5 questions on traffic laws and safe driving practices (an 80% passing score) and up to 2 questions on the traffic signs test. Sign up for DMV Premium to verify your preparation and check if you are ready for the real test.
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.