NORTH CAROLINA DMV PRACTICE TEST

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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 37 questions. To pass the North Carolina DMV test, you are allowed to miss 3 of the 12 questions about road signs, and 5 of the 25 questions about road rules.
1. This road sign means:
traffic signal ahead sign
Lane closed for traffic
There is a traffic signal ahead
4-way stop ahead
Stop before turning right
2. This road sign means:
no right turn sign
No right turn
No U-turns
All traffic turn right
Low clearance
3. This road sign means:
hill sign
No trucks allowed
Truck stop ahead
Trucks under 12,000 lbs. allowed
Hill or downgrade up ahead
4. This road sign means:
reduction of lanes sign
One-way street ahead
The right lane ends soon
The left lane ends soon
Highway entrance ramp ahead
5. This road sign means:
do not enter
Pass with caution
Railroad crossing
Do not enter
Yield the right-of-way
6. A 4-way stop sign means:
4 way stop sign
There are four stop signs at the intersection.
The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first.
Traffic from all four directions must stop.
All of the above.
7. This sign warns drivers of:
narrow bridge sign
a reduction of lanes.
a narrow road ahead.
a dip in the road. Drivers should be ready to stop if the dip is filled with water.
a bridge ahead, wide enough to accommodate two lanes of traffic, but with very little clearance.
8. This sign means:
reduction of lanes sign
road construction.
lane ends, merge left.
divided highway ahead.
narrow bridge ahead.
9. When they see this sign, drivers:
slippery road sign
need to brake suddenly.
should be prepared to make sharp turns at a high speed.
should not speed up or brake quickly.
need to be prepared to turn right and then left quickly.
10. This road sign means:
slippery road sign
Winding road ahead
Slippery when wet
No U-Turn
Sharp curve ahead
 
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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.

NC DMV Permit Practice Test

Number of questions: 37
Correct answers to pass:29
Passing score:78%
Signs questions:12
Signs - Correct answers to pass:9
Minimum age to apply: 15
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