Free North Carolina Permit Practice Test (2026)
Real questions from the official North Carolina driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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What this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 5
- Licensing & Permits — 5
- Points & Penalties — 3
- Safe Driving — 3
- Sharing the Road — 1
- Signaling & Communication — 1
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 1
- Vehicle Equipment — 1
Heaviest on Alcohol, Drugs & the Law (5 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are North Carolina-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. Keeping a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead helps you:
- React safely to sudden stops
- Look important
- Drive faster
- Save fuel only
Show answer
Answer: React safely to sudden stops
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
2. Even at the posted North Carolina limit, in rain, snow, or fog you should:
- Slow down for conditions
- Speed up
- Keep the limit
- Stop in the road
Show answer
Answer: Slow down for conditions
Reduce speed for weather and road conditions.
3. If you become drowsy while driving in North Carolina, you should:
- Keep going
- Open a window only
- Pull over safely and rest
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Pull over safely and rest
Only rest cures drowsiness — pull over.
4. A North Carolina commercial driver is impaired at a blood alcohol concentration of:
Show answer
Answer: .04 or more
Commercial drivers are DWI at 0.04% or more.
5. The only thing that lowers your blood alcohol concentration is:
Show answer
Answer: Time
Only time removes alcohol from your body.
6. An arm extended straight out the driver's window means:
- Right turn
- Stop
- Left turn
- Slow
Show answer
Answer: Left turn
Arm straight out = left turn.
7. A North Carolina Level One permit applicant must have completed:
- Nothing
- College
- An approved driver education course
- A job program
Show answer
Answer: An approved driver education course
You must complete an approved driver education course.
8. During the first six months of a NC Level One permit, you may drive only between:
- 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Anytime
- 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. (with a supervising driver)
- Midnight and 6 a.m.
Show answer
Answer: 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. (with a supervising driver)
First six months: drive only 5 a.m.–9 p.m., accompanied by your supervising driver.
9. A North Carolina Level Two driver may drive unsupervised only between:
- Midnight and 6 a.m.
- 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Anytime
Show answer
Answer: 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Level Two drivers may drive unsupervised 5 a.m.–9 p.m.; otherwise supervised.
10. If you are involved in a crash in North Carolina, you must:
- Drive on if minor
- Stop and give information
- Leave
- Call later only
Show answer
Answer: Stop and give information
Stop and exchange information at any crash.
11. If you plan to drink in North Carolina, the safest choice is to:
- Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
- Wait 15 minutes
- Drive slowly
- Eat first
Show answer
Answer: Arrange a sober ride or designated driver
Line up a sober ride before you drink.
12. North Carolina drivers under 21 may not drive after consuming:
- Only beer
- A full case
- Only spirits
- Any alcohol
Show answer
Answer: Any alcohol
Under-21 drivers may not drive after consuming any alcohol.
13. In North Carolina, the minimum age for a Level One Limited Learner Permit is:
Show answer
Answer: 15
You must be at least 15 (and under 18) for a Level One Limited Learner Permit.
14. In North Carolina, failing to stop and give aid after a crash can suspend your license for:
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 1 week
- 1 year
Show answer
Answer: 1 year
Failure to stop and give aid can suspend your license for one year.
15. To be licensed in North Carolina you must pass a road sign and:
- Fitness test
- Hearing test
- Vision test
- Swim test
Show answer
Answer: Vision test
You must pass road sign and vision tests.
16. In North Carolina, all occupants of a vehicle with seat belts must:
- Buckle only in front
- Wear a seat belt at all times when moving
- Do nothing
- Buckle only at night
Show answer
Answer: Wear a seat belt at all times when moving
All occupants must have a seat belt fastened whenever the vehicle is in forward motion.
17. In North Carolina, you can be convicted of DWI even under .08 if you are:
- Speeding
- Tired
- Hungry
- Appreciably impaired by alcohol or drugs
Show answer
Answer: Appreciably impaired by alcohol or drugs
You can be convicted if appreciably impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both.
18. In North Carolina, your license can be taken for 30 days for driving more than 15 mph over the limit while going faster than:
Show answer
Answer: 55 mph
A 30-day revocation applies for going 15+ mph over while driving over 55 mph.
19. A safe following distance in North Carolina gives you:
- Time to react and avoid a crash
- A better view only
- Nothing
- More speed
Show answer
Answer: Time to react and avoid a crash
Space ahead gives you time to react and avoid rear-ending others.
20. When passing a bicyclist in North Carolina, you should:
- Honk and squeeze by
- Speed up
- Pass close
- Give room and pass only when safe
Show answer
Answer: Give room and pass only when safe
Give bicyclists room and pass only when it is safe.
More free North Carolina practice