North Carolina DMV Permit Test
View instructions
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.
Updated for 2026 DMV rules.
1.
What is the difference between traffic lights with red arrows and those with solid red lights?
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You can never turn on a red arrow, even if you stop first.
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You may turn against a red arrow when safe.
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Red arrows are only used to prevent traffic from turning left.
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The color of the lights.
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2.
When you are driving in fog, you can see better by:
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Using low beam headlights.
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Driving with flashing hazard lights.
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Using high beam headlights.
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Flashing your brake lights.
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3.
In a vehicle with an active passenger air bag, a rear-facing child safety seat must be placed:
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It doesn't matter.
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In either the front or back seat.
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In the back seat.
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In the front seat.
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4.
When you need to enter a freeway exit ramp:
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Slow down before entering the exit ramp.
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Pass slower vehicles on the right.
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Don't slow down on the freeway itself, and maintain your speed once in the exit ramp.
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Don't slow down on the freeway itself. Wait until you are in the deceleration lane.
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5.
On a two-lane highway, drivers are allowed to drive on the left half of the roadway when:
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It is safe to pass and passing is allowed.
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The lane is reserved for car pool vehicles.
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They are about to exit.
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They are driving slower than the other vehicles.
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6.
What is the most difficult season in which to drive?
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Spring.
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Summer.
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Fall.
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Winter.
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7.
This sign means:
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The road will curve to the right.
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Winding road ahead.
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Do not turn right.
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Left turns are not allowed at the intersection.
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8.
When changing lanes, you should not:
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Check that the lane you're attempting to enter is clear of traffic.
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Signal.
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Attempt to enter until there is a safe gap in traffic.
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Check your blind spots.
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9.
Your ability to drive safely can be impaired by:
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Alcohol.
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Lack of sleep.
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Drugs, even if they are over-the-counter.
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All of the above.
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TEST #1
Question 3 of 36
Negotiating Intersections
3. If an intersection has crosswalk lines but no STOP line, where must you stop for a red light?
After the crosswalk.
On the crosswalk.
Before the stop line.×
Before the crosswalk.✓
Explanation
If there is no stop line at a red light, you must stop before the crosswalk — it’s always illegal to stop on it.